Category : Books-Fiction

Sub Category : Suspense/Mystery

It all started with Jennifer Taylor. "She went missing October 3rd of last year, yet her parents are still hopeful that she's alive." Said Nick.

"Well, I think it's sweet." Opal pouted.

"Sweet?" Shelly shouted. "What in God's name is 'sweet' about that?"

"Calm down, all of you!" Percy scolded.

"God we're fourteen," Annie sighed. "why do they  expect us to find her?"

"Because, we were there with her when she went missing." Nick said.

"I guess you're right. . ." Annie lied.

"Annaliese Baker, what did I tell you about doing your chores before your friends came over?" Shouted Annie's mother.

"Coming!" Annie yelled. 

"Ulch, again with the chores?" Shelly groaned. 

"Just do them when she tells you to." Said Percy.

"Yeah!" Opal said. "Then she won't call you during our meetings."

"Okay, okay!" Said Annie as she climbed down the ladder of the loft in their tree fort, then down the ladder of the tree fort itself.

She ran towards her house. "So, after Jenny went missing at Danageir Road , a few other children have as well over the years." Said Nick.

"Danageir sounds a lot like danger." Said Opal.

"I wouldn't have even looked down that road if you paid me." Said Shelly as she chewed on some popcorn.

"Hey, save me some!" Said Percy as he snatched the bowl away from her.

The heard the sound of footsteps approaching the ladder. "Hey, Annie's back!" Said Shelly.

"Hey, Annie, could you-" Began Nick.

"Oh, Ms. Baker, where's Annie?" Opal asked, looking at the ground where Ms. Baker stood.

"Just finishing a surprise she made for you all. She'll be right there." Ms. Baker winked at them,barely visible through the leaves. "I've brought berries."

"Ooh, I'll get them." Said Shelly as she climbed the ladder to meet Ms. Baker.

She brought them up and handed them to Opal. "Ooh, raspberries, my favorite!" She said, shoving a few in her mouth.

Percy shoved a handful of blueberries in his mouth. "Mm, thanks." He said, his cheeks full.

"Oh, yes! Blackberries!" Said Nick stuffing his face with the treat. 

Shelly stuck with her popcorn and ate one small blueberry. "Coming!" Said Annie in the distance. 

She had a basket of chocolate and blueberry muffins. She climbed up the ladder of the tree's trunk and up the ladder of the loft. "Ooh, yay!" Said Opal.

"Thanks!" Everyone said.

"You are all very welcome, but we must discuss matters first." She said, swatting away a few hands.

"Dang it." Said Percy and Nick.

"So, why don't we just take a trip to Danageir Road ourselves?" Shelly groand, munching on more popcorn.

Annie sighed. "We know what our parents would say to us if that happened. Besides-"

"They don't have to know!" Said Shelly.

"But if my mom-" Annie began.

"She's hot a point. . ." Said Nick.

"I know I do." Said Shelly and Annie.

"No, I meant Shelly. No ofdense, Annie."

"None taken." She grumbled.

They looked outside. It was very windy now and all of a sudden started pouring rain. "Well, we can't go now!" Annie smiled.

"Ahh, it's just a little rain." Said Shelly.

"Well," Said Opal. "Me and Percy are cvool with whatever."

Percy looked at her. "What? No! I never said-" 

She punched him. He grumbled angrily. 

"Well, it's now or never." Said Shelly.

They all climbed down both ladders and walked to Annie's garage. She had a golf cart that they were allowed to drive. "I'll drive." Said Shelly.

"Hang on, you need to actually get in first." Annie said.

"Hurry up guys," Said Opal. "I'd much rather be eating muffins and playing bingo right now. We'd better get a move on."

Opal sat next to her. Nick and Percy sat in the backseat. Annie sat on the roof. "You're still gonna sit there?" Shelly laughed. "It's pouring rain!"

"Yup." Said Annie.

Within seconds her clothes were drenched and she was shaking like a wet dog. "Annie, get down from there!" Percy said.

He got up and pulled her down. He held her upright as she shivered. "Guys," He said. "We're not going."

"Ugh, Annie!" Shelly yelled. "Stupid."

"Shut up, Shelly, she's got a cold thanks to you." Said Percy.

Nick groaned. "Great. Let's take her in the house to warm her up by the fire."

Annie hobbled inside along with the others. "Annaliese Baker, what's happened to you?"