The Super Spies and the Pied Piper (13 page)

“Lacey,” Sarah called out in a low voice.

Her sister whirled toward the sound. “What?”

“You and I should probably go in together.”

“Oh… right.” Lacey adjusted her backpack and waited for Sarah.

“We
should
stagger our arrival times,” Alex said. “I'll go in first and Scott, you follow me after a few minutes.”

“Okay.” Scott brushed his hand through his hair.

Alex disappeared inside the office and everyone else made small talk in the hall. Once Alex reappeared, Scott went in, and then finally the girls ambled inside.

As Sarah handed her note to the secretary, her hand trembled. The apprehension she felt earlier doubled and her stomach clenched into a painful knot. When the secretary put Sarah's note in a file, she breathed easier and walked out of the office.
We made it
.

The morning dragged at a snail's pace. Sarah sat in her math class doodling on her notepad. While Mr. Gordinski droned on about algebra, Sarah's mind wandered to the events of the previous day. She shivered when she remembered being locked in the tiny bedroom.
What is the Stalker's connection to my parents
? D
oes he know my dad? Is he someone my dad met through work? And how does he know about the french fry teepees?
When no answers came to her, she ground her teeth in frustration. Biting her lip, Sarah shifted in her seat and forced herself to pay attention to the lecture. Glancing at the clock, she pursed her lips and exhaled.

She jumped when the intercom squawked. The announcement came over the P.A. system she was wanted in the office.

“Sarah, you're excused,” Mr. Gordinski said. He was a tall, thin man with a high, squeaky voice that irritated her. He motioned toward the door when she didn't move. “Sarah?”

Perplexed, Sarah stood and gathered her books. She hurried through the quiet halls of the Jr. High, picking up the subtle scent of erasers and floor wax. The only noise in the corridor was sound of her tennis shoes slapping against the ceramic tiles. It emphasized her aloneness and she took a ragged breath.
We're busted
. The thought slowed her steps until she stopped. Searching for a place to hide, she almost burst into tears when she didn't find one.
Just chill.
Taking a deep breath, Sarah calmed herself and then continued her journey.

When she wandered with reluctant steps into the office, she found Aunt June and Lacey sitting together. She gulped as her heart picked up its pace. Sarah was sure everyone could hear it and she moved her books to her hip. “What's going on?” She raised her eyebrows and tried to appear unconcerned, but her heart sank to her stomach like a stone thrown in a well. The first flickers of panic ran through her system and she shifted her weight.
We're busted
! She shifted her weight again and chewed on her thumbnail.

“I'm here to take you girls down to the police station,” Aunt June said in a grave voice.

The police station? Do they throw you in jail for skipping school?
Sarah pulled her thumb out of her mouth and took a deep breath. “Why?” She made eye contact with her sister, hoping Lacey would shed some light on their predicament.

“They've obtained your parents phone records.”

Sarah's lips twitched. She almost burst out laughing. Biting her lip, she kept her relieved giggles under control. “That's awesome news. Let's go.”

“I've just got to sign you two out.” Aunt June stepped toward the sign out sheet sitting on the secretary's desk.

Sarah and Lacey exchanged a look before they stared at their Aunt signing her name.

“Okay. Let's go girls.” Aunt June led them out of the office and down the hall.

Sarah and Lacey trailed behind her, speaking in hushed tones.

“I hope they don't compare her signature on the sign out sheet with the notes we just turned in,” Lacey said.

“Tell me about it.”

“We are so busted if they check.”

“I know.” Sarah gave her sister a tired smile and brushed a strand of hair away from her face.

Aunt June stopped at the door and spun around, looking for the girls. “Well, come on. We can't keep them waiting.”

The girls exchanged a look and then picked up their pace. They followed their aunt to the car. After they piled in, Aunt June started it and drove to the police station.

Within minutes, they had pulled into the lot and parked. They climbed out of the vehicle and made their way toward the red brick building. In the past, Sarah had always gotten the willies when she walked through the door. The white-paned windows on the structure had always reminded her of cell doors. But since the bombing, the willies were gone, replaced by a sense of security. She knew she'd always have a friend at the police department.

She took the lead as they walked into the lobby and made her way to the reception desk. Behind it sat an officer; he glanced up when she walked toward him.

“Hello, Officer. Is Agent Gray still here?” she asked.

“I'll check. Can I tell him who's requesting his presence?” asked the officer, as he picked up the phone.

“Sarah Cole.”

He gave her a curt nod and spoke into the receiver. After a few minutes he hung up and said, “He'll be right out. Why don't you have a seat over there?” He pointed to the puke green couch sitting against the far wall of the reception area.

Sarah frowned. “All… right.”

Lacey poked her in the ribs. “Chill. We won't have to wait long.”

“Shut up.”

“Come on, you two,” Aunt June chided.

Agent Gray walked around the corner interrupting the conversation. “Come on in.”

They trailed behind him as he led them to an interview room. Sarah grabbed Lacey's arm and gave it a squeeze. “Lucky for you, Agent Gray showed up when he did.” She gave her sister a mock glare.

“Oooh… you're so-o-o scary.” Lacey pretended to shake with fear and then snickered behind her hand.

Once everyone gathered inside, the agent gestured toward the chairs. “Have a seat.” He sat down and took a deep breath. “We received your parents' phone records.”

Sarah smirked. “Oh really? Let me guess… you found some more activity in Alden.”

Agent Gray stared at her. “How do you know?”

Sarah took a deep breath and glanced around the familiar room. She took in the putty colored walls and the starkness, one table and four chairs were the only things in the room. Taking another deep breath, she glanced at her aunt and then spilled the whole story about going to Alden. Sarah even told him about showing her parents' photo around town and finally about her abduction and escape.

Agent Gray pursed his lips and let out a low whistle. “Wow. We need to get up there and find out what's going on.”

“We want to come with you,” Sarah said.

“I don't think that's a good idea.” The agent frowned.

“We have to. We're the only ones who know what the Stalker looks like.”

The FBI man pursed his lips and studied her for several minutes. Finally he sighed. “All right.”

Sarah's spirits lifted. She made eye contact with her sister and did a fist pump.

Lacey rolled her eyes and shook her head.

“Do you know the address where you were taken?”

Sarah eyed Lacey before shaking her head. “No, we don't. We can show you where it is, but I don't know the street address.”

“We'll have to call it in.” Agent Gray stood. “I'm going to grab Agent Black; I'll meet you in the lobby.”

“What do you mean call it in?” Sarah asked.

“In case we need to get a search warrant.”

They stood and followed the agent out of the room. He turned right and they proceeded to the left and walked toward the reception area.

“Wait,” Sarah called out, spinning toward the agent. He stopped and faced her. “We're supposed to meet Scoop at one-thirty. He's got some info from the interview. He has pictures and everything.”

Agent Gray glanced at his watch. “Okay. Call him and see if he can meet us in about fifteen minutes.”

Sarah nodded and continued her journey, chewing her thumbnail as she walked.
We're so close, I can feel it
. She shuddered as an icy chill ran through her body.
I can't wait to find out what the connection is between the Stalker and my parents.
When they made it to the lobby, Sarah called Scoop and filled him in on the details. He agreed to meet them at Hinkle's with all his information.

After she disconnected the call, she faced to her sister and whispered, “I can't believe Aunt June didn't say anything about yesterday.”

With wide eyes, Lacey said, “I know.”

Aunt June finished her conversation with the officer at the front desk and ambled over to the girls. “You're not off the hook. I'll deal with you later.”

Drat
!
Sarah stared at her sister and raised her eyebrows. “I can't believe she heard that.”

Lacey opened her eyes wide and mouthed, “I know.”

“I hear everything,” Aunt June said and gave Sarah a worldly smile.

Sarah shrugged. “Not everything.” She spun around and walked to the door. Hoping she left her aunt guessing.

Her aunt caught her eye and raised her eyebrows. “Everything.”

Sarah opened her mouth to speak, but closed it again when the agents walked into view. They escorted them out to their unmarked car. Sarah smirked when she saw the nondescript grey vehicle. She exchanged a look with her sister before climbing into it. When everyone had their seatbelts buckled Agent Gray started the car and revved the engine. He shot out of the parking lot and turned toward Hinkle's.

Sarah stared out the window as they wound their way through the quiet streets of Harrisburg. They rounded the corner; Sarah was surprised to find they were on the Cat Lady's street. The large trees lining the road were brilliant with the colors of the changing leaves. Bright reds, oranges, and yellows stood out against the darkening sky.
It's going to rain
. She shivered and shifted her weight as the agent steered the vehicle onto Main Street.

He pulled into a parking space and turned off the engine. Sarah was the first to climb out of the car and she made a mad dash for the restaurant. Her pulse quickened at the thought of what she was about to learn from the retired reporter. Opening the door, the familiar scents of cooking food filled her nostrils and her stomach rumbled.

Stopping at the hostess stand, Sarah searched for Scoop. She found him sitting at a table cleaning his glasses and waved as she made her way over.

“Scoop. Did you find anything interesting in your photos?”

Scoop laughed. “Let's not dilly dally… let's get down to business.”

Sarah snickered. “Okay. Sounds like a plan.” She slid into a seat and reached for the packet of pictures Scoop had placed on the table in front of him.

With a playful tug, he pulled them out of her reach. “Hey there, little missy.”

“Oh come on,” Sarah whined as she slouched in her chair. “I've been waiting all day to take a look at those.” Crossing her arms over her chest, she pouted and sent the retired reporter a pleading look.

He laughed and slid the pictures toward her. “Oh, all right… take a look.”

While Sarah opened the package with eager hands, the rest of the group walked up to the booth and exchanged pleasantries.

“I don't think this table is going to be big enough,” Scoop said after shaking hands with the agents. “Why don't we see if we can put a couple of tables together?”

As the men went about their task, Aunt June and the girls huddled together and passed the pictures between them.

“Do you guys see anything that could be a clue?” Sarah asked as she studied one of the pictures. She pulled it closer and continued her scrutiny. “Scoop, where was this?” she held out the picture to him.

He grabbed it and furrowed his brow. “That's Mr. Robinson's office. Why?”

“Where is it in the house?”

Scoop squinted and tapped his chin with his finger. “It's between the living room and the kitchen. Why?”

Sarah wiggled out of the booth. “Take a look in this doorway. Do you see that man standing there?”

Scoop pulled the picture closer and studied it. “You're right. There is a man standing there.” He handed the picture back to Sarah. “I'm surprised I didn't notice it until now.”

Sarah stared at the picture and her fingers tingled as adrenaline raced through her veins. “Lacey check this out.” She continued to study the photo while her sister moved to her side.

“What is it?” Lacey asked.

“Take a look at this. Can you make out that man standing inside the doorway but off to the right?”

Lacey knitted her brows together, studying the photo. “Yeah.”

“Is he wearing a red ball cap?”

Lacey squinted and pulled the picture closer. “Yes, he is.” She turned and locked eyes with Sarah.

Sarah held her gaze and her stomach fluttered. Understanding flickered in Lacey's eyes. “You don't think it's—”

“I do,” Sarah said as her mouth twisted with unexpressed emotion and her eyes misted over.

“Scoop, did you ever see that man in the house?” Sarah asked. She swore her tongue had swollen up and it felt as rough as sandpaper.

“No, I never saw him.” The retired reporter returned to the task of putting the tables together but stopped when he glanced at Sarah's face. “You're pale, Sarah. Is something wrong?”

All the activity ended as everyone turned and stared at her. She took a deep breath and swallowed. “I think that man is my dad.” Taking a step back, Sarah plopped down on the booth behind her. The soft whoosh of air leaving the cushion as she landed distracted her for a moment, but she quickly refocused her attention and stared at the photo again.