Last week I started a new story and introduced you to a young girl in a panic because she cannot find her little sister. We don’t know much about these two girls yet except they appear to be on their own without parents. The setting is a small amusement park. Let’s check in and they have found Emily.
***
A rough callused hand grabbed my arm. “Hey! Slow down there, girlie. Where’s the fire?” Mr. Simpson had been the grounds caretaker since the amusement park opened, and that must have been at least fifty years ago. He’d always spoken kindly to me. But, right now, I didn’t trust anyone. Rheumy eyes stared down at me.
My breath came in ragged gasps. “It’s my little sister, Mr. Simpson. I can’t find her.”
“There, there.” He patted the top of my head. “She has to be here somewhere. Maybe she fell asleep.”
“I’m afraid something happened to her. Maybe she fell out of a ride and hit her head or what if someone took her?” I choked back tears.
“No need to think the worst, Jenny girl. Let’s go talk to Mr. Parker.”
I nodded.
“Come on now,” he prodded me. “Runnin’ around here helter skelter ain’t gonna do you or her any good.”
The old man moved like cold molasses and I resisted the urge to scream. Time was wasting. My gut told me Emmy was in trouble. I always trusted my gut.
But, I matched my steps with his shuffling feet while my eyes darted right and left looking for any tell-tale sign of Emmy.
We finally reached the office and I rushed inside. Cool air relieved my flushed face.
Mr. Parker sat behind his computer pinching the bridge of his nose. He looked up with kindly blue eyes. “What is it, Jennifer? Is something wrong.”
“Oh, Mr. Parker,” I blurted. “I brought Emily to work with me today and kept an eye on her until right before closing when it got busy. Now I can find her anywhere.” I brushed tears away with the back of my hand.
He pushed his chair back and stood. “Otis, who’s still here?”
“I saw Darren, Tom, Mickey, and Bart a few minutes ago,” Mr. Simpson replied.
“Go gather them up. No one leaves until we find the girl.”
Mr. Simpson nodded and shuffled away.
“Don’t worry, honey. ” Mr. Parker put a hand on my shoulder and steered me toward the door. “Now, where was the last place anyone saw her?”
I quickly told him everything I knew.
“No one goes home today until we find her,” he declared. “We’ll search every inch of this place.”
Nothing would stop my heart from pounding until we found Emmy safe and sound. I’d never considered any of the guys that worked there dangerous or possibly pedophiles.
Had I been wrong? What had I done to jeopardize the only blood kin I had left in the world? Oh, God! What had I let happen to Emmy?
Good morning Jan- We’ll what a tangled web you’ve weaved. Now my mystery mind has kicked in??? How well does Jennifer know her co-workers?? Hum??? This is going to be a riveting tale.
Thanks for writing these weekly excerpts. I love them. I hope you have a great week. Love you.
Stay cool down there in TX. 💜💜💜
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Thank you, Tonya. You would have doubled over laughing if you had heard me and Linda discussing this story plot this morning over coffee. 🙂 Yep, there are some surprises coming! Thanks for tuning in and you stay cool up there in Kansas. Hugs! Love you too.
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Well, I’m hooked, Jan. Another intriguing episode. 😀
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Wonderful!! I’m thrilled that I have you hooked. Now to reel you in. 🙂
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Call me Tuna.
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So tense, Jan, and you didn’t let up since the last installment. I’m glad the men are being helpful and taking her seriously. I’m on pins and needles and looking forward to more!
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Yay! Thanks for stopping by, Diana. I am thrilled that you are on pins and needles! That means I’m doing my job.
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I can feel her frantic anguish for her missing sister. I love how Mr.Parker is taking charge and initiating a search. An excellent story snippet, Jan!
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I can too, Mae. I do think Mr. Parker is a nice caring man. I’m not so sure about the others yet. 🙂 Thank you for stopping by.
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So glad the kindly gentlemen have taken her seriously. It’s difficult to wait a week between installments when you’re hooked on a story! Now I know what it must have felt like when stories were released serially in newspapers 🙂 ❤️
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Lol, Tina. That’s a great analogy. I hadn’t thought of that, but I do remember when they had the serial stories in the newspaper. Thank you so much for stopping by!
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Oh Jan, we’re now old enough to say, “I remember when…” 🙂
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Sorry I didn’t get by yesterday. I was too focused on finishing those copy edits which I just got through sending back. YAY! I LOVE this new story and I have a feeling you’ll write one that will keep us riveted. Especially now that you know where you’re going. I love the ending we discussed. 🙂
Each time you write a story, I’m amazed at your talent and I remember clearly a talk we had after I’d published my first two books. You were so upset that you didn’t have a gift. You just hadn’t discovered them yet. In the years since you learned to play the guitar and write songs and have written five fascinating biographical fiction books AND your first fiction. Talk about gifts! You’re loaded with them. Love you so much!
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Oh my dear sister, your words touch me so deeply. I guess I always felt I was shadowed by Rick’s immense talents and it took a while for me to discover my own. I am proud of my accomplishments and I couldn’t have done any of it without you in my corner. I love you!
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This is stuff nightmares are made of! You have me at the edge of my seat.
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That’s exactly where I wanted you, Denise! 🙂 Thanks for dropping by.
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Oh my! What tension, Jan. Looking forward to next time. Hugs.
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Thank you, Teagan! I’m looking forward to Lulu tomorrow. 🙂
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