Page 100 of All You Want
“I know,” Rosalie says. “I got a pair of turquoise earrings.”
“This is a high-end establishment,” Evan says. “And we know how to treat our guests well. Are you ready to go on to the next one?”
“Definitely,” Suzette says. “I’m a little thirsty from all that screaming.”
“Oh, yes, you finally figured out how much the screams unlock the tree, didn’t you?” Evan smiles at Suzette charmingly and offers his arm. “I know of a tea room you’ll find quite refreshing.”
“We’ve only done one station,” Rosalie says. “Here, Suz, I have a bottle of water.”
“Have you done yours yet?” Suzette asks. “It looks like you’ve been out here talking.”
“Mine is out near the creek.” I show them the map. “Todd left and says I shouldn’t go alone.”
“Then what are we waiting for?” Rosalie grabs my map and Suzette shakes her pillowcase. “I bet all the best prizes go to the first visitors.”
“Probably not, but…” I don’t get to finish, because Rosalie and Suzette scatter toward the creek like peewees at a soccer game, all chasing the same ball.
“You shouldn’t come with us,” I tell Evan. “We want to figure out the puzzles ourselves.”
“Fine with me,” he says. “I can check with Neil and reset the traps, see if we caught any ghosts, and upload pictures to social media.”
I am so glad to be rid of him, but at the same time, I’m worried about Todd. While Rosalie and Suzette meander between rocky outcroppings and tall trees, I call Todd’s cell.
“Is everything all right?” he answers on the first ring.
“Yeah, except Evan is back. Did you know?”
“No, I thought he was supposed to do a show in the city.”
“He says Molly went in his place.”
“Where is he now?” Todd asks.
“He went to help Neil with the tricks.”
“Are you still following your itinerary? Who are you with?”
“I joined up with Suzette and Rosalie. I’m fine. I think you should find out what Evan’s up to. He claims stuff was taken from his room.” I hope Todd can’t hear how hard my heart is pounding, wondering if he found my pictures.
“We had a search warrant,” he says, not taking my bait, or maybe he didn’t find the pictures and he thinks I’m referring to the Bigfoot mask. “I’m coming over to question him. You stay with your friends. Don’t go anywhere alone.”
“Believe me, he gave me the creeps sneaking up on me like that.”
“Please, sweetie, take care of yourself. I won’t let Evan hurt you in any way.” His voice hugs me the same way his arms protect me.
“I feel safer already. See you for dinner?”
“You bet.”
After hanging up, I hurry to find my friends. They took my map, and I’m no longer sure which group of flashlights to follow. I see my parents approach the Tree of Souls, and I can hear Chad with his sisters at the Hangman’s Hut.
“Rosalie! Suzette!” I see a pair of flashlights flickering like fireflies. I can’t get over the feeling of a wolf putting his paw on my shoulder, so I hike toward them as fast as I can.
* * *
~ X ~
This isn’t what I need! Tami’s friends are not supposed to be with her. Looks like another change in plans is called for.
