Island of Lost Girls - Jennifer McMahon [18]
Rhonda caught Warrens eye. God, I hope shes right.
She is, Warren said, chewing his lower lip. Aunt Pat is hardly ever wrong. And once she makes up her mind about a thing, theres no stopping hershes like a force of nature.
Rhonda glanced around the room at the whirlwind of activity Pat had put into motion in less than twenty-four hours, and nodded. That I can believe.
Rhonda and Warren were the only two volunteers for the moment. Peter was stuck in back with Crowley, the others had left.
So you believe her, then? Rhonda asked.
He set down his paper cup of cocoa, leaned in closer, and nearly whispered, Wanna know what I believe?
Was he flirting? Hadshe been?
Rhonda suddenly felt horribly guilty. How could she even be thinking about some unattainable guy while Ernie Florucci was still missing, being held under lock and key by the rabbit, or worse?
No matter what happens, weve gotta think positive, Warren said, as if reading her mind. Thoughts have power, Rhonda. Thats what I believe. He leaned back in his chair, closed his eyes tightly for a minute, then opened them, looking at her.
Rhonda shook her head. Actionshave power, she told him. Ernies not just going to come walking back on her own. Someones gotta go find her.
AS THE PRESSconference was breaking up, a woman in hospital scrubs and white clogs came in. Behind her was a girl Rhonda guessed to be about twelve, shouldering a heavy-looking knapsack and looking flushed and out of breath, like shed run the whole way.
The woman in scrubs embraced Trudy and whispered something to her. The girl headed straight for the folding tables, opened her knapsack, and pulled out two large plastic containers.
Ive got cookies and brownies for you guys, she said, smiling. She addressed both of them but was clearly focused on Warren, who, with his disheveled teddy bear looks, was an adolescent girls dream. I baked them myself. Im Katy, she said, extending her hand to Warren, Ernies cousin.
She wore jeans, canvas sneakers, and a black T-shirt with a large-eyed anime character on it.
She extended her hand to Rhonda, though even when Rhonda took it, Katy stayed focused on Warren. Katy had long, straight, blond hair that she wore pulled back in a braid. She had braces, but didnt seem the least bit self-conscious about them. When she smiled, she showed her teeth and the metal flashed like jewelry.
Warren peeled back the lid on the brownies and dug in. These look amazing. Youre our savior.
Katy grabbed an empty chair and pulled it up between Rhonda and Warren, turning it so that she sat backward, legs straddling the seat, arms wrapped firmly around the wooden back.
Anything new? she asked. Again, the question was clearly directed at Warren.
Not much on our end. Crowleys been in there talking to the mechanic who works here, Peter, for about forty-five minutes now, Warren reported.
My mom said they found the car the guy used but they dont think the owners involved. Belongs to some nutty lady who didnt notice it was missing. Lives over by the lake.
You mean Laura Lee Clark, said Rhonda. She felt odd discussing the details of the case with this girl. But still, it was good to have an in with Ernies familyto hear what the police had been telling them.
Peters mother-in-law, Warren added. Clearly, hed been paying attention to the rumors and gossip of the day.
Not technically, Rhonda corrected. I mean, Peter and Tock never got married.
But they have a kid, right? Katy asked. A friend of Ernies. My mom said Ernie would go over to their house to play. This Peter guytotally knew her.
Just because he knew her doesnt mean he did it. I know Peter, all right? He would never do anything like this. Ever. Id bet my life on it.
Katy and Warren exchanged ayeah, right look.
You guys know about the drawings, right? Katy asked. Rhonda nodded. Warren shook his head, said, What drawings?
She made these pictures of her and the rabbit