The Super Spies and the High School Bomber

by Lisa Orchard

  A wide grin burst out on Jackie’s face and she winked at Sarah. The two girls cracked up laughing, while Lacey shook her head.

  “Let’s go, you guys,” Lacey grumbled.

  “I’ll get her kennel,” Sarah said.

  “I’ll help,” Jackie piped up.

  After the girls secured Lily in her kennel, they climbed the stairs and found the FBI agents sitting in the living room. When the men spied the girls, they dropped their papers and stood.

  “Are you girls ready?” Agent Stone asked.

  “Yeah, as ready as we’ll ever be,” Sarah answered.

  The agent’s eyes were red and his face had that unhealthy look of someone who’s been living on fast food and coffee for too long.

  “Let’s go, then.” Agent Stone stood and fished in his pocket for the keys.

  The girls followed him out to the non-descript gray car parked in front of the house. Sarah stifled another giggle. Gray! Are you kidding me? She cast a sideways glance at Jackie. Her friend’s eyes widened with suppressed amusement and she bit her lip to keep her giggles under control. Averting her gaze, Sarah stifled another chuckle, knowing the Super Spies were going to share a long laugh about this later.

  The breeze was cool on Sarah’s face. She shivered as she climbed into the car, thankful for her jacket.

  “All buckled?” Agent Gray asked.

  “Yep,” all three girls said in unison.

  “All right, where are we going?”

  Jackie leaned forward and gave the agent directions to her house.

  Sarah laid her head back against the seat and closed her eyes, then opened them wide. “Have you had any news?”

  Agent Gray looked at her in the rearview mirror and shook his head. “Not yet.”

  “Boy, I thought you guys were experts at this.”

  A ghost of a smile appeared on the agent’s face. “Well, some criminals are pretty smart.”

  “Apparently.” Sarah rolled her eyes.

  Jackie smacked Sarah’s leg. “Be nice.”

  Sarah looked out the window. The rain from yesterday had drained away the heat of summer. The sky was a dull slate color and it seemed like the leaves on the trees had lost some of their brilliance. The fall colors seemed muted to Sarah as if there was a fog in the air.

  The agents pulled up in front of Jackie’s house. Agent Gray parked the car and turned around to face the girls. “Okay, there will be agents guarding the house until the suspects are caught.”

  “Okay, thanks so much,” Sarah said.

  Jackie and Lacey nodded their thanks, and then the girls climbed out. Glancing back, Sarah saw the agents waiting to make sure the Super Spies got inside safely.

  Jackie reached the porch first and fished in her pocket for her key. “My parents are probably still at church.”

  “Yeah, let’s hurry. I want to get up to the hospital and see Uncle Walt,” Sarah said, as her stomach twisted into a knot.

  “Okay.” Jackie opened the door wide and walked into the stately home.

  Sarah admired the deep red carpet that lined the hallway and the white and red velvet wallpaper that covered the walls. It seemed like Christmas whenever she walked into her friend’s home and Christmas was her favorite holiday.

  Breathing deeply, Sarah picked up the scent of cinnamon. “Hey, it smells like your mom made cinnamon rolls.”

  Jackie sniffed the air. “It sure does. Do you guys want one?”

  “Yes,” Sarah and Lacey said in unison.

  They made their way into the narrow kitchen. Jackie turned on the light and Sarah realized the kitchen was the smallest room in the house. Oak cabinets lined the back wall. The room housed the fridge, stove and dishwasher, but there was no space for a table.

  Sarah spied what she was looking for sitting on the counter opposite the inside wall—cinnamon rolls.

  “Ahhh…here they are.” Jackie grabbed three plates and placed them on the counter. Then she cut three cinnamon rolls from the pan and placed them on the plates. “Dig in, girlfriends.”

  Sarah bit into her cinnamon roll and savored the taste of the cinnamon and glaze. She closed her eyes and, for a moment, the whole world fell away. There were no more bombers. Uncle Walt was fine and her parents were still around. Sighing, she leaned against the counter, allowing herself to relax.

  When Sarah opened her eyes, reality seemed to smack her in the face. The bombers were still at large. Her parents were still missing, and Uncle Walt was still in the hospital. Exhaling a sigh, Sarah pulled herself up and squared her shoulders. The sound of Jackie’s voice jangled her nerves.

  “What time is it?” she asked.

  Sarah winced and gazed at her watch. “It’s eleven. We should get up to the hospital and check in with Aunt June.”

  Sarah’s phone rang. “Hello?

  “Sarah?” Aunt June voice sounded through the phone.

  “Oh, hi Aunt June.”

  “Are you coming up to the hospital?”

  “Yes, we’re on our way there now.”

  “Good. I’ve been worried about you girls. Did you have a good night?”

  Sarah frowned as the memory of the previous night invaded her brain. “Yeah,” she lied and crossed her fingers. “We’ll be leaving in a few minutes. We’ll see you in a few.”

  “Okay, “ Aunt June said before disconnecting the call.

  “Let’s go,” Jackie crowed.

  “I hope we don’t run into the bombers,” Lacey whimpered.

  Sarah put her arm around her sister and stifled a groan. “I don’t think we will. They know the Fibbies are on to them. They’ll stay out of town.”

  “They were in town last night.” Lacey glared at her sister.

  “I know, but they were almost caught last night, too.”

  “Yeah,” Jackie piped in.

  “Let’s go, guys. I want to check on Uncle Walt.” Sarah placed her duffle bag on a chair.

  “Why don’t you put your bags in my room?” Jackie said. She glanced at Lily’s kennel. “We can put Lily in there too.”

  “Does your mom know we’re staying the night?” Lacey asked.

  Jackie shook her head. “No, but once I explain the situation she’ll be okay with it.”

  “Cool.” Sarah picked up her bag.

  After depositing their bags in Jackie’s room and making sure Lily was comfortable, the girls set out for the hospital. As they walked, anticipation ran through Sarah’s body, and her fingers tingled. I hope Uncle Walt’s awake. She crossed her fingers and whispered a silent prayer. A car pulled up next to the girls. Sarah’s heart skipped a beat. Twirling, she glared at the driver. “Oh…it’s you guys.”

  “Where are you girls going?” Agent Gray asked.

  “To the hospital,” Sarah said.

  The agent sighed and unlocked the doors. “Climb in. I’ll give you a ride.”

  The Super Spies climbed into the back seat. Agent Gray accelerated and the girls were on their way.

  When they arrived at the hospital, they thanked the agents before they walked inside. As she strolled, Sarah realized three days had flown past. She had thought of little else since the bombing occurred. Will Harrisburg ever be the same? Will the people in this town ever feel safe again? It saddened her to think these thoughts. She clenched her hands. I hope this is almost over.

  When they reached Uncle Walt’s room, Sarah stopped. She faced Jackie and Lacey. “I’ll go in first.”

  Lacey gulped. “Let’s all go in.”

  Jackie nodded. “Yeah, they’ll kick us out if we’re not supposed to be in there.”

  Sarah took a deep breath. “Okay. Let’s do it.” She walked to the door. Pushing it open, she stared at the bed. Her heart beat with cautious hope.

  Aunt June was standing at the side of the bed and she held Uncle Walt’s hand. She turned and gave Sarah a smile.

  Sarah moved her gaze to Uncle Walt. His head was still encased in white bandages.

  Uncle Walt shifted his focus and
moved his head slightly. He met Sarah’s gaze and gave her a lopsided grin.

  Tears welled in her eyes and spilled down her cheeks. “Uncle Walt?”

  “Hello, Sarah.”

  Chapter Nineteen

  Sarah sobbed. “You can talk! You know who I am!”

  Uncle Walt attempted a nod.

  Lacey squealed and ran around Sarah and Jackie. Reaching her uncle, she stopped and gingerly stroked his arm.

  Sarah wiped her eyes and made eye contact with her aunt. “So, what does the doctor say?”

  Aunt June cracked a wide smile and her eyes welled with tears. “He’ll make a full recovery.”

  Sarah made her way to her uncle’s bedside. She stifled a sob as relief flowed through her body. Her legs and arms suddenly felt light, as if all the heavy tension had vanished.

  She sighed and stared at her uncle. The realization that it was a miracle he was alive was not lost on Sarah. New tears threatened to spill down her cheeks. Blinking rapidly, she kept them from spilling down her cheeks. “It’s so good to see you awake.”

  Uncle Walt focused on Sarah. “It feels good to be awake. Although, I have a horrible headache.”

  Sarah took a ragged breath. “I’m sure they’ll give you something for that.”

  Her uncle smiled. “Yes, I’m sure they will.”

  Sarah glanced behind her and saw Jackie slipping from the room. Her friend was giving the family some time alone.

  Sarah spun back toward her uncle and listened to the animated conversation he was having with her aunt and sister. She loved the sound of those voices. They were joyous.

  After twenty minutes, Uncle Walt claimed fatigue. The family left so he could rest. They stood in the hall, huddled together discussing his recovery.

  According to Aunt June, Uncle Walt would have to do some physical therapy, but other than that, he was going to be good as new.

  Sarah took a deep breath and filled her aunt in on the events of the previous night.

  Aunt June put her hand to her throat. “The bomber tried to get into our house? Why would they try to break in? Are they after us?”

  Aunt June’s hand trembled as she fiddled with her collar, and Sarah felt a pang of sympathy for her. She’s freaking out.

  Sarah shook her head. “We’re not sure. We called the FBI and they recommended that we stay with Jackie and you stay here with Uncle Walt.”

  Aunt June blanched. “I guess that would be best. Are they guarding the house?”

  “Yes.”

  “I’ll call Scott and make sure,” Lacey volunteered.

  Sarah and Jackie exchanged a long look and cracked up laughing.

  “Shut up, both of you.” Lacey stuck her nose up in the air and walked down the hall.

  Sarah motioned toward Lacey. “She doesn’t want us to hear.”

  Jackie giggled. “No doubt.”

  A song filled Sarah’s mind, Lacey and Scott sitting in a tree. K-I-S-S-I-N-G. First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes Scott and Lacey pushing a baby carriage. She laughed out loud and received strange looks from her aunt and Jackie. Sarah didn’t care. She was so happy Uncle Walt was okay, giddiness had taken over.

  Jackie gave her a playful nudge. “You’ve finally gone over the edge, girlfriend.”

  Sarah laughed. “Yeah, well I’m enjoying the ride.”

  “I can see that.” Jackie snickered and gave Sarah a squeeze.

  Giggling, Sarah gazed down the hall at her sister. She twirled her hair as she spoke on the phone. Lacey caught her eye and stuck her tongue out at Sarah, and then turned her back on her.

  Sarah looked away and took a deep breath. Uncle Walt was going to be okay. The weight of the last few days seemed to lift off her shoulders.

  Lacey reappeared, closing her phone. “Aunt June?”

  “Yes?”

  “The Fibbies are guarding the house. They say it’s safe for you to go and collect some things.”

  “All right. I might as well do that now. What do you girls have planned for the day?”

  Sarah exchanged looks with Jackie. “We were going to meet Scoop down at Hinkle’s.”

  Aunt June raised her eyebrow and gave Sarah a quizzical look. “What are you girls up to?”

  Sarah shrugged, feigning innocence. “Nothing.”

  “You’re not investigating on your own are you? This is something the police should handle.” She gave Sarah an unwavering stare.

  Sarah gulped. “We’re just asking Scoop a few questions, that’s it.”

  Her aunt stared hard at Sarah. “I don’t think it’s a good idea.”

  “Why not?”

  “Because the bombers are after you. I don’t like you girls wandering around downtown by yourself.”

  Sarah groaned as she paced. She knew by her aunt’s tone of voice, there was no arguing with her. Frowning as she walked, she tried to figure out a way to meet Scoop and keep her aunt’s fears at bay.

  She stopped. “Why don’t you give us a ride to Hinkle’s, and then Scoop can give us a ride to Jackie’s?”

  Her aunt opened her mouth to speak and then closed it again. Sarah could tell by her furrowed brow that she was considering her proposal. Say yes! Say yes! Say yes!

  “All right.” Aunt June sighed and gave Sarah the eagle eye. “But, no investigating on your own…and I mean no investigating on your own. When you get to Jackie’s you stay there.”

  “Absolutely.”

  “All right, let’s go.” Aunt June grabbed her purse and overnight bag.

  Sarah and Jackie exchanged high-fives as they followed Aunt June down the hall. Glancing back, Sarah noticed Lacey punching numbers into her phone.

  As she nudged Jackie Sarah snickered. “How much you want to bet Scott meets us at Hinkle’s?”

  Jackie smirked. “I’m not taking a losing bet.”

  The gang piled into the car, Sarah and Jackie taking the back seat, while Lacey rode shotgun. Aunt June started the car, and with a roar of the engine, they were on their way to the diner. Lacey fiddled with the radio and ignored Sarah and Jackie’s giggles and knowing looks.

  Aunt June glanced into the rearview mirror and caught Sarah’s eye. “I’m still not too crazy about you running around town.”

  Sarah sighed and rolled her eyes. “We’re not running around downtown. We’ll be at Hinkle’s with Scoop. He’s an adult.” She gulped when she caught Aunt June’s glare in the mirror.

  “Well, I’m coming in to talk to Scoop myself.”

  Sarah shrugged. “Whatever.”

  Aunt June signaled and turned into the same parking space the bombers had used the other day. The irony wasn’t lost on Sarah and she gave Jackie a rueful smile.

  “I know, girlfriend. I know.”

  The crew climbed out of the car and made their way into the restaurant.

  The jingle of the bell above the door brought back the memory of being caught in the back of the criminal’s truck. Sarah remembered the chase through town and a chill ran down her spine.

  The group stopped at the hostess station and Sarah searched the restaurant for Scoop. After a few minutes, she spied him sitting in a booth reading a paper.

  Pointing, Sarah said, “There he is.”

  The Super Spies and Aunt June hurried to Scoop’s booth. He looked up from his paper. “Hello, Super Spies.”

  Aunt June held out her hand. “Hello, Scoop. It’s nice to see you again.” She smiled at him. “I was wondering if you could give the girls a ride to Jackie’s house after you’ve finished your…business.”

  “Of course,” Scoop said, shaking her hand.

  “Thank you. I’m worried about the girls walking around town with these criminals still at large.” Aunt June glanced nervously around the restaurant.

  “I understand, but I don’t think you have to worry about them coming back into town.” Scoop gave Aunt June a reassuring smile. “I will make sure they arrive at Jackie’s safely.”

  Aunt June spoke to the girls. “Okay, I
’m going home to pick up some things for your uncle and then I’m heading back to the hospital. I will call you later.”

  “Okay,” Sarah said with a triumphant grin. “Give Uncle Walt a kiss for us.”

  “Yeah,” Lacey piped up.

  Aunt June whirled around to leave and Sarah ran up and hugged her. “This is almost over.”

  Her aunt hugged her back and then continued out of the restaurant. Sarah watched her go. After a moment, she took giant steps back to the booth and sat down next to Jackie. Lacey had climbed into the booth first and sat wedged against the wall.

  The delicious scent of burgers and fries wafted through the restaurant. Even though she’d just had a cinnamon roll, her stomach rumbled.

  Grabbing a menu, she said, “Anybody else hungry?”

  “I am.” Jackie reached for a menu.

  “Me too.”

  While the group studied their menus, the waitress approached and took their drink orders. When she returned with the drinks, each girl ordered a cheeseburger and fries.

  After the waitress left, Sarah stared at Scoop. “Okay, what have you got?”

  Scoop pulled a small notebook out of his shirt pocket. “Well, I have Randy Ferguson’s class schedule for all four years of high school, and I did some digging on him and his family.” He unfolded some pages and handed them to Sarah.

  Taking them, she read silently while Jackie looked over her shoulder.

  “Did anything jump out at you?” Sarah asked.

  “Well, not at first. He seemed like the all-American kid. He got decent grades and he played football. He was a star, actually.” Scoop frowned and scratched his head. “But I did some further digging and found out that he’s been in trouble with the law. I guess he’s got a problem controlling his temper.”

  “Did he have a beef with any teachers?” Sarah frowned.

  “Not that I can tell, but the people who would know are his friends.”

  Sarah leaned forward. “And they are?”

  “Well, I’ve got a list here.” Scoop pulled another piece of paper out of his pocket. “But I don’t think it’s a good idea for you guys to go talking to his friends. If he’s the bomber, you could get yourselves in hot water.”

  “We won’t,” Sarah said.

  Scoop pulled down the paper in her hand and gave her the old one eye. “Uh…huh.”