Page 12 of Waylaid in Whittier

According to the speaker, hiking and visiting waterfalls were popular, along with kayaking. While he talked, he showed photos of various scenery.

“There is one unique feature about Whittier most folks don’t know.” The expert motioned to the group. “Does anyone know what it might be?”

A woman seated next to Millie raised her hand. “Most Whittier residents live in one of two large apartment complexes in town.”

“Correct. One of them being Valley Shore Apartments,” he nodded. “Not only do they live there, but they shop, buygroceries, visit the post office, go to school, all in the same complex.”

A towering building with mountains in the backdrop appeared on the projector screen behind him.

Fascinated, Millie studied the photo while he elaborated on how the living and working arrangements worked. “It sounds intriguing.”

“My husband and I stumbled upon the buildings by accident a few years ago when we stayed in Whittier before boarding our cruise ship. If you ever get the chance, you should check them out. The folks who live there are friendly and aren’t at all shy about sharing what it’s like to co-exist.”

The talk ended, and Millie waited for the theater to clear. She chatted with the expert until Felix arrived to get ready for his line dancing class.

“Millie, my dear.” He sashayed across the stage and air kissed her cheeks. “Are you sticking around for my class?”

“I wish I could. Unfortunately, I need to get going.”

“I’ve been practicing a new move.”

“A new move?”

“Stand back.”

Millie took a step back.

Felix placed both hands on his hips. He tapped his toe, kicked up his heel, tapped his heel, flung his foot backward and shimmied in a circle, all while humming a catchy tune. Running through the dance move one more time, he wrapped it up with a stomp-stomp.

“Bravo.” Millie clapped enthusiastically. “I love it. You’ll have to teach it to me.”

“Whenever you’re ready.”

Participants started trickling in and Millie went the opposite way. She was halfway to the atrium when Sharky called.

She stepped off to the side. “Hey, Sharky. Were you able to get ahold of Elvira or Dernice?”

“I just got off the phone with Dernice. Elvira has fallen off the face of the earth.”

Chapter 5

Millie’s scalp tingled. “Elvira is missing?”

“Missing and Dernice is freaked out. She was supposed to call her last night to hash out a problem involving one of the EC Security Services jobs. She never called.”

“Has Dernice tried reaching her again this morning?”

“Yeah. She’s convinced something bad has happened,” Sharky said. “I left Patterson a message. I’m hoping he knows someone in Whittier who can try to track her down.”

“We’ll be docking there tomorrow morning,” Millie said. “If no one has heard from her by then, we’ll get off the ship and search ourselves.”

“I’m worried,” Sharky said. “This isn’t like her. Something is wrong.”

“Elvira is tough. I’m sure she’s fine. Maybe she struck gold, is way out in the middle of nowhere and doesn’t have cell phone reception.”

“Maybe, but I doubt it.”

Millie made him promise to let her know when he got an update and ended the call. She made a beeline for the security services office. The lights were on and the door was ajar.

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