The next day at school, Shirley, Bo, Alicia Gianelli, Bart James and
Stink Patterson found their places in the audotorium. As soon as the first
bell had rung Ms. Strattman announced over the PA that there would be a
special assembly now, and would everyone please report to the audotorium
immediatley.
"It's about Kimberly I just know it! Oh- It's SO tragic! I was just
about to get new shoes when I heard and it just killed my mood!"
Alicia said in her usual hyper way.
Stink winked at Shirley, and muttered loudly enough for Alicia to hear, "Yeah, she bought those Guccis half-heartedly!"
Alicia slapped Stink, "I did. Oh- it was terrible!" Alicia sighed dramatically.
Shirley could tell that she was trying to life the gloomy, somber state
everyone in the school seemed to be in.
Bart spoke up, "Did you know that kidnappings usually end up tragically?
If they come back they come back emotionally disturbed or they die..."
Bart droned on and Shirley felt sick just listening, Bo noticed this
and grabbed Shirley's hand.
"She's worth too much money." He commented.
"Really," Stink said, whispering as the gym was quieting down, "If you could get a whole bunch of ransom money by kidnapping Kim would you? It's easy money!"
Bart appeared thoughtful while Alicia shushed everyone to listen.
Ms. Strattman came to the center of the room and explained about Kimberly's
kidnapping. She concluded by saying:
"Yesterday the staff and myself brought out some rules to ensure the
saftey of the school, and that this never happens again. The following
rules will be put in effect immediatly. They are:
Off campus/outdoor lunches, outdoor gym classes/recesses will
be suspended until further notice.
Rides should be given and recieved by a family member. If rides
can not be given immediatly after school students are permitted to stay
in school until their rides come.
The doors to the outside will be locked as soon as school is
in session, we urge your promptness and if you ARE going to be late contact
the school.
"The mayor wanted me to announce the new curfew until this tragedy has subsided. Children/Teenagers are to be inside by six o' clock. Any minors found outside and later then six o'clock will be punished by the authorities. Thank you for your attention, classes will continue after recess."
Stink groaned, "SIX O' CLOCK! What are they trying to do to us?"
Alicia glared at Ms. Strattman.
"I'll have to cut back hours at the Quazzar which means the Quazzar
will have to cut back my pay."
Bo looked apologetically at Shirley.
"Guess we can't go to the movies tonight."
Bart suddenly exploded.
"It's not like kidnappings don't happen! They happen all the time!
It's like the Town The Dreaded Sundown! This isn't the movie 'Scream' Mr.
Ghostface isn't gonna kill us all!"
"Bart," Shirley said gently, "Kidnappings are pretty serious. Sometimes- I mean Kim might get killed and that makes these rules pretty necessary..."
Everyone was quiet, and Alicia let out her breath.
"I didn't think about it- that Kim could be-"
"Yeah." Stink said.
"Well," Bo said lightly, "How do you guys want to spend the first of
MANY indoor recesses?"
* * *
Shirley looked at the paper numbly over and over again. The headline
read: KIMBERLY GUTRUCK'S FOUND IN CRITICAL CONDITION.
The paper went onto explain that Kimberly was found that night, early
morning on the side of the road battered and severly dehydrated. Before
losing conciousness and rushed to the hospital, Kimberly said she was being
held for ransom, escaped and does not know who her killer is, but drives
a forest green car. The kidnapper was thought to be extremely dangerous.
The next day at school Ms. Strattman announced that curfew was moved to 5:30 pm and if you were going to be late for school, call, but don't bother coming in. No one objected.
After a few days Kimberly was moved to a normal hospital room. Shirley
decided to visit her and brought her flowers. When she saw Kim, she couldn't
surpress her gasp.
Kim's brown hair was matted, and both of her brown eyes were black,
her jaw was bruised.
"I'm a site for sore eyes, huh Shirley? Thanks for the flowers." Kim said, she put the flowers on her bed side table and gestured for Shirley to sit down. Things were uncomfortably quite.
"Well, you made the headlines," Shirley joked. Kim even laughed.
"I know- but no pics... I wonder why, I mean I guess I'm just too gorgeous
to be photographed!" Kim chuckled.
Shirley thought Kim was very brave to be laughing at a time like this,
and if she could laugh, Shirley might as well cut to the chase.
"Kim can you tell me everything about the day you were kidnapped?"
Kim paused, she looked older somehow. "Alright, but don't spread it
around."
Shirley couldnt lie to Kim.
"I might tell Bo." she said. Kim paused and then nodded, and began
her story.
"I told my parents I was going to meet a long distance friend on the other side of town. I should have noticed the green car that kept circling every block I walked on before I got there. Just before I reached the corner to my friend, he waved. But it's like he waved past me. I waved back and I didn't even know that the green car had stopped behind me. A hand came out and covered my mouth with a cloth that smelled funny. I didn't even have time to scream. Then I started getting dizzy and I blacked out."
"Chloriform.." Shirley nodded knowingly. Kim looked at her.
"Anyways, when I woke up this older guy was talking to a younger guy about ransom money. I could only hear, because they had put me in a room. I was looking for a way out when I noticed that one of the big bricks in the wall was loose. It took me all day but I pried it open and escaped. I ran for two days until I was found."
Shirley's heart broke for Kim.
"Do you think that you long distance friend was about of this?"
Kim nodded sadly. "Yes. I actually met him on the net- which can be dangerous sometimes. He said he was 14. About a day before the kidnapping, he started asking me about my father's work and how much money he made. When I told him he asked if we could meet. I didn't even clue in until it was too late- I-" Kimberly's voice cracked, a single tear escaped her cheek, she looked incredibly scared and Shirley decided it was time to go.
"Thanks Kim.. you've been a big help.. uh- what was the name of the guy you met online?"
Kim blinked and thought, "Um... I think it was Jordon Carsins."
Shirley's head snapped up.
"What did you say?"
-End of Part 2-