Europa Awakenings

by P. R. Garcia

Terrance continued to wait for his father until one o’clock. Finally abandoning hope of his return, he rose and walked out of the dining room. Europa still had not returned with his car and that worried him more than his father not returning. He was standing in the lobby, trying to decide his best course of action, when he saw Anna walk by the front windows. He immediately ran out after her.

  “Anna, boy am I glad to see you!” he shouted, startling her as he seemed to appear out of nowhere.

  “Oh, hi, Terrance. What’s up?”

  “I was wondering if you could give me a ride out to Europa’s? She borrowed my car to run back to the cottage after having a feeling something was wrong. She’s been gone quite a while and I’m starting to get worried. I thought I’d go and check on her.”

  “How long ago did she leave?”

  “Several hours ago.”

  “Gee, I hope everything is alright. I’d be glad to give you a ride. My car’s right over here.” Terrance practically ran to the car in his haste to return to Europa. Anna hopped into the driver’s seat and sped off toward the estate. “You said she had some kind of feeling? Did she say what it was?”

  “No, just that something was wrong back at the estate and she had to get back home right away.”

  “Why didn’t you go with her?”

  “I wanted to, but she insisted I stay here and wait for my father. Remember, he was supposed to meet me this morning at the inn, but he never showed.”

  “I’m surprised she hasn’t called you to let you know what’s going on. That’s not like her. She has to know you’d be worried sick about her.” A look of concern crossed Anna’s face. “Oh my gosh, Terrance. What if something has happened to Europa and that’s why she hasn’t called! I hope she’s all right.”

  “Me too,” Terrance stated, his mind imagining the worst.

  As they headed for the estate Terrance kept a watch out for his car in case they passed Europa returning to town. He was upset with himself for not going with her. He should have forgotten about meeting his father. He wished Anna would drive faster. He was ready to suggest that very fact when he felt the car slow down and heard her say, “Looks like something happened up ahead. There’s a large stain on the road. That wasn’t here when we came through this morning. It looks as if an animal might have been hit. Oh, I hope someone didn’t hit that deer.”

  Terrance looked at the road ahead. In addition to the large, dark stain on the road, he noticed the dirt and shrubs on the side of the road had been mangled. Fear gripped his heart as he realized he was looking at the sight of a recent accident. He turned to Anna and saw, by the look on her face, she had just realized the same thing. Now, also fearing the worst, she accelerated the car. Soon they turned down the driveway leading to Minnos and the front gate. Terrance breathed a sigh of relief, for he was only minutes from the estate, minutes from discovering if Europa was okay, minutes from discovering if something was wrong. But that feeling was short lived, for up ahead he could see that the gates to Minnos were closed and his car parked in front of them. Anna parked beside Terrance’s parked car when she saw the front gates was chained shut and contained a sign reading: DANGER. DO NOT ENTER. FENCE IS ELECTRIFIED. CONTACT WITH ANY PORTION OF THE FENCE WILL RESULT IN SEVERE BODILY INJURY OR DEATH.

  “Do not enter? Fence is electrified?” Anna read out loud. “What’s that all about? I’ve never known these fences to be locked during the day. And never have they been electrified. What is going on inside there?”

  “I fear, Anna, something very terrible has happened,” Terrance muttered, as he stared at the posting. “Even Jeanip would not go to these extremes unless something was really, really wrong.” Suddenly, the thought popped into his mind Jeanip was very upset about Europa disobeying her mother and going with Terrance to town, and this was his retaliation. Maybe Jeanip planned on keeping the two apart. No, that wasn’t right. Jeanip was an honorable man. He would simply tell Terrance he was no longer welcomed at Minnos and have him barred from the property. “I wonder why my car is parked out here and not up at the house? Surely, if Europa made it this far, she must have made it to the house. Why would they put my car outside the fence?” More bewildered and worried than ever, Terrance walked over to the car and tried the driver’s door. It was unlocked. Seeing no keys in the ignition, he lifted the floor mat and, to his relief, saw them along with a note. He picked it up and read:

  Terrance;

  Thank you for allowing Europa the use of your car. Due to a security issue Minnos has been locked down. Please leave an address at the inn where Europa can reach you if you leave before the security issue is resolved.

  Jeanip

  “What does it say?” Anna asked, hoping at last they would know what was going on.

  “I don’t understand,” he said aloud, as he handed Anna the note to read. “What in the hell is a security issue? What has happened to Europa? Who in the hell does Jeanip think he is to tell me to leave my address at the inn?” He stopped in front of Anna hoping she had some idea of what was going on. She only shrugged her shoulders, indicating she had no clue. “This is ludicrous. I can’t wait out here not knowing what has happened or if she is okay. Does Jeanip really think I could possibly leave before seeing her, before knowing SOMETHING? I have to get inside NOW.” Terrance walked up to within inches of the gate. He could feel the hairs on his arms tingle as they began to encounter the electrical charge being given off by the fences and gate. “Do you hear me?” he screamed toward the house, with as much volume and force as he could summon. “Let me inside! Turn off these stupid fences at least long enough to let me in. PLEASE!”

  Terrance was so obsessed with getting inside he did not realize he had stepped closer to the electrified gate and was in danger of being electrocuted. As he took another step forward, Anna rushed up behind him and pulled him away. “You can’t enter, Terrance. Stop before you kill yourself,” she shouted, bringing Terrance back to reality.

  “What did you say?” Terrance asked, a little confused at what just happened.

  “You can’t enter, Terrance. No one can. If you try to get through that gate, it will kill you. And you’re no good to Europa dead, are you?” Seeing the blank look on Terrance’s face she grabbed him, shaking him as hard as she could. “Don’t you understand? Minnos is on lock down and no one can get in until Jeanip says they can.”

  “But I can’t just leave her,” Terrance said, realizing the truth of what Anna was saying and how close he came to death. “What am I supposed to do?”

  “I guess the only thing we can do is return to town and see if we can find someone who knows what happened out here.” Anna continued to watch Terrance’s reaction to determine if he was okay. She did not want him trying to walk through the gate again. “Are you okay to drive back?”

  Terrance stood there a moment staring at the gate, not sure what he should do. Not wishing to go back to town, he finally decided to remain at the entrance. “I think I’ll wait here for a while just in case someone comes to unlock the gate, Anna. If you find out anything, leave me a message at the inn.” Seeing there was no chance in persuading Terrance his wait was futile, she returned to her car and drove back to town leaving Terrance to his thoughts.

  Fearful someone would come to let him in as soon as he left, Terrance sat down in a shady spot next to his car and waited. He spent the next several hours alternating between sitting on the ground and pacing. Several times he walked up to the gate and studied the lock, trying to determine if there might be a way to disarm it. When it started to get dark, he decided his quest was impossible and returned to town, hoping Anna had left him a message.

  ____________

  Looking through teared-blurred eyes, Jeanip watched the Red Rock sparrow pick through the pile of newly dug dirt, searching for worms to feed her babies. He didn’t know how long he had been sitting there, staring at his queen’s empty grave. There wer
e things he needed to take care of, an unwelcomed journey he needed to take, but he just didn’t have the energy to rise. Everyone expected him to be the invincible commander he had always been, but Medaron’s death had robbed him of his strength, his sense of purpose, his desire to continue. Somehow, he needed to find the conviction and fortitude to continue, for he still had two young monarch children to protect and get to safety.

  “Jeanip, the headstone should be ready within the hour,” Sunam, stated, as he softly walked up beside his commander. “Do you want me to place it upon her grave or wait until you return from the Complex?”

  Jeanip wiped the tears from his face and stood, instantly transforming into the Head Commander and soldier he was. “I will be gone for several days, so place it upon the grave as soon as it is finished. You’re in charge until I return.”

  “Yes, Sir.”

  Jeanip turned to go back to the house, then paused, keeping his back to the soldier. “Sunam, if I don’t return for some reason, make sure Earon and Europa get to Saint’s Isle right away. JeffRa can’t reach them there,”

  “Why wouldn’t you return, Sir?” Sunam asked.

  Jeanip did not answer as he continued toward the house. But Sunam didn’t need an answer, for he knew the truth. Jeanip had failed in his duty. Medaron was dead, and Europa might also die. Punishment for his failure was the death sentence, as decreed in their security protocols. He said a silent prayer that his king would forgive his commander and allow him to live. Earon and Europa needed him. He needed him. Without Jeanip there was no hope in stopping JeffRa from killing the young monarchs. “May the Waters of Life protect you and bring you back to us.”

  Jeanip entered the side door just as Evonic came down the stairs with his medical bag. The two males walked into the kitchen and sat down at the table, where Earon and Misso were already waiting.

  “Medaron’s lucky that transfer didn’t kill the girl,” Evonic said, taking a sip of water Misso had placed on the table for him. “What was she thinking? Europa lives in a human body, not a transformed Waters’ body. Human bodies are too frail to handle such energy, and certainly not all at once. If the amulet hadn’t absorbed most of the energy she’d be , . . well , . . you’d be planning a funeral right now.”

  “But will she be alright?” Jeanip asked, fearing he could lose Europa too.

  “I have no idea. Only time will tell us that. Hopefully, if I keep her asleep for three or four days, her body will adjust to the new powers and energy Medaron gave her. Otherwise, her systems may overload and her heart could be damaged or even fail. I’ve given her something to keep her asleep for a short while. With your permission, I’ll give her something to ensure she remains that way until I’m confident her body has healed. I’ll remain here until I know she’s out of danger.”

  “Thank you, Evonic,” Earon said.

  “Hello, Your Highness. It is a pleasure to see you again. It’s been several years,” Evonic addressed Earon, as he bowed his head slightly and raised his hand to his forehead. “You two need to understand that keeping her in a coma does not mean she’s not out of danger. No human has ever received a monarch’s transfer, so I’m in the dark on how to help her. There is no procedure I can follow, no cure I can give her. I’m simply treating her human body with traditional human medicine and hoping her body can adjust to the newly introduced alien energy.”

  “Will there be any side effects from the transfer?” Earon asked, concerned about his sister’s future.

  “Again, Your Highness, I don’t know. We’ll just have to wait and see how she does when she wakes up. But I do know one thing. When she wakes up she’s going to wonder where her mother’s body is and why Triton isn’t at her side.”

  “Yes, her mother’s body,” Jeanip said, walking over to the kitchen counter and pouring himself a cup of coffee. “I’ve been trying to decide how to deal with that problem. The only plan I came up with was to tell her Medaron is already buried in the family cemetery, next to Enok’s grave. Sunam has already dug a fake grave. He should have the headstone ready within the hour.”

  “As for Triton, I’ll just have to transfer back and forth between the canine and myself, depending on who needs me – Jeanip or Europa,” Earon stated. “It’s either that, or tell her Triton is also gone and she suddenly has a long lost brother.”

  “I wouldn’t suggest the later,” Evonic said. “Europa just lost her mother. She doesn’t need to lose Triton too. And add in the shock that she has a brother she never knew about . . . well, she might not be able to emotionally handle that.”

  “You are probably right,” Earon said. “I’ll just have to be certain to transform back into Triton right before she wakes up.”

  “That would be my suggestion,” Evonic stated. He watched Jeanip walk back and forth in front of the counter taking a sip of coffee now and then. He had never seen him look so old, so beaten down. Not even during all the years they were at war with the Terrians had he seen Jeanip look as he did now. “Jeanip, you look exhausted. Would you like me to give you a vitamin supplement or something else before you leave? You’re no good to anyone if you’re unable to function.”

  “Leave? You are planning on going somewhere?” Earon asked in disbelief.

  Jeanip turned toward Earon and saw the bewilderment in his face. He did not look forward to telling Earon where he was going and why. It seemed there was no end to the dreadful duties he had to execute this day. “Earon, I need to leave for several days. I have full faith in your ability to handle things while I’m gone. Evonic will be here to oversee Europa’s medical condition and Sunam will be in charge of security. Birea and Misso will help with Europa. I will be back before your sister awakens.”

  “Now? You are really considering leaving NOW? Are you insane? We have to notify the authorities regarding the accident. Do you think they are not going to notice Europa’s smashed and burned truck on those rocks? I can guarantee you, they are going to have a lot of questions, especially when they find out Mother is dead but there is no body to prove it. What is more damn important than Europa’s wellbeing and my mother’s death?”

  Jeanip took a deep breath and walked up to Earon. He wished there was some way he could avoid telling him what he was about to say. “I have to make the journey I prayed I would never have to make, Earon. I have to go tell your father that Medaron is dead by JeffRa’s hands and he may still be alive.”

  “My father?” A startled look came upon Earon face. His mind raced to comprehend what Jeanip was saying, why he was leaving. Was Jeanip saying his father was alive, that he had not died as they had been told? Was he about to hear a truth Jeanip had hidden from them, from his mother? Earon looked directly into his eyes and said, “You told my mother years ago he had died. Are you now telling me he’s alive? He’s alive and my mother never knew it?”

  “Yes, Earon,” Jeanip replied, returning Earon’s fixed stare. He could hear the shock and anger in Earon’s voice. “Enok is alive. He never passed as I told your mother.”

  “You lied to her?” Earon yelled, having trouble, even as he said it, grasping the concept Jeanip would deliberately lie to Medaron, his Supreme Monarch. “Why would you do that?”

  Jeanip knew there was no easy way to explain why he had lied to Medaron about Enok’s death, no way not to admit he had broken her trust. “Enok commanded me to tell Medaron he had passed when the medical team told him they could not correct his breathing problem. Enok realized he would never be able to join your mother up here on land or share in Europa’s life. Their separation was tearing his heart and soul apart every day, and he knew it was doing the same to your mother. Their bond was so deep, even hundreds of miles away in the deep recesses of the ocean he could feel your mother’s deep sorrow and emptiness. He always blamed himself for her life of solitude and could not bring her more suffering by telling her he could not join her, as they had planned. So, to
spare Medaron any more anguish, Enok decided she be told he had passed. He gave me the command and I followed his orders.”

  “But she did suffer. She never stopped grieving for him, stopped loving him. I cannot tell you how many times I saw her sitting on that damn side porch swing staring out into the ocean and talking to him. You saw her too. How could you watch her time after time sit there and long for my father, knowing all the while he was ALIVE? I thought you loved her, Jeanip. I thought she mattered to you.”

  A flash of anger swept through Jeanip’s body as he listened to Earon’s words. He jumped up, leaned across the table toward Earon and crashed his fist into the table, leaving a deep impression in the wood. “Don’t you think I saw her each time she sat on that damn porch swing, Earon, suffering because of what I told her?” Jeanip screamed aloud. “Don’t you think it tore me apart each and every time I saw her cry, knowing I was the reason for that pain? Don’t you think I wanted to tell her the truth, to stop being a soldier for just one minute, to break my vow to Enok? All I wanted to do was tell her that her love was still alive, take my sister in my arms and kiss away her sorrow, comfort her as her loving brother. But I could not do those things. And now that she’s gone, that is a truth and a sorrow I have to live with every day for the rest of my miserable life.” Jeanip became silent as he slumped back into his seat, drained and emotionally distraught. Remembering he was Enok’s commander and who he was addressing, he kept his eyes lowered and said, “Forgive me, Your Majesty, for raising my voice to you and allowing such a display of emotions. I meant no disrespect. But I did realize the pain my sister was in.”

  Earon continued to stare at Jeanip, not mentioning a word about his outburst. Jeanip wondered if he had even heard what he said. “Father never should have done that. And if you truly loved my mother, neither should you have.” Earon stood up from the table and stormed out of the room, climbing the stairs to Europa’s room.

  “I did as I was ordered,” Jeanip whispered, as he watched Earon leave. “Even though I did not agree with Enok’s decision and believed he was in error, I followed orders. And I did love my sister, more than you will ever know.” Evonic had remained standing silently in the kitchen during Earon’s and Jeanip’s discourse. He now turned and looked at Jeanip in amazement. In all the time he had known Jeanip, he had never heard him say a negative word against Enok. He did not envy this commander who, alone, bore the weight of both his monarchs’ decisions and the repercussions for carrying out their orders.

  “When are you leaving?” Evonic asked softly.

  “Right away. The sooner I get this horrible deed over with the sooner I can get back here. As Earon said, there is still a lot that needs to be attended to.” Jeanip placed his cup on the counter. “We found no evidence to verify if JeffRa was killed or not. If he is still alive he will try again to assassinate Europa. Enok is her father and now Ruling Supreme Sovereign. He must decide what to do next, how best to protect his children. These are decisions I cannot make.” Jeanip looked at Evonic. “I’ve instructed Sunam to call the police after I leave and advise them Medaron was killed in an accident. I need you to make out her death certificate and leave it at the front gate for the sheriff. Sunam will inform him we already had a family only funeral, as our custom dictates. Ask Sunam to bring you a weapon from the storage room. Europa and Earon need all the protection we can give them now.”

  “You really have thought of everything, haven’t you?” Evonic said, admiring Jeanip’s thoroughness. No wonder Enok trusted him so much; he was the perfect soldier, always on duty, always thinking ahead, always planning every minute detail. “Do you think the sheriff will accept we’ve already buried Medaron?”

  “Planning every detail comes with the job,” Jeanip responded. “As for the sheriff, I could care less about what he thinks.”

  “I need to run back to town to let my office know I will be out for several days,” Evonic stated. “And I need to pick up some more medical supplies. Can you ask one of the men to take me into town and back? I’ll be sure to make it as quick a trip as possible.”

  “No! No one leaves the estate, no one comes in. That is why you are to leave the death certificate outside the gate along with a notice stating we will issue a statement in the next few days.” Jeanip saw Evonic’s look of disbelief on his face. “Security protocols demand the gate be locked and the fences electrified to ensure adequate protection. We cannot take chances with Europa’s and Earon’s safety, especially since we cannot confirm JeffRa’s death.”

  “I don’t know, Jeanip, if I have enough medication with me to keep Europa asleep until you return,” Evonic stated. “And there may be other medicines I will need to treat her human body.”

  “Any human or Oonock medical supplies you may need will be in the storage shed,” Jeanip replied. “We keep an updated supply of both. Sunam can take you down there if needed.”

  “Very well.”

  “I must go now, Evonic. See you in a couple of days. If you need anything, see Sunam. He is in charge until I return.”

  “May the Waters protect you and guide you on your journey,” Evonic stated, as Jeanip disappeared behind the door leading into his room and the secret entrance to the cave.

  _____________

  Terrance rose early the next morning, showered and dressed, then tried calling Europa again. But there was no answer. He couldn’t understand why no one was answering the telephone. What had happened out at Minnos? He had to know. Not knowing what else to do, he decided to drive out to the gate in hopes someone would let him in. He stepped into the hallway and walked toward his father’s room. Hoping his father had returned during the night, he knocked on the door, but only silence greeted him. Disappointed, he walked down to the lobby and asked the clerk if his father had returned. He had not. He continued to the dining room, purchasing coffee and food in case his wait at the gate was a long one.

  The drive to the estate seemed extra-long this morning; possibly because he was alone and had no one to help pass the time. When he reached the bend in the road where it appeared an accident had occurred, he slowed down, surveying the area. Nothing had changed; there were broken bushes, torn up dirt and grass and the spot on the road. After passing the location, he pressed on the accelerator and continued his journey toward Minnos. As he neared the entrance, disappointment once again filled his heart as he saw his way still barred by the locked gates. It appeared no one had been out there since he had left. Determined today was the day he would get inside, he remained in his car, drinking his coffee and eating the donuts, watching the driveway ahead for any sign of movement. He wished he could see the cottage from here, but it was too far down the driveway to grant any sighting. As the day progressed, Terrance was torn between retuning to the inn and remaining at the gate. Rationalizing his father was already a day late, he decided to remain at the gate. Suddenly, Terrance jumped to his feet, positive he heard the sound of an approaching car. He ran toward the fence and looked down the drive, but no car appeared. Believing it was his imagination, he went and sat down beneath a nearby tree and slowly ate his fruit and sandwiches. As he sat waiting, he began to conjure up various scenarios of why his father hadn’t returned and what had happened at Minnos to keep him barred from seeing Europa, each scenario more worrisome, more dreadful than the previous. Realizing allowing his imagination to run wild was not helping, he stood up and jogged around the tree a few times to loosen up his body. Once he tired of jogging, he tried calling the estate, but again no one answered. Why didn’t someone answer the dang phone?

  Finally, forcing himself to face the reality that no one was coming to let him in, Terrance decided to return to town. His waiting out at the gate was serving no purpose other than making him worry more. He returned to his car and headed toward town, taking one last look at the gate as he drove away. As he neared the bend in the road he noticed police lights ahead. He slowed down, and the
n came to a stop as an officer stepped into the road blocking his path. Hoping the officer might know what had happened, he rolled down his window to ask when he noticed a wrecker towing something up the embankment. He stared in horror as he saw a burned, smashed red truck slide over the bluff. It was Europa’s truck. Panic stricken, he jumped out of his car and ran toward the embankment.

  “Sir, you’ll have to remain in your car” the officer said, grabbing Terrance’s arm.

  “That’s Europa’s truck” he yelled, trying to free himself from the officer’s grip.

  “Sir, you need to get back into your car” the officer repeated, this time with more force in his voice.

  “But that’s my girlfriend’s car. Is she okay?” he asked, looking into the officer’s face. Didn’t he understand? That was Europa’s truck and it was smashed and burned and whoever was in it was probably dead. His Europa could be dead. Was that the reason the gates were locked? No, Europa was with him when she felt something was wrong, which meant someone else was in the truck. Who? Medaron? Jeanip? “TELL ME!” Terrance yelled at the officer. “What happened here? Is Europa okay?”

  Feeling sympathy for the young man, the officer let go of his shoulder. “Miss Waters is unharmed,” the officer replied. “That’s all I can tell you. The family will issue a statement concerning the accident.”

  “But . . .”

  “No buts, Sir. Either return to your car or I will place you under arrest for impeding an investigation. Your choice.” Terrance looked at the officer, realizing by the sound of his voice he was serious.

  Terrance returned to his car. He knew he wouldn’t be able to see Europa once the gates opened if he was sitting in jail. He remained stationary until the wrecker pulled away with the smashed truck, escorted by several police cars.

  “Okay, you can proceed now, young man” the officer told him. “Please drive carefully.” Terrance followed behind the wrecker and police cars into town. He pulled up in front of the inn and sat there, trying to determine what course of action to take next. He had to find out what happened, but how? Maybe Anna or one of the other girls would know, but he didn’t know how to get in touch with them. He decided to go inside and ask the clerk if she knew where they lived. As he walked into the lobby he saw Anna at the front desk. Suzie and Rannie were with her. Terrance could see all three had been crying. A shiver of fear ran through his body.

  “We’ve been looking everywhere for you,” Anna said, as she ran up to him.

  “I was out at the estate’s gate hoping someone might open it,” Terrance explained. “What is going on? I saw Europa’s truck all smashed and burned. A wrecker was bringing it up from below the cliff. It looked like it went over and smashed.”

  “We know,” said Rannie. “We heard about it a few hours ago. Mrs. Waters was driving Europa’s truck and had an accident.”

  “Mrs. Waters? Is she alright?” Terrance asked, concerned about Mrs. Waters, but relieved it was not Europa.

  “I’m sorry to say she was killed,” Rannie replied, having trouble holding back the tears.

  “No!” Terrance muttered, as he sank into a lobby chair. He looked up at the girls. “Poor Europa. Is she okay?”

  “We don’t know,” stated Suzie. “With the estate locked down we can only assume she’s there. We’ve tried calling, but no one will answer the phone.”

  “I know. I’ve been calling all day,” Terrance said. “I’m going to go back out there and scream until someone lets me in.”

  Anna put her hand on his shoulder. “It won’t do any good, Terrance. No one is going to open the gate for you. We must wait.”

  “I can’t stay here and do nothing.”

  “That’s all we can do,” Suzie added. “The Waters are a very private, very secretive family. And when it comes to Europa, they’re almost paranoid about her security. Believe us, Terrance, there is NOTHING you can do but wait. Wait until they decide to unlock the gate.”

  “And how long will that be?” Terrance asked, seeing the truth in what Suzie was saying.

  “Who knows?” answered Anna. “It could be a couple of days, a week, even a month.”

  “A week? A month? You’ve got to be kidding,” Terrance stated in disbelief.

  “Terrance,” Suzie said, wiping away tears, “I’m sure it will be just another day or two. After all, there’s a funeral to be held. Look, here’s our phone numbers. Call us if you need anything, even if it’s just to talk. If we hear anything we’ll let you know.”

  “And promise us, Terrance, you won’t go back out to the gate,” Rannie stated. “They could perceive your presence as a threat and keep the gate locked longer.”

  “She’s not kidding,” Suzie said, seeing the look of disbelief on Terrance’s face. “You cannot go back out there.”

  Realizing he had no options opened to him, Terrance agreed not to go back out to the gate. He would remain in town. “What about the police?” Terrance asked, jumping up from his chair. “Perhaps they can tell us something.”

  “Already tried,” Anna replied. “They’re as tight lipped as that locked gate. They wouldn’t tell us anything.”

  “I couldn’t get any information from the policeman out on the road either,” Terrance stated. “All he said was Europa was okay and the family would be issuing a statement.” He sank back into the seat, feeling totally defeated. “A day or two,” he repeated softly. “How can I wait for another day or two to find out what’s going on out there?”

  “We just have to,” Suzie said. “Would you like us to stay with you for a while?”

  “We don’t mind,” Anna added. “We’re going to worry no matter where we are.”

  “Thanks, you guys,” Terrance said. “But I think you should go home in case Europa tries to call one of you. I’ll go up to my room and try calling again.” Terrance rose and proceeded toward the stairway as the three friends began to leave. “Hey, let’s plan on meeting tomorrow for lunch. Maybe by then one of us will have heard something.”

  “It’s a date,” Anna replied. “See you at noon.”

  Terrance proceeded up the stairway to his room while Anna, Rannie and Suzie left the inn. Each silently hoped when they met the following day someone would have more information about the accident and Europa.

 

  ENOK