Written by Cynthia L. Sperko
Editor’s Note: This is the first chapter in this work of fiction. Future chapters will be published in upcoming editions of The Marietta Traveler. The story contains some themes that parents might not want young children to read (murder, etc.), so reader discretion is advised.
An incoming text from Carly alerted Sara that something was very wrong. “Jackson’s in trouble…he was on a boat…he went overboard…come quickly.”
Upon arriving at the scene, Sara watched as the fire rescue boat was placed in the river. Divers were already in the water searching for Jackson.
Carly came up behind Sara and motioned her to come with her.
“Sara, it was awful…I don’t know what happened, but I saw Jackson go in the water…he hasn’t been found yet…” Carly said, hugging Sara.
“It’ll be OK… Jackson is a strong swimmer…” Sara replied, going back to the water’s edge and not caring about getting wet.
“I went to Quinn’s party to keep an eye on him…” Carly said, standing next to Sara.
“None of this is your fault!” Sara replied, as they heard a rescue team member yell out that he found something.
***
Sara sat at the kitchen table and stared blankly at Jackson’s soggy phone that was placed in a bowl of uncooked rice.
“Where is he? Jackson’s alive. I know it!” Sara exclaimed.
“They’re still searching” Sara’s dad replied. “You should get some rest. You’ve been up half the night. I’ll let you know if there’s any news. I have to go back to work.”
Sara reluctantly went to her room with the bowl of rice. She set it on her dresser and laid down on her bed. Closing her eyes, she tried to sleep. But thoughts of Jackson plagued her mind.
***
Two days earlier
Sara took out her history book and put it in her backpack. As she closed her locker, Quinn approached and gave her an envelope.
“Party at the river this Friday. I’m celebrating finishing my community service” Quinn said as Carly arrived and was handed an invite.
“Sorry Quinn. I have plans” Sara said as Quinn walked down the hallway. “So do I” Carly stated.
“What was she thinking of inviting us?” Sara asked.
“Who knows or cares?” Carly replied. “Did you figure out the code?”
“No, not yet” Sara said as she boarded the bus and took the first vacant seat. Jackson was already on board and was seated next to Quinn.
“I’m looking forward to your party” Jackson told Quinn within earshot of Sara. “Did you hear that?” Carly whispered, sitting next to her.
Sara nodded her head.
***
In her bedroom and seated at her desk, Sara thought about the code. But at the moment she had no answers.
“Ms. Harris, I’m at your mercy” Sara thought.
***
Jackson left Quinn’s place and walked home.
He started working part time for Quinn’s uncle. Mostly yard work and odd jobs.
Entering via the front door, Jackson went right upstairs to his bedroom. Sitting at his desk, he opened the package that contained the new Apple watch he ordered.
***
Sara arrived at the school bus stop to find Carly watching Jackson hang out with Quinn. Just as Carly was going to approach him, Sara stopped her.
“Carly, we both care about Jackson and although we don’t know why he’s spending more time with Quinn, he has his reasons” Sara said, pulling Carly away from the other students.
“I know you’re right. I just don’t know what’s going on with him. I’m concerned and you should be too” Carly replied.
“I’m just as concerned as you are,” Sara said as the bus approached.
After they were seated, Sara took out her phone to read an incoming text from her dad. “Hey, honey, looks like I’ll be working late tonight. I left money in your top dresser drawer. Carly and you can order take out.”
Sara responded with “thanks” and “talk to you later.”
Then she thought about the code. “I figured it out!” Sara exclaimed.
“Why Jackson is with Quinn?” Carly asked.
“No. The code. It’s the word ‘shell’. At least I think it is” Sara replied. “I remember reading something about the founder’s daughters. They loved spending time at the beach.”
“What’s the next step?” Carly asked.
“Figuring out what the word ‘shell’ has to do with finding the treasure” Sara replied.
***
Sara spent her lunch hour reading and viewing any information she could find about the founder’s home. Seated at a table at the school library, with a pile of books in front of her, she jotted down notes that she thought would help.
Sara smiled when she found a clue.
***
During dinner that night, Sara told Carly what she learned.
“So, there was a place called ‘Shell Island’? And it’s in Marietta?” Carly asked.
“I texted my dad about it and he doesn’t think it exists. He thinks it was a made-up game that the founder’s daughters invented when they were young children” Sara replied.
“Is it possible that Ms. Harris kept records of any of this?” Carly asked.
“I don’t know. I’ll ask my dad in the morning” Sara replied.
***
Sara’s dad was in the kitchen when she came in.
“Hey, Dad. When did you get home? I didn’t hear you come in” Sara asked as she got a bowl from the cabinet.
“I got home when you were in the shower. I’ll be working from home today, after I get some sleep” Sara’s dad replied, taking a seat at the table.
“Gosh, you pulled an all-nighter?” Why?” Sara asked, joining him. “The current case and finishing Ms. Harris’s” Sara’s dad replied.
“Speaking of her…the case…did any of the evidence mention Shell Island?” Sara asked.
“I guess it couldn’t hurt to show you” Sara’s dad replied as he got up, went to his office and came back with a document.
“What is it?” Sara asked.
“Supposedly a drawing of Shell Island when it might’ve existed” Sara’s dad replied, giving Sara the paper. “But Sara, don’t be surprised if you don’t find it. I suppose it has something to do with the treasure?”
“Yes, it does. Ms. Harris didn’t mention it, even though she had info on it. Why the cloak and dagger?” Sara asked.
“It’s very possible that in her final days before she died she learned something new. It was found in her prison cell” Sara’s dad replied, getting up. “I’ll see you later. Don’t miss the bus.”
“Thanks, Dad. I won’t” Sara replied.
***
That day during lunch Sara filled Carly in on her new findings. “So, if Shell Island still exists, then what?” Carly asked.
“We’ll cross that bridge when and if we find it!” Sara exclaimed. “Have any plans this weekend?”
“Only if treasure hunting is involved” Carly replied.***
Jackson couldn’t wait for the school day to be over. Friday was a teacher in-service day.
“One more class and no school ‘til Monday” Jackson thought as he entered English class and took a seat next to Quinn.
When Jackson wasn’t looking, Quinn glanced at her phone for an incoming text. “Everything is set for tomorrow” the text read.
To be continued in the next edition of the Marietta Traveler!