The Gateway

Part I

Evergreen

Chapter One

The final exam had taken Sarah forty-five minutes to get through. She looked over her essay questions one last time and then flipped the test papers back to the front page. She glanced up and saw that there were still a good many students in the lecture hall. Sarah folded the test paper and printed her name at the top. Confident she had done well she gathered up her things and quietly descended to where Professor Tobias sat behind his desk.

He stuck a scrap piece of notebook paper into the book he was reading to hold his place. Well how was the test? he asked.

Oh fine, Sarah responded softly. I saved the multiple choice part for last. It was the essay questions where I spent most of my time. They were a little different this time.

Tobias smiled. Well, I’m sure you did fine.

I think I did well. She replied.

Any more tests for you or is this it? Tobias asked her.

No this was my last exam for the summer. Sarah answered. I decided to take the summer off and finish up in the fall.

And I hope you have a very good summer Sarah. Professor Tobias adjusted his half-glasses on his nose and smiled faintly as Sarah handed over her test paper.

Thanks, Dr. Tobias.

What are your plans this summer? Are you planning to work at the bookstore again? He asked, his gray myopic gaze studying first the test paper then shifting up to Sarah.

Just like always! Every summer since high school. she replied with a grin. Mr. McAllister’s going to need a lot of help this summer. You heard, didn’t you that Walter O’Bannon’s coming to Evergreen at the end of his book tour.

Tobias nodded his silvery head, his lips pursing slightly at the mention of O’Bannon. Ah yes, I recall reading about it in the campus paper. Apparently he is anxious to return to his alma mater, now that he’s attained such celebrity status.

Have you read any of his books? Sarah shifted off to one side of Tobias’ desk as another student brought up his test paper and left the lecture hall.

Tobias took off his glasses, folded them carefully and tucked them into the leather case before he answered. I’m afraid that my tastes in reading run more toward the classics. He folded his hands on top of his well-worn attaché case. I understand he is quite – popular among the young people.

Sarah hitched her backpack higher on her shoulder and nodded understandingly. I know. I’ve read most of his books, strictly bubble gum for the brain.

Tobias’ brow wrinkled slightly, How’s that?

She grinned. Just for entertainment, you know something for your brain to chew on for the fun of it.

Tobias smiled wanly at her. I shall have to remember that phrase.

Sarah glanced down at her wristwatch and grimaced. It’s nearly two; I’ve got to get going. See you soon, Dr. Tobias.

Tobias lifted a hand in farewell as she wagged her fingers at him as a small child would. He watched her depart through the large double doors of the lecture hall.

Sarah DeWinter was a bright intelligent young woman. She had turned out to be one of a handful of students that had shown bright promise in the field of psychology. There were very few students he had developed a fondness for; Sarah had managed with her sparkling wit and intelligence to secure a place in his heart. He had begun to entertain the notion of asking her to join is staff upon graduation. As Chair of the Psychology department, Tobias could easily find a position for her.

••

Once leaving the lecture hall Sarah headed down the corridor in the Hollister J. Thayer Science building and into the wide foyer. Several students called out to her and she waved her acknowledgements sending them a bright radiant smile. Sarah was a warm friendly young woman of twenty-three years. She was not very tall but her slender athletic frame gave the impression she was. While many students with her athletic ability were enrolled in sports programs at the college, Sarah had settled quite easily into the role as a psychology major. She preferred to keep her athletic pursuits to the jogging trails at the park. Running for Sarah was a solitary sport that she enjoyed whenever her hectic schedule began to overwhelm her. She threaded her way through the other students milling just inside the building and once outside passed a knot of other students smoking near an ashcan. Sarah headed around the side of the building to the bike rack and began fishing the key from the pocket of her jeans. While many students attending Evergreen College drove to and from the campus, Sarah favored her bike. She enjoyed the exercise and the freedom the bike provided when navigating through the town’s main streets.

She unlocked the heavy steel ‘U-shaped’ bar and swung her backpack around to store it within. In the zippered pocket of the backpack she pulled a blue baseball cap out and adjusted it on her head pulling her long thick brown braid through the back of the cap and let it dangle down her back. She was heading down to the bookstore. She would begin her summer employment as she had done every summer since entering high school.

Patrick McAllister had hired Sarah her freshman year of high school to help around the bookstore then over time, she had been entrusted with the operation of the store while McAllister went on vacations and spent a month in his beloved Scotland visiting his brother.

Sarah rolled her bike up to the street and mounted. She pushed off and coasted down the boulevard in front of the science building and began pedaling in the general direction of Main Street. The campus was still relatively crowded with students. While many of them went home for the summer, the campus did not close down entirely. The summer sessions would begin in two weeks, and summer activities would draw many people from town to hear special lectures and classic and foreign film studies in the fine arts center.

The town of Evergreen relied on the college students for much of its commerce. It was a college town and the coffee shops and trendy boutiques on Main Street reflected the tastes of the college set. The only other industry near Evergreen was an agriculture chemical plant that manufactured fertilizer and animal feed and seed to the farming community around Evergreen.

She stopped at the end of the campus entrance for a red light. A light green hatchback rolled up beside her and a girl poked her head out. Hey Sarah!

She turned as she heard her name and smiled at the familiar face. Hey Lisa. Sarah ducked her head down to see that the driver of the car was and grinned as she recognized Lisa’s boyfriend, Craig. You two heading for the links?

Lisa nodded her head, her sleek bobbed hair swinging back from her face, Tee time’s at three!

Lisa Chou and Craig Pollard were both avid golfers. They made quite a pair on the course. Lisa was a small petite oriental girl with hair as black as a raven’s wing. Her dark eyes were always twinkling with impish merriment. Craig was just the opposite. He was a somber faced boy of Swedish extraction. Tall and lanky – ‘all elbows and knees’, as her father would say. Craig had a wild shock of blonde hair bleached by the sun, deep ice blue eyes and several earrings in one ear. As the light turned green Lisa and Craig both waved out the window, calling a battle cry loudly over the music blaring from the car radio.

Sarah laughed and pushed off in the opposite direction, toward downtown. Some ten minutes later, Sarah arrived in front of the bookstore. She parked and locked her bike in the rack just in front of the storefront and entered. Patrick McAllister stood behind the counter with a customer. He was a burly barrel-chested Scotsman. He had dark auburn hair graying at the temples and a bushy beard growing over his face with silver touching his chin. Sarah often thought McAllister looked like he wore a foxtail on his face. The soft chimes sounded at Sarah’s arrival and he turned to wave a beefy hand at her. So, how’d it go m’girl?

Oh, fine. Sarah answered and nodded to a woman at the checkout. I wasn’t worried about this test; I always know what Dr. Tobias’ tests are going to be like. After three years – I should!

McAllister rang up his total on the cash register and nodded to the woman with a smile, Thank you and come again!

Sarah donned her vest and adjusted her nametag, What’s on tap today?

McAllister leaned on his elbows over the counter and nodded his head toward the back room. Time to set up a new display in the front window, I’ll leave the decorating to you. I’ll be occupying myself with the magazines.

Sarah smiled at her employer then headed off to the back room. McAllister moved over to unpack the shipment of magazines. In the corner of the storage room were three large boxes from Valiant Quest books. These must be the promotional materials for O’Bannon’s new book.

Aye, arrived this morning! called McAllister.

Sarah took up the utility knife and carefully ran the sharp blade over the packing tape and pulled the first box open. There were banners, posters, bookmarks and other materials to announce the coming of Walter O’Bannon’s new publication. The press packet was directly on top of the first box and Sarah pulled it open. Scanning over the information contained in the packet she then moved on to the other boxes.

Sarah left the back room and went to the front display window. She had set up the last display and set about clearing away the spring gardening display. She took the books away first then the rest of the display props. She dusted and cleaned the storefront window then went back to the boxes to see what else had been provided. She discovered a variety of colorful flags and cardboard cutouts of book characters and display stands. A large poster that looked like a parchment scroll complete with illuminated script and official looking wax embossed seal and ribbons announced the special prize coming to each bookstore O’Bannon visited. A limited leather bound edition signed by the author would be offered.

What will we do with all this stuff? Sarah asked as she sat down to leaf through the press folder.

McAllister paused in the process of cutting into the tough plastic wrap of a magazine bundle and jerked his bearded chin at the counter, There’s a packet o’ stuff sent to store managers. Take a look!

Sarah abandoned her press folder and went around the counter to pick up the heavy envelope from Valiant Quest. She scanned the first few pages then wrinkled her brow, Sounds like it’ll be a mess!

McAllister snorted humorlessly, Aye! Lot of nonsense with these scrolls!

Sarah shook her head in amazement; We’re likely in for a stampede when the news of the scrolls hit the streets.

McAllister shrugged his shoulders and heaved a gigantic sigh. Maybe it’ll be good for business.

Well, it’s good for their business! Sarah responded. She looked back to the display window. Maybe we should hold off on the display until the scrolls arrive.

They’ll be here tomorrow morning — special delivery! McAllister responded. All one thousand of them!

Sarah rolled her eyes heavenward. It’s going to be one hell of a summer!

McAllister chuckled. Oh aye of that you can be sure, m’girl!

••

Bright and early the next morning Patrick McAllister received his overnight-delivery of scrolls from Valiant Quest. The delivery person was hardly out of his teens. McAllister took the electronic clipboard from the boy and scrawled his signature with the stylus. I’ll need to have that special card to confirm you received the shipment.

McAllister stepped back into the storeroom and plucked the plastic card from the bulletin board. Sarah had placed it in plain view for him the evening before. The boy smiled in triumph as he slid the barcode over his clipboard. A confirmation series of electronic tones sounded. All yours!

McAllister took possession of the box as the boy handed over the packing slip. McAllister closed and locked the back door and placed the large box on the worktable. He cut open the box with the utility knife and looked at the rows of neatly rolled scrolls. He reached in and pulled one out. The paperwork included in the scrolls said the price per scroll was $25.00 a small price to pay for a chance to win the leather-bound edition of O’Bannon’s latest novel.

McAllister knew Sarah had read O’Bannon’s other novels and her birthday was coming up in a few weeks. He would give it to her along with the hardcover book when they arrived. He examined the scroll up close. It was a parchment like paper with a large red wax seal and black ribbons securing the paper. The announcement warned not to break the seal and he carefully took the scroll into his office and stored it in the top drawer of the filing cabinet.

At a little before ten that morning, Sarah DeWinter wheeled up on her bike and secured it to the bike rack outside the store. She used her key to enter. She pulled the weekly tabloid from the pocket of her backpack and waved it in the air. Well news of O’Bannon’s book has hit the campus paper. It’s only a matter of time before folks start hitting us up for the scrolls.

McAllister pointed to the storeroom. They arrived just a bit ago. It’ll be first come first served.

Twenty-five dollars, right? And one to a customer.

Aye, no exceptions.

Okay, I guess I’ll pull the curtain on my display then stand back and wait for the avalanche.

Main yer station m’girl! McAllister called cheerfully, It’s ten of the clock!

As expected, once the word got out of the scrolls, the rush was on. During lunchtime when the bookstore shut its doors for an hour, a snarl of people assembled at the door waiting to purchase a scroll.

Sarah sat hunched before her sandwich and stared at the small television McAllister had in the back room. The local newscast was running a segment on the craze that had hit bookstores elsewhere in the nation. The reporter covering the piece on Walter O’Bannon stood in front of the publishing firm. I am here in front of Valiant Quest Incorporated. VQuest is one of the largest publishing firms of science fiction and fantasy novels in the country. Walter O’Bannon is the most popular author in VQuest’s stable of writers. O’Bannon began his writing career some twelve years ago with Storm Ter, the first novel in the Alta Ter series, the continuing serial of epic fantasy novels. O’Bannon continues to draw hundreds of thousands of fans to his writing conferences and clogging the Internet with his live chats. His fans, mostly high school and college age, have followed his career since his first novel hit the bookstands. Now his eager and devoted fans await the release of his next book in the continuing Alta Ter series. O’Bannon’s literary press agent, Scott Gordon, had this to say:

The screen switched to a clean-shaven man in his mid-forties. His dark brown hair was cut very short and his light gray eyes glittered behind small round wire frame glasses. We have come up with a book and conference tour that will delight all of Walter’s devoted fans. With VQuest’s blessing, I’ve coordinated a nationwide book tour that will coincide with the Valiant Quest Renaissance Festivals held in the states during the summer and early fall in England. What makes this tour even more exciting is each festival and bookstore slated to host O’Bannon on his tour will have a rare limited edition of the book available. There are only 1000 of these books printed! One lucky person will be chosen at each of these sites to receive this book!

The scene changed to show a still photograph of the scrolls. Scott Gordon’s voice continued, VQuest has designed a unique way to hold the drawing. With the arrival of the book, store owners and festival ticket booths are being sent boxes of parchment scrolls each sealed with red wax and black ribbons. On each scroll is a number. Those lucky enough to purchase scrolls are urged not to break the seal before the drawing. For a price of $25.00 each participant of the drawing receives a scroll and the chance to win the special leather bound edition of Gadalfa: The desert spear.

The reporter’s face appeared on the screen once more, There is a limited supply of scrolls. We understand that only 1000 scrolls have been printed for each stop. Only a limited number of people can enter into the drawing. So the race will be on to see who will be the first to purchase the scrolls.

Once again Scott Gordon appeared. At the end of each festival or book signing, Walter O’Bannon will be on hand to pick the winner. I can guarantee this will be exciting!

Briefly there was a follow up piece in another state of the mobs that had descended the mall bookstore as the scrolls went on sale. Sarah simply could not believe how crazy people could get over a book!

Looks like we’re gonna be busy this afternoon. McAllister told her as he crumpled up the wax paper that his sandwich had been wrapped in. There’s a big crowd already forming at the front door.

I’ll be happy when we sell out. Sarah muttered. Then at least we won’t have to go through all this craziness until the book comes out.

McAllister nodded his shaggy head in silent agreement.

Later that afternoon a sudden and unexpected drop in sales of the scrolls occurred. McAllister was perplexed by the desertion. Sarah pulled the press packet from under the counter and ran her finger down the schedule of events. Well, I would imagine that most of O’Bannon’s devotees are at home.

Why’s that? McAllister asked.

The Internet, she replied. O’Bannon’s hosting a live chat on the VQuest’s web site.

McAllister inclined his head toward his office. Why not check this chat out?

Sarah smiled mischievously at her boss, Certain privileges being extended to the hosts of O’Bannon’s book tour?

VQuest did give my store access. McAllister responded.

Well then I suppose I’ll go check ‘em out!

McAllister for his adherence to what might be perceived as old-fashioned traditional ways had the most up to date and complete computer system of anyone Sarah knew. He had even been one of the first in town to have a direct cable access installed when it first became available in Evergreen. She turned on the computer and logged into McAllister’s Internet Service Provider. Once the site had completely loaded up she tapped in the URL of VQuest’s web site and pressed the ‘enter’ key. Even with the cable access it took a few minutes for the site to load up. VQuest had set up more than 250 different chat rooms for O’Bannon’s fans. The chat rooms ranged from role-playing areas to the more bizarre adult chat rooms. The virtual lecture hall set aside for individuals was where Sarah eventually navigated, entering with McAllister’s special password and log-in name. The session comprised of questions from fans and answers from O’Bannon about the new book and questions about characters from past novels.

The current line of dialog from the online chat was in answer to a question about the desert men of Klavia.

The desert men are a savage people. Their culture is as unrelenting as the desert they are forced to live in. Most are nomadic, traveling from one oasis to the other in search of suitable drinking water. Many desert people rely on the tall thorny plant called the septa". The septa looks very much like a flat cactus with needle sharp spines that extend six to eight inches from the ridged surface. The spires of the septa grow to twelve to fifteen feet high and are clustered in groves. The desert men carefully snap off the long spines and tap into the cactus with a tube. The sap, a thick milky substance collects in pots and is then heated and strained into water bladders. It serves as suitable drinking water when the wells go dry.

As one might expect, water is a precious commodity in the desert. In some cases the tribes’ worth is measured in the depth of their well which is called the source. Each tribe, though nomadic has one well that serves as an annual gathering place. They refer to this annual pilgrimage as returning to the source.

This is a time and place where contracts are signed, tribal negotiations are conducted, marriage contracts are signed, and debts are settled. Tribal alliances are also formed during this time. Tempers can run hot and at which point disagreements rise.

All disagreements whether tribal or personal, are settled on the battle sands. A tribal dispute involves pitting one tribal leader against another. A personal disagreement is settled in the same way. One warrior pitted against the other and to the death.

If confrontation is to be avoided, a blood pact can be requested of the challenger. Once blood is spilled by ones own hand the matter is considered settled and peace is restored. The letting of blood by ones own hand is thought to be the ultimate sacrifice for peace.

The desert men’s code of honor is peculiar to them. The code is very complex in its structure and is rigidly followed. Death on the battlefield is considered the highest honor to the tribe and to the desert mans’ family. Rather than be captured, suicide is the honorable way to pass into the gates of heaven and rejoin the Source."

Sarah glanced over her shoulder at McAllister; He’s slipped off the deep end. He truly thinks this world he writes about is real!

She slid the mouse up to click on the icon of the book cover and a black and white photograph snapped into view. O’Bannon looked as if he were going to a costume party. His hair was long and worn very much in the same way his desert men of Klavia were described. This man’s way over the top!

Publicity! remarked McAllister as he stared over Sarah’s shoulder at the computer screen.

I hope you’re right, Sarah murmured as she exited from the web site, I’ve a funny feeling about all this.

McAllister chuckled and laid a hand on Sarah’s shoulder. Don’t let your imagination run wild, m’girl!

She disconnected from the Internet and joined McAllister out in the store again. Don’t you think it’s kind of goofy that he would go to such extremes with this dressing up stuff?

Crazy like a fox! McAllister responded. This fellow knows that the young people who buy his books will find his eccentricity curious. It will only fuel their desire to have his books.

I guess so. O’Bannon and his loose grasp on reality disturbed Sarah. She was sure Dr. Tobias would have a field day with O’Bannon’s psychological profile.

Chapter TWO

On Saturday morning as Sarah sat at the breakfast table with her parents she noticed a column on the back page of the newspaper her father was reading. She twisted her head to one side as she scooped her spoon into her grapefruit.

Three disappear from Renaissance festival.

What’s that? Sarah’s mother asked absently as she leafed through a magazine.

Sometime after 8:45 last evening; two women approximately twenty two years of age and a boy in his early teens disappeared after attending a Valiant Quest Renaissance festival. Authorities are asking anyone who had contact with Tammy Collins, Rebecca Osborne, or Henry Walker to please contact the county sheriff’s office.

Scary isn’t it. Sarah’s father said as he peered over the paper at Sarah. There’s another column here that says two college aged women disappeared from the mall in Dayton. Apparently the last person to see them was the cashier at a bookstore.

Sarah’s frown deepened as she began to make connections that were too disturbing to voice to her parents. That is odd.

Sarah’s mother closed her magazine. Thank goodness the city council voted down the contract to build a mall here in Evergreen. Best thing they ever did!

••

That afternoon McAllister sent Sarah down the street to the ice cream shop. He had developed a hankering as he put it for a triple scoop Butter Pecan parfait with caramel topping and whipped cream. He instructed Sarah to treat herself to whatever caught her fancy. She ordered the parfait for McAllister and was trying to decide what she wanted when the television that hung suspended overhead the ice cream counter caught her attention. The VQuest logo flashed and a network reporter appeared. Another disappearance has occurred in a growing number of such incidences in the United States. This time a disappearance occurred in Castleton, West Virginia. Sixteen year old Allison McGuire disappeared without a trace. McGuire, a theater student working as a stagehand for the summer in the Allegro Theater apparently disappeared after last evening’s performance of A Midsummer Nights Dream. The Allegro troupe is sponsored in part by a grant from the Monarch Corporation, a subsidiary of Valiant Quest publishers. Authorities are in the process of questioning individuals of the troupe hoping to uncover a clue to her disappearance. The police are not ruling out the possibility of foul play.

Sarah shook her head in disbelief. Could it be possible that all these disappearances were linked in some way? Just a coincidence? She paid for the parfait and chocolate malted shake and returned to the bookstore. McAllister frowned at her as she entered. What’s wrong?

She shrugged lightly. I don’t know, it could be nothing. I saw another report of a missing person.

McAllister’s sandy eyebrows rose. Connected to VQuest?

She nodded. Just seems too coincidental not to be somehow connected to VQuest. Is it possible that there’s some lunatic traveling with O’Bannon’s book tour – or he is kidnapping these people?

McAllister pulled thoughtfully at his beard. It is possible. I am sure the police are looking at this from every angle.

Where’s that schedule of events that VQuest sent in their publicity packet? She set aside her milkshake as McAllister handed her the folder. If I’m not mistaken, there’s been a kidnapping at each site so far. If another disappearance happens at the next scheduled stop, that means some crazy person connected to the tour, or some groupie stalking the tour, is the culprit.

Aye, but don’t you imagine that the police have this well in hand?

Maybe; then again; maybe not. She answered. The next stop on the tour is in St. Louis.

I wouldn’t worry too much about this Sarah. McAllister told her as he dipped his spoon into the heart of his parfait.

But what about when O’Bannon arrives in Evergreen? She waved the offending schedule in the air in front of her. Will someone go missing here? He’ll be here in a few weeks.

Aye and the police will be patrolling the place to make sure nothing happens. McAllister said.

Something is going on. Something is just not right about this whole thing!

Azalla, Hajm’sa Sarah! Josh Nolan entered the bookstore. What’s happenin’!

Sarah turned and grinned at the young boy. Following behind Josh was Barbara Nolan. She rolled her eyes at her brother. Pay no attention to the moron! He’s gone bonkers over this O’Bannon tour!

Josh screwed up his face at his sister then winked at Sarah. My sibling forgets her station. I, Suli’ al Nolan, am here to purchase a scroll!

Sarah laughed good-naturedly. You’re cutting it close Josh. There’s not many left. She brought out the box from underneath the counter and let Josh pick his scroll.

As Josh examined the scrolls that were left he angled a look at Sarah. So have you been seeing the stuff on the television? People going missing and all that.

Sarah nodded. Yes I have.

Barbara’s light blue eyes clouded suddenly. They’ve been kids like Josh and his friends and people our ages. Going missing and no sign of them at all!

Sarah shot a dour look at McAllister. I’ve been told that I’m exaggerating.

McAllister wagged a thick finger back at her. I only said I was sure the authorities had everything well in hand. The same suspicions you’ve voiced I’m sure the police have investigated.

What? Barbara asked.

Josh made his selection and cradled the scroll gingerly in his hands. This just might be the winning scroll!

Sarah rang up the price of the scroll and as Josh handed over his money she carefully laid the bills in the cash drawer. I just think there’s either someone – some groupie maybe – or someone in the entourage that is kidnapping these kids.

Some weirdo you mean? Barbara asked. Like a stalker?

Possibly, Sarah replied then shrugged her shoulders. But I can’t prove anything.

Not unless someone turns up missing in St. Louis. Josh said.

I’m just going to wait, watch and see what happens. Sarah murmured.

And if someone does go missing, then what? Barbara asked.

Sarah shrugged shoulders. I’m just one person, with suspicions.

I’ll bet there’s a lot more people looking at this. Josh said. Talk about cutting into the sales!

Sarah laughed. Just when it seemed that Josh was thoroughly caught up in the O’Bannon tales, he surfaced with a completely logical and rational statement. Yes I know you’re exactly right, the power of economics in action!

Chapter Three

It was several days later when Sarah had the opportunity to bike down to the park for her evening run. She had planned to run earlier in the day, but she had gotten a late start. Sarah pedaled down the lane that would take her into the park area. It was impulse that made her turn down the cul de sac where Mark Tyler lived. Mark identified himself to everyone as Sarah’s boyfriend, but the relationship had not developed much beyond an occasional date to the movies.

Mark was playing basketball with several of his neighborhood friends when Sarah rode up the drive. He grinned and waved to her as he saw her pedal up and dismount fluidly from her bike.

Elaine Tyler, Mark’s mother was weeding her flower bed in the front yard and paused to brush back a strand of dark hair with the back of her gloved hand. Sarah, how have you been?

Just fine, Mrs. Tyler and you? Sarah rolled her bike off to the side and nudged the kickstand down. She left her bike and came around to speak to Mark’s mother.

Doing well. This is the first chance I’ve had to tend to my flowerbeds. The weeds were taking over! Elaine replied shaking her head in dismay at the amount of weeds choking her flower borders.

I saw in the paper that the Junior League is sponsoring a gardening show. Will you be entering your roses?

Elaine nodded. Oh yes. If you get the chance, go take a look at my latest cross. It’s the closest I’ve ever come to a true blue.

Sarah, where you off to? Mark asked as he bounded over to greet her.

Over to the park for a run.

He frowned. It’s kind of late isn’t it?

She shrugged. It won’t get dark until close to eight, I’ll be finished long before that.

Elaine glanced between the two of them then leaned back over her weeding. She was not about to offer any comment one way or the other. Her son could sometime be bossy and she knew Sarah was fiercely independent.

Mark glanced over his shoulder then back to Sarah. I could go with you.

No, that’s okay. Sarah replied. I only stopped by for a moment.

Mark nodded. The disappointment clearly showed on his face. He had hoped Sarah would have asked him to accompany her. If you’re sure –.

I’m sure.

He followed her to her bike and watched silently as she prepared to leave. I saw Barbara yesterday. She said something crazy about you working with the police to solve these kidnappings that have been on TV and in the paper.

Sarah rolled her eyes heavenward. Oh Barb always gets things screwed up! I’m not working with anyone! I just told her that I thought something weird was connected to the VQuest book tour.

So you think there’s a connection? he asked.

Well something is going on. I’ve told Mr. McAllister that the next stop in the book tour is St. Louis. If something happens there, then we’ll know for sure that it’s someone connected to the O’Bannon tour.

I guess the scrolls are all sold out, right? Mark wanted to know.

Yes! Sarah exclaimed. We sold the last ones today. Now the next horror is when the books arrive.

Josh told me that he’d come in and brought one from you. Mark said with a wry smile. He’s going crazy waiting for this O’Bannon guy. He says there are five bodyguards traveling with him all dressed in these funky costumes.

Oh I know! Sarah replied wrinkling her nose in distaste. It’s like a stupid science fiction convention. Josh and his cronies I’m sure will be all decked out in costumes. It’s a little silly, going to such extremes.

Mark chuckled softly. You mean you won’t have to dress up as a buxom wench in a medieval gown?

Ow me laird! She said in her best peasant voice, A thousand pardons me laird! I must journey to yon park afore the darkness cometh.

Mark laughed and made a grand bow. Do cometh again to my humble estate, milady Sarah.

Indeed I shall! She pushed off and pedaled down the drive to the street and gave a final wave to Mark and his mother.

The park where Sarah enjoyed running had a large emerald green lake at its center. A network of trails encircled the lake. Depending how long you ran through the trails the workout could take anywhere from thirty to ninety minutes to complete. Sarah locked her bike securely to the rack and tied the key to her shoelace. Her warm up routine consisted of stretching and limbering up. She also incorporated an abbreviated form of Tai ‘Chi to help loosen up her muscles. When she had finished she stepped onto the trail and jogged a few hundred feet then easily fell into the rhythm of the run. She passed several people out walking their dogs. Passing her in the other direction another runner nodded greeting to her.

Sarah ran to free her mind. When she ran she found she concentrated only on the sound of her footfalls against the ground and the steady drawing and exhaling of her breath. She pushed away all thoughts of school, the book tour and the disappearances.

Taking her cooling off walk by the lake her thoughts began to wander. She passed under the stone arch that stood dominate at the center of the park. It was an oddity; no one knew who built it or why it was built. As she passed beneath the arch she ran her hand over the rough hewn surface of the granite column. She felt or imagined a slight tingling sensation under her fingertips. She paused briefly and studied the cross piece for a moment then continued on her way.

It was at this time that she felt the most relaxed and calm within herself. Sarah had read in journals and magazines of the chemical reactions that occurred in an athlete’s body. Her calm and tranquil state of mind was simple biochemistry at work.

Dusk had fallen and the first flicker of the street lamps began to throw their pale amber glow over the street. Sarah mounted her bike and began her leisurely ride home. To cut time off her trip home, she decided to take the main streets rather than meander through the side lanes and streets. Traffic was at its minimum and Sarah quickly reached the street where she lived. When she rolled her bike up the drive and into the garage she noticed her parents’ car was gone. No doubt they had either gone out to get dessert or stopped at the video store for a movie.

She wearily climbed the back steps of her house and opened the door. A note was taped on the refrigerator. We’ve gone to pick up a video. Be back soon. I made orange juice for you. Mom.

Sarah smiled. Her mother had the idea that orange juice was the elixir of all athletes. She went upstairs to her bedroom and pulled a clean set of pajamas from her chest of drawers and headed off to the shower.

She spent the rest of the evening enjoying the movie her parents rented and went to bed pleasantly tired.

Chapter Four

Friday morning Sarah arrived at the bookstore and found Patrick McAllister on the phone in a heated discussion. How long do you expect this will go on?

Sarah quietly came over to the counter and raised her eyebrows in silent question. McAllister covered the telephone receiver with one beefy hand. Express has walked out on strike! Midnight last night!

Oh no!

Aye!

Express Shipping was the Freight Company that delivered all their store materials. In fact they acted as the shipping agent for most of the paper and lumber businesses in the Evergreen and Windmere county areas. As Sarah stood listening to the one-sided telephone conversation, the phone in McAllister’s office began to ring and McAllister waved Sarah to handle the call. She hurried up the small flight of stairs and snatched up the phone on the third ring. Once Upon a Tome, may I help you?

Hello? Patrick McAllister, please.

Sarah twisted around to look down at McAllister through the fixed window. Mr. McAllister is on another phone line. May I take a message?

Are you his assistant?

Yes. Sarah answered.

Ah well, we understand that Express Shipping has declared a strike. From what I’ve heard there’s no telling how long this strike of theirs will likely go on.

And you are?

A soft chuckle sounded on the line. Oh sorry, I didn’t identify myself. My name is Paul Connors from VQuest. As you know, Walter O’Bannon will be ending his American book tour in his hometown in less than two weeks. We felt we should send our own people out with the books. We felt it best to do that rather than depend of a freight company in the throes of negotiating their contract.

Yes that makes sense. Sarah commented.

So, we wanted to call and let Mr. McAllister know that the books are on the road and heading for Evergreen. We’ve taken the liberty of sending 500 books for his store.

Five hundred? That’s a lot. Sarah replied.

Yes well from recent sales on the other stops that should be enough to please all of O’Bannon’s fans. We’ve found most purchase two books and get both autographed.

One to keep and one to share. Sarah murmured.

Exactly! So, let me give you the confirmation number to give to our driver when he arrives. All he’ll need is McAllister’s signature and the confirmation number. Connors told Sarah.

She pulled a scratch pad and pencil toward her and sat down behind McAllister’s desk. She wrote the number down and repeated it to Connors.

Correct so if nothing else, O’Bannon’s fans will not be disappointed. Good luck with your sales. Good-bye.

Bye. Sarah put the receiver back in its cradle and taped the confirmation number to McAllister’s computer screen. Anything of real importance, Sarah pinned to the bulletin board in the storeroom or to the computer screen in the office.

She went back downstairs and prepared to open the store. McAllister slammed the phone down and folded his arms over his chest. Sarah briefly related the phone call from VQuest.

Damned suspicious if you ask me!

How’s that? Sarah asked casting a glance over her shoulder.

That this strike would come just as VQuest is preparing to roll into town!

Sarah chuckled wickedly as she unlocked the front door of the bookstore. You’re beginning to sound like me!

McAllister snorted in disgust. Aye well, kill the competition and you can steam roll into town and make a killing!

I think VQuest simply sees this as an excellent opportunity to make a lot of money. As you say, with the competition out of the way there’s all the more opportunity.

McAllister cocked his head to one side. So did you check the papers?

No. Anything special I should be looking for?

I’m surprised you didn’t pounce on it first thing. McAllister said. He opened the cash register and tapped in his store identification code. There’s nothing. St. Louis at least had no odd disappearances.

Hmm.

Disappointed? McAllister leaned over the counter and rested briefly on his elbows.

No. It’s just that I still think that something is screwy about the book tour. I can’t put my finger on it exactly, but something is wrong about the whole thing. Sarah turned the newspaper over on the table then tucked it behind the paper rack and turned to McAllister. Do you think I’m just imagining things?

McAllister did not ponder her question long. No, you’re a level headed young woman Sarah. I wouldn’t have hired you if I thought you were a flighty airhead.

Sarah grinned at him. Airhead! I haven’t heard that term in a long time!

To work with ye! McAllister boomed. Those computer and programming books are a shambles!

Aye-aye Captain!

In the late afternoon, McAllister left the bookstore on a few errands. Sarah was in charge. She was finishing up a sale when the door announced another customer. It was Barbara Nolan and her brother