Officer Robert led Drew down a hallway to a door with a small placard that read “Office.” The office was tiny, with a small desk, computer, filing cabinet, and bulletin board with various forms and papers. The other officer was leaning over Mr. Webb’s desk, watching something intently on his computer.
They looked up as Drew entered the room. Mr. Webb looked like he was extremely uncomfortable. Drew had been a customer at the Donut Shack since he was a young child.
“Hi, Drew,” said Mr. Webb, peering over his reading glasses, his bald head shimmering in the florescent overhead light. “The police officers found Eevie and Tommy’s bikes behind the dumpster, and we have video surveillance of you with them on the day they disappeared. Drew, please...please tell the officers the truth.”
Officer Carl moved Mr. Webb’s monitor slightly, allowing Drew to see the black and grainy video of the dining area of the Donut Shack. Drew hung his head low. “It wasn’t supposed to happen like this.”
“Happen like what?” asked Officer Robert, sternly but kindly.
“Remember when Tommy was attacked a few weeks ago and he escaped through his bedroom window?” Drew said.
The officers nodded. Drew had their rapt attention.
“Well,” Drew said, “he recognized the intruder. He said that it was Park Ranger Miller.”
“Ranger Miller?” replied Officer Carl. “How did he know Ranger Miller?”
“Why didn’t he tell anyone?” asked Officer Robert. “That’s a very serious accusation.”
“Tommy and Eevie thought that he was behind the mysterious disappearances at Black Hallow Park,” Drew said. “Tommy said he threatened them to stay away. They thought if they could sneak into his house...,” Drew’s voice softened, “...they would get the evidence they needed. The last time I saw them...,” his voice cracked, “...they were sneaking into Black Hallow Park.”
Drew felt hot tears filling his eyes. “They made me promise I would never tell.”
“Drew,” said Mr. Webb, gently grabbing his shoulder, “Eevie and Tommy’s parents are worried sick about them. They haven’t slept for two days.”
“I’m so sorry,” cried Drew. “That’s everything I know.”
“Carl,” said Officer Robert, addressing his partner, “put in a call to Taylor at dispatch. Tell her to let Drew’s parents know that we’re taking him to Ranger Miller’s station.”
******
The trio’s shadows clumped together on the ranger’s door. The two officers stood side by side in front of Drew. Officer Carl stepped forward and rapped his knuckles sharply on the door. Drew’s heart pounded in his chest. He was about to come face to face with the man who had tried to kill Tommy.
“Good evening, officers,” said a friendly voice.
“Good evening, Ranger Miller. Do you mind if we ask you a couple questions?” inquired Officer Robert.
“Certainly,” he replied while opening the door. “How can I help?”
Drew stared between the two officers, shocked. It was a different park ranger. “Officer Robert,” blurted Drew, “that’s not the right park ranger.”
Drew stepped forward and pointed. “That’s him!”
The officers looked up. Just behind Ranger Miller’s head hung a picture of another ranger. The ranger turned and looked back at Drew incredulously.
“Son, I’m afraid you’ve made a mistake. I’ve been the ranger for nearly six years. That’s Ranger Anderson,” he said, looking at the picture. “He retired, and I took over as park ranger here at Black Hallow Park. He died last year. He was a good man.”
“That’s impossible,” said Drew, shaking his head in disbelief. “He was here just two days ago. I saw him. I talked to him!”
Ranger Miller looked at the officers, holding his hands open in an I don’t know gesture. “Son, Ranger Anderson passed away. I spoke at his funeral. He’s buried less than a mile from here at Black Hallow Cemetery.”
“We’re sorry to bother you, sir,” said Officer Robert, shaking Ranger Miller’s hand.
Robert turned angrily and stared into Drew’s eyes. “I’m getting tired of your lies. Carl, if you don’t mind, escort Drew to the car. I’m going to call his parents and have them meet us at the station.”
“But I am telling the truth!” Drew cried. “He’s lying!”
Officer Carl grabbed Drew by the arm. “Come on, kid.”
Drew pulled his arm free. The ranger stood in the doorway, a thin smile forming on his lips. He crossed his arms. “Good luck with him, officers,” he laughed, shaking his head.
The ranger narrowed his eyes and crossed his arms. As Officer Carl pulled him away, Drew’s jaw dropped open—and his eyes locked on the silver serpent ring glistening on the ranger’s finger.
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Copyright
Copyright © 2017 by Twisted Key Publishing, LLC
All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means - electronic, mechanical, photo copy, recording, scanning, digitally, or other - except for brief quotations and critical reviews or articles, without the prior written permission of the publisher.
First Printing: 2017
ISBN 978-1-947744-04-2
Twisted Key Publishing, LLC
405 Waltham Street Suite 116
Lexington, MA 02421
www.twistedkeypublishing.com
Ordering Information:
Special discounts are available on quantity purchases by corporations, associations, educators, and others. For details, contact the publisher at the above listed address.
U.S. trade bookstores and wholesalers: Please contact Twisted Key Publishing, LLC by email [email protected].
Dedication
To my mom and dad. I cannot thank you enough for your constant encouragement and love. From the child with the overactive imagination and insatiable questioning mind, I thank you both with all of my heart for believing in me.
Thomas Lockhaven
To my best friend and confidant Gemma, without you my world would be flat like a pancake...without the syrup.
Grace Lockhaven
Acknowledgements
We would like to thank David Aretha, our editor, for his patience and excellent guidance. His guidance was invaluable.
Special thanks to Jelev for his artistic imagination.
Grace and Thomas Lockhaven
Quest Chasers: The Screaming Mummy (A Magic Fantasy Adventure Book Series) Page 13