Sarah crept along the back of the shops never taking her eyes off the mysterious man who walked a football field ahead of her. The Stalker strode with long, purposeful strides, like he had a destination in mind. He didn’t look back, but Sarah decided to play it safe and kept her distance.
The rest of the Super Spies trailed her as she followed the man. He moved to Main Street and led them from town to a residential area. The incline turned steep as the Stalker proceeded up a hill.
“Where are we going?” Jackie whispered in Sarah’s ear.
Sarah shook her head. “I’m not sure.”
“I hope we don’t get lost.”
“We won’t. This town is so small we’ll be able to find our way.”
Jackie fell silent as they continued their journey. Questions swirled through Sarah’s brain. What does this man have to do with my parents? How does he know them? She wracked her brain thinking back through the years. Was he a colleague of my dad’s? The Stalker didn’t look familiar. Frustrated, Sarah bit her lip and then tasted blood. Taking a deep breath, she willed herself to relax.
The man disappeared as he crested the hill, and Sarah picked up her pace. The rest of the Super Spies trudged behind her. She heard their heavy breathing as they tried to keep up. When they reached the top of the hill, the spooky house Sarah had seen on the computer loomed into view.
The street dead-ended with an abrupt halt at a tall wrought iron gate hung between heavy stone columns that rose, tall and stiff, like those British sentries that stood guard outside the Windsor Castle. A black, spiky fence stretched along the property line in both directions, like giant arms holding the grounds in a smothering embrace. A small grove of ancient oak tress held court beyond the fence, and the house hid in their shadow, uninviting, it’s mossy green paint peeling in places.
Tall, thin windows with ornate dressings resting above them seemed to peer down at the street below. The dressings had been painted a darker green than the house and they reminded Sarah of bushy eyebrows furrowed together, creating a sinister glare. The cracked sidewalk leading up to the structure reached out like a snake’s tongue searching for a tasty morsel. Sarah cringed as the image invaded her brain and a cold shudder tiptoed along her spine.
At a movement in the yard, Sarah ducked behind a tree and the rest of the teens were right behind her. The Stalker! He cast a quick glance over his shoulder and then climbed the stairs leading to the porch. With one last look around, he opened the door and disappeared inside.
“Holy cow,” Lacey whispered, grasping Scott’s arm and huddling against him. “What in the world is going on?”
Sarah shook her head. “I don’t know, but that guy followed us because we showed Mom and Dad’s picture around town.” She furrowed her brow. “Does he look familiar to you, Lace?”
Lacey shuddered. “No. Not at all.”
“Isn’t that the house we saw on the computer?” Jackie brushed her curls out of her eyes.
“Yeah, it is,” Sarah furrowed her brow.
“He must be the owner,” Scott said.
“Why do you think that?” Lacey asked.
“Because, he walked in without even knocking.” Scott gestured toward the house.
“We have to find out more about that guy and see what the connection is between him and my parents.” Sarah walked out from behind the tree and motioned for the others to follow her. “Come on, it’s been about an hour. Let’s go talk to the drugstore guy.”
Lacey twisted the hem of her T-shirt in her hands and was the first to follow Sarah. ”Let’s get out of here. That house gives me the creeps.”
The Super Spies sauntered back down the hill and Sarah cast a quick glance over her shoulder. The house seemed to be watching her with evil intent. She shivered even though the day was warm.
Determined strides carried Sarah back down the hill and the rest of the Super Spies trailed behind her. The group reached the drugstore in record time and Sarah pulled open the door, listening for the tiny bell that signaled the owner a customer had entered the shop.
“I’ll be out front in a second,” a male voice called from the bowels of the store.
“Okay,” Sarah called back.
After a few seconds a tall, gangly man appeared. “Hi, I’m Hank. How can I help you?” He brushed at the chestnut curls framing his face and his brown eyes crinkled at the corners much like Dottie’s had earlier.
Sarah pulled out her photograph and handed it to him. “Have you seen these people around town?”
Hank pursed his lips as he studied the picture. “I definitely haven’t seen the woman, but the man… he does look familiar.” He handed the photo back to Sarah.
“Do you remember when you saw him?” Sarah asked in a calm voice, though her heart hammered her chest with a ferocious beat.
Hank shook his head. “No, I can’t. We’ve been so busy around here that I can’t keep my head straight. New baby and all.” He gave the group a tired smile. “Is that all, or can I help you with something else?”
Jackie stepped forward. “What’s the story with the house up on the hill?”
“You mean the one at the end of the street?”
“Yeah, that one.” Jackie nodded vigorously, sending her curls dancing.
“That’s the Robinson place.”
“Do you know anything about the family?” Sarah asked, trying to keep the eagerness out of her voice.
“Just that their family has been around town since the beginning.” Hank furrowed his brow. “I think the Robinsons started the logging business around here. That’s what kept this town alive.”
“Really?” Jackie prodded.
“Yep.”
“Do the Robinson’s still live there?” Lacey asked.
“Oh yeah, that house has been passed down from generation to generation. The Missus passed away a few years ago, leaving Mr. Robinson and his young son. It’s pretty sad though…”
“What’s sad?” Sarah interrupted. Her stomach clenched into a tight knot as adrenaline rushed through her veins.
“Well… the little boy is real sick. In fact, I don’t think there’s anything more they can do for him.”
“What does he have?”
Hank frowned and rubbed his cheek. “I really don’t know… but Mr. Robinson was devastated. You see that little boy is the last in the line of the Robinson family.”
“Hmmm…” Sarah looked at the rest of the Super Spies. She wasn’t sure what else to ask and it didn’t look like her companions did either. “Thanks for all your help.”
“You’re welcome. You kids have a good day.”
“We will,” Sarah said before she made her way out the door.
Once out on the street, Sarah glanced around and then motioned for the rest of the Super Spies to huddle around. “Did you hear Hank? He says he thinks he’s seen Dad around town.”
“How can that be?” Lacey asked with wide, frightened eyes.
“I don’t know.” Sarah bit her lip and shook her head.
“Why haven’t they called us?” Lacey’s eyes filled with tears as she fidgeted with the hem of her T-shirt.
“I don’t know.” Sarah chewed her thumbnail, eyes locked with her sister.
Lacey’s eyes filled with questions and Sarah averted her gaze, unable to answer them. The Super Spies stood in an uncomfortable silence as the Cole girls reined in their swirling emotions. Sarah reached out and hugged her sister. “We’ll get it all figured out. You’ll see.”
Lacey sniffled and dried her eyes.
Alex glanced at his watch and cleared his throat. “I hate to spoil everyone’s fun but I’ve got to get back home in time for dinner.”
“Yeah, we should get out of here before that guy comes back,” Scott said as he cast an uneasy glance down the street.
Sarah released her sister and glanced around. “Okay. I guess we should head back. Do you think we could come back tomorrow after school and do some more digging?”
“Sure. Why not?” Alex shrugged and gave her a wide grin.
The group hustled across the street to Alex’s car. He unlocked it and the Super Spies climbed inside.
“Lace, does the last name Robinson sound familiar to you at all?” Sarah asked.
Lacey glanced at Sarah as she twirled her hair on her finger. “No, not at all.”
Sarah sighed and stared out the window. “There must be some connection between the Robinson family and Dad. But what is the connection?”
“We’ll figure it out,” Jackie said giving Sarah a quick squeeze.
She turned back to the view out the window. A black four-wheel-drive pickup caught her eye as it cruised slowly through town. When she glanced at the driver, shock ran through her body like a bolt of electricity. “Isn’t that the guy who was following us?”
Alex frowned. “Yep.” He glanced back at Sarah as questions danced in his eyes.
She squinted at the driver and the hair on the back of her neck stood on end. “Duck down!” She whispered in an urgent tone.
All the Super Spies ducked down as the Stalker passed. He continued through town and didn’t slow down or turn around. A wave of relief washed over Sarah as she watched the truck continue its journey. Popping back up in the seat she said, “I don’t think he saw us.”
Alex came into view from behind the seat. “You’re right. He would’ve turned around if he saw us.” He faced forward. “Okay guys, let’s buckle up. It’s time to go.”
Scott, who sat in the front seat next to Lacey, watched the black truck drive out of sight. “Crap. I wish I had been able to make out his license plate.” He made eye contact with Sarah and she read the quiet alarm in his eyes.
“Didn’t catch it, huh?” she asked.
“No. I couldn’t duck down and get it at the same time.” Scott cast another dark look down the street where the black truck had disappeared and then turned around in his seat.
After everyone had their seatbelts buckled Alex started the car and pulled out of the parking space. He did a U-turn on Main Street and headed toward home.
Once Alex merged onto the highway he picked up speed. The Super Spies were quiet as they sped toward Harrisburg. Sarah’s mind swirled with questions. What was the connection between the Stalker and her father? Who was he? As she struggled to make sense of the events of the day she shifted in her seat and glanced out the back window. A wave of hysteria flowed through her veins when a black pickup truck loomed into view.
“Alex! I think that guy is tailing us!” Sarah cried.
“What?” Alex exclaimed and peered into the rearview mirror. His eyes widened and he bit his lip. “Are you sure it’s him?”
“No… but it sure seems awfully coincidental, don’t you think?”
“It’s him,” Scott said in a voice mixed with anger and desperation. “We’ve got to get off the highway.”
Alex pressed his lips into a grim line. “I’ve got a mile before the next exit. I’ll pull off and we’ll see what he does.”
Sarah glanced at Jackie, then shifted her weight and stared out the back window again.
“Do you really think it’s him?” Jackie asked in a low voice as she watched out the back window with her.
“I’ve got a funny feeling it is,” Sarah said, swallowing the lump of fear that rose in her throat.
As Alex increased his speed, Sarah relaxed. She glanced at Jackie and gave her a smile. “We’ll lose him for sure now.”
Jackie gave her a quick nod and shifted so she faced the front seat again. “It’s time to get back to shopping.”
Sarah rolled her eyes and glanced out the back window one more time. A sense of dread filled her body like water filling a balloon. Her limbs seemed heavier and her movements were slow and uncoordinated. Craning her neck, she gasped as the black truck picked up speed and barreled down the highway toward them.
“Alex!” Sarah screamed. She glanced forward and caught Alex’s eye in the rearview mirror. “He is following us!”
Alex’s lips pressed together, forming an angry slash. “I saw that too. Don’t worry we’ll lose him.”
Sarah ducked down in the seat. She couldn’t stand it and had to lift her head, so she could watch the Stalker. Jackie turned around too, and both girls watched as he drew closer. Sarah could make out his hulking form behind the wheel.
“Alex, go faster!” Sarah screamed.
“Yeah! Go faster!” Jackie piped up.
“Floor it!” Scott yelled.
The car leapt forward as Alex stomped on the gas. Sarah prayed they would reach the exit in time to make an escape. Her heart thundered against her rib cage as the Stalker continued to gain on them.
The motor screamed as Alex increased his speed again and the car shook as it tried to meet the demands of its owner. Sarah was sure the vehicle would leave parts of itself all over the highway with the deep shudders running through it.
“I’m going to take this exit coming up!” Alex yelled.
Sarah gulped. “He’s going to see us get off!”
“I don’t know what else to do!” Alex shouted above the roar of the motor.
“Scott can you call your dad?” Lacey screamed as she pulled on his arm.
“I can try. But there’s not much he can do. He’s a city cop.”
“Just try,” Lacey shrieked as tears coursed down her cheeks. “That guy is crazy!”
Scott didn’t answer, but he fumbled around until he got his cell phone out of his pocket. He flipped it open and his shoulders slumped in defeat. “No service.”
Sarah glanced forward as Alex swerved at the last minute and got off the highway. He slowed the vehicle as they approached a stop sign. Looking back out the rear window, Sarah’s heart raced. The Stalker was right behind them.
“What in the world does he want?” Lacey cried. Tears welled in her eyes and her voice cracked with the strain of the situation.
“I don’t know,” Sarah answered.
The Stalker drew closer and Sarah’s blood ran cold. What are we going to do?
“Which way should I go?” Alex asked in a voice tinged with urgency.
“Turn left!” Scott shouted.
Alex cranked on the wheel and turned sharply onto a dirt road. Sarah was heaved against Jackie as she heard the tires grind on the gravel and spew dirt everywhere. The seatbelt cut into her stomach and bile rose in her throat. She righted herself and went back to her original position, staring out the back window.
“He’s not stopping at the stop sign! Step on it!” Sarah yelled.
Her heart lurched in her chest and her stomach twisted into a painful knot as the black truck tore through the stop sign and barreled down on them. Panic shot through her system like a speeding train and her mouth flooded with saliva. Don’t puke now.
Sarah swallowed her nausea and stared out the window. She grabbed Jackie’s hand and squeezed tight. The girls held hands as the truck drew closer.
Its grill loomed, filling the back window with its shiny metallic grin. Gulping, Sarah huddled closer to her friend. She clenched Jackie’s arm as her friend turned away from the back window. Alex’s car fishtailed to the right then the left as the Stalker’s front bumper collided with the back bumper of the Brown Bomb. The screech of metal against metal filled the air and Sarah clenched her teeth and covered her ears.
Alex yelled out and then stomped on the gas.
Sarah glanced out the back window and was confronted by the grill of the Stalker’s truck. “He’s right behind us!”
“I know!” Alex yelled. “I can’t go any faster!”
The Stalker rammed the back of their vehicle again sending its back end fishtailing to the left. Sarah’s seatbelt pulled her up short and slammed her back against the seat. She tried to balance herself, but couldn’t quite make it with the erratic movement of the vehicle. Leaning on Jackie she again tried to regain her balance. She heard the thunk of the door opening and then the rush of air as the door swung wide.
Alex swerved and the engine screamed its protest. Sarah was yanked back by her seatbelt and she grabbed Jackie’s arm. Holding tight, she whispered a brief prayer of thanks for the seatbelts while the tires spewed gravel everywhere. Some of it entered the car, dusting Sarah and Jackie in a gritty mist.
The car fishtailed again and Alex skidded to a stop. The engine knocked and then stalled. He turned the key with a frantic hand. The engine cranked in protest but wouldn’t start. “I think it’s flooded!” Alex panted as he continued to crank on the key. He looked out the rearview window and his eyes widened, filled with panic.
Sarah turned and peered out through the haze of dust they had kicked up. Her stomach clenched in a nauseated knot and her body seemed to flush with sudden heat. She could just make out the form of the black truck barreling toward them.