The Super Spies and the Pied Piper (22 page)

“Come on, guys! Let's get in the car. We don't want to be late.” Alex yanked on his door.

It groaned in protest, but he managed to open it and climb inside. Sarah and Jackie slid into the front seat and Scott and Lacey slipped into the back. Alex started the car and with a rumble pulled out of the parking lot.

They made it to Hinkle's in record time. Alex parked the car and Sarah waited impatiently for Jackie to climb out.

As she crossed the street to the restaurant, Sarah shivered. A brisk wind blew the leaves around. A sure sign winter was on the way. She pulled the zipper on her jacket higher to stop the wind from getting inside and chilling her.

“I'm going to have to start wearing my winter jacket,” Jackie grumbled as she strolled up beside her.

“You got that right.” Sarah glanced at the sky and saw formidable gray clouds swirling past. “I think it's going to rain.”

Jackie glanced up and frowned. “Yep. Looks like it.”

Sarah picked up her pace and her friend matched her stride for stride.

“Boy, once you get moving those high heels don't slow you down,” Sarah remarked.

Her friend laughed. “True. I'm practicing my runway walk. You know erect posture and long strides.”

Sarah smirked. “You got that part down.”

Jackie flashed her model smile and then proceeded forward. “Eat my dust, girlfriend.”

“What? Where do you think you're going?” Sarah broke into a jog and caught up to her friend.

Both girls picked up their pace, each one trying to outdo the other. They made it to the restaurant and rushed inside. Breathless, they scanned the crowd, looking for Scoop.

“There he is,” Sarah cried and pointed as if she had just one a major contest. She held her hands up in victory and Jackie gave her a good natured shove.

The retired reporter sat at a table, cleaning his glasses. He rubbed each lens with a napkin and then inspected each one with a critical eye. “Scoop,” Sarah called out as she walked toward him.

“Hello there, Super Spies.” The retired reporter put his glasses back on and beamed at Sarah.

“Hi, Scoop,” Jackie said with a wave.

The Super Spies trickled into the restaurant and gathered around the retired reporter. He motioned for them to sit down and they all grabbed a seat. A waitress appeared and asked them what they wanted to drink. After taking everyone's order, she scurried off to get the beverages.

Sarah watched her go and then faced Scoop. “I think I figured out a way to get into my Dad's office.”

“Let's hear it,” Scoop said with a smile.

Sarah told him, while the rest of Super Spies listened.

When she finished, she gazed at Scoop and gave him a wide grin. Her heart filled with pride.

Scoop eyed her and stroked his chin. “It could work.”

“It
will
work.” Sarah sat up straight in her chair and clasped her hands in front of her.

“There are a few holes in it, though,” Scoop continued.

“Like what?” Sarah asked and gave him a challenging stare.

“Well… the same problem that my plan has. Once you're inside… how are you going to get into your Dad's office?”

“I can sneak in.”

“Uh huh… you think it'll be that easy?” Scoop raised his eyebrows when he looked at her. Do you even know where the office is located?”

Sarah averted her gaze, growing uncomfortable trapped in Scoop's penetrating stare. “I've been there once or twice,” she answered squirming in her chair.

“Do you have a plan if you get caught by someone?” Jackie asked, giving her friend a wink.

“I'll just tell them I'm lost.”

“Sounds good.” Jackie tapped Scoop on the arm. “I think it'll work.”

He pursed his lips. “Maybe. But your teacher hasn't put the field trip together yet. So, maybe we should continue my plan until we find out.”

Sarah shrugged. “Okay.”

The waitress appeared with their drinks and the conversation stopped. She passed them out and asked if anyone wanted a menu. Everyone declined and she left to wait on another table.

“Okay, Scoop… what's your plan?” Sarah asked.

“I thought I'd do a piece about the missing chemist and stop by the company and see if they'd talk with me.”

Sarah shook her head. “I don't think we should bring my father into this.”

“We don't want to give them any idea what Dad's trying to do,” Lacey said. She stirred her lemonade with her straw and eyed Scoop over her glass. “Especially if this company is guilty of what he thinks they are.”

Scoop ran his hand through his thinning hair. “Then what should I go there pretending to do an article on?”

“How about their new drug,” Sarah suggested. “I mean it's only been on the market a few months, right?”

Scoop stroked his chin and furrowed his brow. “That's not a bad idea. I'll do some research on it and work up some questions.”

“So when do you think you can have the interview set up?”

“I'm not sure. I'll call them and see what I can do.” Scoop took a drink of his iced tea. “While I'm doing that, I want you to find out from your father where his office is located.”

“Okay, I'll call him and find out.” Sarah marveled as she spoke the words. She still couldn't believe she could call her father and actually speak with him. It felt like she was in a dream. Taking a deep breath, Sarah smiled as a deep sense of peace took over her body.
Everything is going to be all right
.

“Let's meet back here tomorrow,” Jackie said.

“Yeah. We should know something by then,” Sarah agreed.

“Okay. I'll get the drinks here.” Scoop signaled for the waitress to bring the bill.

“Thanks, Scoop.” The Super Spies said in unison.

Sarah stood and made her way toward the door. She took in the twinkling lights that always gave Hinkle's a party-like atmosphere. A stab of sorrow pierced her heart.
I hope we don't have to move when this is all over
. Hinkle's had grown on her over the past few months and she knew she'd miss the diner.

Glancing over her shoulder, Sarah's heart leapt in her chest. Behind her were her two closest friends, Alex and Jackie. She bit her lip to keep the tears at bay.
What would I do without them
? Sarah eyes misted over and she picked up her pace, not wanting anyone to see her upset. Once outside, she wiped her eyes and forced her thoughts back to their current situation.

“Hey,” Alex said, coming up behind her and interrupting her thoughts.

“Hi.”

“Do you think Mr. Rowlings will be able to set up the field trip?”

Sarah shrugged. “I don't know. He seemed pretty interested in it though.”

“Yeah.”

They strolled to Alex's car and the other Super Spies followed them. Sarah kept a leisurely pace not wanting their time together to end. “Hopefully, I'll find out on Monday.”

Alex furrowed his brow. “You know… you're the only one in that class.”

“I know.” Sarah stopped and gave him a puzzled look.

“That means you'll have to find the flash drive by yourself.”

Sarah pursed her lips. “You're right. I hadn't really thought about that.” She stared at the ground and scuffed her tennis shoe against the concrete. “Jackie said she was going to try and get her mother to write her a note.”

“Good luck with that… it doesn't mean the school's going to let her go.”

“True.” Sarah frowned.

“So, I was thinking… maybe it'd be a good idea if I was close by… you know, just in case things don't go the way you plan.”

Sarah flashed a wide smile. His concern for her touched her heart.
He likes me…
he likes me…
he likes me…
“That would be really cool.”

Jackie walked up behind them and gave Sarah a nudge. “Hey.”

Sarah twirled around. “Jack.”

Jackie glanced from Sarah to Alex and then back to Sarah. She smirked and gave her friend a knowing look. “So… what's up?”

Sarah gave her friend a mock glare. “Nothing. We're just talking about a plan for the field trip.”

“I have a feeling she's going to have to go by herself,” Alex said as he raked his hand through his hair.

“My Mom's going to write me a note,” Jackie insisted.

“Uh huh.” Alex gave her a look of disbelief.

“Really…” Jackie stared at him with a determined expression. “You'll see.”

“Just in case it doesn't work. How would you like to skip school that day and be on stand-by in case she needs help?”

Jackie's expression brightened. “That would be awesome.” She giggled and then stepped closer to her friends. “Wow… this will be like an undercover operation.”

Sarah laughed. “Now you're getting it, Jack. And undercover means keeping a low profile. So… you'll probably want to ditch the heels.”

Jackie smirked and jutted her chin in Sarah's direction. “Never. Fashion is my life.”

Sarah shook her head in mock despair. “She could've been a great detective… if only…”

The two girls burst into laughter while Alex just shook his head and pointed at them.

“What's going on over here?” Lacey asked. She grabbed Scott's arm and pulled him toward the group.

Sarah shook her head. “Oh nothing… Jackie just told a funny joke.”

“Let's hear it,” Scott said.

Sarah and Jackie exchanged a look, and then Sarah said, “Uh… Uh…”

“Super Spies, Come here,” Scoop called as he walked out of the restaurant. He motioned to them and then put his wallet in his back pocket.

The joke forgotten, the teens walked toward the retired reporter.

Sarah and Jackie lagged behind the others and exchanged a look of relief.

“Man… we got lucky on that one,” Sarah muttered under her breath.

“No doubt, girlfriend… no doubt.”

“I don't think we should tell Lacey what we're doing. She'll just want to come along.” Sarah brushed the hair out of her eyes. “You know what a worrywart she is.”

“Yeah… we'll keep this to ourselves.”

The two friends exchanged a conspiratorial wink and then caught up with the rest of the gang.

When everyone was gathered around Scoop's car, he said, “Okay. I'm going to start making calls and see if I can get some sort of interview.”

“Okay.” Sarah glanced around at the rest of the Super Spies. “We'll call my Dad and see where his office is…and see if he needs anything else.”

Scoop nodded his approval. “Call me tonight and let me know what you find out.”

“We will,” Sarah replied.

Scoop thumped the hood of his car with his fist. “Okay then… I'll talk with you kids later.” He climbed inside and started the engine.

The Super Spies stepped away from the vehicle and Scoop backed out of the parking spot.

When his car turned into a beige dot in the distance, Sarah broke the silence. “I guess we should get to work, wouldn't you say?”

“So, what's the plan?” Jackie asked.

Sarah stared at her with raised eyebrows. “I don't know. I haven't called my Dad yet.

“What's the hold up?”

Sarah shook her head and gave Jackie an exasperated look. “I'll call him when I get home.”

“Cool beans.” Jackie brushed the curls away from her face.

Sarah wrinkled her nose. “That phrase is so… yesterday.”

“Shut up. I like the phrase and I'm sticking with it.” Jackie stuck her tongue out. “Do I have to separate you two?” Alex asked, stepping between them.

The two girls cracked up laughing and eyed each other behind Alex's back.

“No
Dad
. We'll be good,” Sarah said and gave Alex a good natured nudge.

“Good. Now let's get everyone home.”

“Lace and I are going to walk,” Scott said. He put his arm around Lacey and steered her toward the sidewalk.

“You be good… you two,” Sarah said with a smirk.

“Shut up, Sarah,” Lacey called out, glaring at her sister.

“Okay. I'll see you guys later,” Alex yelled from the street, interrupting any playful banter that would've taken place.

Sarah, Alex, and Jackie made their way to Alex's car.

“Here we are,” Alex said, giving his car an affectionate kick in the back tire.

“I like your car,” Sarah said, grinning at him.

“You would.” Jackie smirked.

They climbed in and Alex put the key in the ignition. When he turned it, the car made a grating noise and then sputtered and died.

“Oh no!” Alex exclaimed. He tried the key again and the same grating sound filled the air.

Sarah covered her ears. “That noise is horrible.”

“No kidding,” Alex grumbled and tried again. He pumped the gas as he turned the key and the scent of gasoline wafted through the vehicle. “Crap. I think I flooded it.”

“It sure smells like it.” Jackie plugged her nose. She opened the door and climbed out. “Looks like we're walking.”

“Yep.” Sarah patted Alex's hand, before she moved over and climbed out of the car. “Do you want to walk with us?”

Alex rolled down his window. “I'm going to keep trying. I'll call you later.”

“I feel funny about leaving you here,” Sarah cast a worried look around.

“It's Harrisburg,” Alex said with a laugh. “Don't worry, I'll call my sister and she'll come pick me up.

“Are you sure?”

“Yep. I'll call her now and make the arrangements.” Alex pulled out his cell phone and punched in his sister's number. After a minute, he spoke briefly into the phone and then hung up. He gave Sarah the thumbs up sign. “I'm all set.”

“Do you want us to wait?”

Alex shook his head. “No. It's getting dark and I don't want you guys out in the dark by yourselves. I'll call you later.”

“Okay.” Sarah gave him a smile. She motioned for her friend to follow her and began walking toward home.

As the girls walked down the street, the grating sound of Alex trying to start his car filled the air. It set Sarah's nerves on edge like fingernails on a chalkboard; she shuddered at the sound and pulled her jacket tighter around her.

The wind had picked up and blew the dead leaves on the ground. They swirled at her feet like a tiny tornado. Transfixed by their motion, Sarah stared. Their movement was chaotic, one minute heading in one direction, the next minute going in the opposite direction. Much like her emotions were. One minute she was happy she'd found her parents and the next minute bemoaning the fact her time in Harrisburg was coming to an end. She knew it was. And it was like a stone in her chest. Heavy and hard and unrelenting.

Jackie waved her hand in front of Sarah's face. “Earth to Sarah… earth to Sarah.”

Sarah couldn't help but giggle. “I'm here… just lost in thought.”

“Pretty heavy thoughts.”

Sarah nodded and her mind returned to the stone in her chest. “Yeah, you could say that.”

“Care to share?”

“No. Not until I get it all sorted out.”

Jackie nudged her. “It's good to share, you know.” Her voice had taken on the game show host sound it always did when Jackie was trying to sell her on an idea. She gave Sarah her million watt smile and motioned with her hands as if she were presenting a prize.

Sarah laughed. “I will… I promise… when I get it all figured out.”

“Pinky promise?” Jackie stopped walking and held out her hand with her pinky extended. She wore a solemn expression as if they were signing the Declaration of Independence.

Sarah snickered. “What
grade
are you in again?”

“Shut up and pinky promise.” Jackie shoved her hand closer to her. “Do it.”

Sarah snickered, and then sighed when Jackie refused to be deterred by ridicule. She held out her hand with her pinky extended. “Pinky promise.”

The girls locked their pinkies, shook, and then dropped their hands.

“Feel better?” Sarah asked.

“Absolutely.”

They strolled toward their homes in silence. Sarah wondered how many more walks she was going to have with Jackie. Her steps grew heavy and she forced her thoughts away from the inevitable.

“You know…” Jackie started. She grabbed Sarah's arm and pulled her to a stop.

“What?” Sarah stopped and gave her friend a perplexed look.

“What if Alex can't get his car started again?”

Sarah shrugged. “Then he'll have to take it to a mechanic.”

Jackie squeezed Sarah's arm. “What if he can't get it fixed before the field trip.”

Sarah sighed. “We'll have to think of another plan.” She faced forward and started walking again. When Jackie didn't follow she stopped. “We don't even know if the field trip is going to happen yet. Relax. It'll all work out.”

“If you say so.” Jackie caught up to her and gave her a friendly nudge.

Sarah nudged her back and the girls continued their journey home. But Jackie's words echoed in Sarah's mind.
Piper Drugs is a good forty
-
five minute
drive away. Too far to walk
.
How are my friends going to get there
?
Am I going to have to do this all alone? With no back up
? The stone that had been in Sarah's chest earlier returned and it was heavier than ever.