The Case of the Disappearing Cheerleader”
By Deanna and Tracey

It was an early Friday morning when we awoke and got ready for school. Tonight
was the big cheerleader competition with all of the area high schools
participating at nearby Redfield High. Tracey walked into my room bubbling with
excitement. “How do you like our new uniforms?”

Tracey could not contain herself. Ever since she became a cheerleader she has
become a new person, more outgoing and confident. She was wearing the Watertown
Dragon colors of blue and orange, a blue sleeveless vest with the orange Dragon
logo on it, over a white turtleneck. It had a folded pleat skirt, trimmed in
orange and white stripes around the hem. With her white ankle socks and Nike
shoes, she was ready for the competition.

“Pony tail,” I asked? I do not like it when she wears a ponytail because she has
beautiful full- length dark brown hair. 

“Yes,” Tracey said reluctantly. “It would be practical.” I helped her in front
of the mirror putting it in. 

“You certainly will be the prettiest cheerleader there!” 

Tracy, blushing, “you always say that.” 

I put on my usual blouse, sweater, and my blue jean miniskirt and we left for
school after breakfast. All of the cheerleaders that day were wearing their
uniforms, which they do on game days or for competitions. Tonight I would be
going with Erin, Lauren, and Jen to watch. 

Later that night we watched the girls perform their routines and when it was
Watertown’s turn we thought they did the best, of course we would be biased.
Tracey can do a back flip from a standing position. I can jump high, but I
cannot do that. This is why I play basketball and she does the cheerleading.
After the competition we congratulated Tracey and would see her back at the
school. The cheerleaders would ride back on their minibus.

The cheerleaders hung out with the girls from the other schools. There is a lot
of friendship between the different squads, even thought they were rivals. It
was time to leave and Tracey and the girls got on the bus. Tracey sat with
Trish, one of the two African-American girls on the squad. Across the aisle was
Katie, an exchange student from the U.K. 

“I love your accent,” said Tracey to Katie. 

Katie replied, “I love your too!” The girls laughed. 

“Isn’t that our exit,” asked Trish?

As the bus drove by where they should have turned, Tracey asked the driver, “You
missed the exit?” 

“We are taking a short cut,” snarled the driver. 

They took the next exit which leads to the edge of town where factories and
buildings some abandoned were. Tracey began to feel uneasy. Something is wrong,
but she did not want to alarm the other girls. The driver was new and Tracey had
not seen him before. He had a beard and mustache and in the dark was having
trouble seeing what he really looks like. All of a sudden the bus pulls off the
road, then two men wearing costume masks, The Joker, and the Riddler, from the
old batman TV series. One was carrying a large duffle bag, the other what looked
like to be a gun. Now the driver was now wearing a Penguin mask. 

The Joker yells out, “Don't worry ladies, you are just being kidnapped. Do
everything we tell you and you will not get hurt!” The Riddler went to the end
of the bus. (One note, these are villains wearing masks, they are not from the
original series).

“You girls on the end of the seats, turn and put your hands behind your backs!”
The Joker and the Riddler began to tie each of the girls hands behind them with
a nylon rope. The Joker tied Tracey’s hands by wrapping the rope three times
around each wrist and then twice together. All of the girls were tied the same
way. “Girls on the window seat, switch places!” It was tough with their hands
tied, so they changed places, and when they did, the others were tied up too. 

Katie, protesting wildly, “what's the meaning of this! Let us go now, you'll
never get away with this!” The Penguin, who seemed to be in charge yelled “shut
her up!” 

The Riddler pulled out a thick white cloth and gagged Katie, tightly around her
mouth and between her teeth. 

“Now, if any you other girls want the same treatment, you had better be quiet!” 

No one said anything and then the Penguin drove the bus further down the road.
Tracey struggled with her tied hands, but could not get loose. None of the girls
could escape. These guys knew what they are doing. The bus then turned onto a
road and drove into a big building. A big door closed behind it. While the
Penguin stood watch the Riddler and the Joker began to lead each girl into a big
room with a bunch of mattresses on the floor. The Riddler grabbed Tracey and
Trish by the arms and led them to the mattresses and ordered them to lie face
down on them. He helped them lie down and then tied their ankles together with
more rope. They did the same with the other girls, including Katie who was still
gagged. 

“What about this one?” The Riddler was holding the student manager, a 16- year
old sophomore name Lisa, with long red hear and blue eyes. She was wearing a
mini- dress with a flower print and tan nylons.

“An added bonus, tie her up with the others,” ordered the Penguin. “Now ladies,
there is no sense screaming, there is no one around for miles. But here is
something to help you sleep through the night.” 

The Joker and Riddler pulled out white cloths and a dark colored bottle. He went
up to Tracey first, put the sweet smelling cloth over her mouth and nose. Tracey
was soon fast a sleep. They did this to the rest of the girls and soon they were
sleeping like babies.

Meanwhile, back at school, I (Deanna), and the rest of the girls waited for the
cheerleaders to return. It was late. I sensed something is wrong. A police car
turned into the parking lot. The officer said the bus is missing and a search is
under way. “You girls should go home,” he ordered. “There's not much you can do
tonight.” We did so, and when I walked by Tracey’s room at home, seeing it empty
made my heart sink.
My parents were still up.

“Go to bed,” Mr. Taylor ordered. “You will need a good night’s sleep if you want
to help your brother find them.” I thought maybe my Dad was right. I went to bed
though I did not sleep much.

The next day my brother Deacon Jr. came over early. We were talking at the table
on what are we going to do about Tracey. 

“I think they're part of a smuggling operation, perhaps shipped overseas into
prostitution or slavery. The police are checking all angles, and there has been
no ransom notes delivered or any contact by the kidnappers yet. I am going to
work and will be in touch if I find out anything.” Then he left. 

I got up from the table and called Erin. “Erin, let’s go to the Bus Company and
find out anything on the driver. And by the way, wear a skirt, I have found out
that people are more receptive to questions if you look your best. I'll pick you
up.” I hung up the phone and went upstairs to put on a skirt and blouse. I chose
my navy blue pleated short skirt, with nude panty hose, and my flats. I got into
my car an arrived at Erin’s house. She was wearing a stripped top and short
black skirt with off black nylons.

“Are you sure wearing skirts is necessary, “ asked Erin? 

“Yes, I said. Let’s go.” 

Erin and I got into the car and drove to the bus terminal. We got out of the car
and saw the manager walking out the door. He looked like he had been there all
night and was anxious to leave. He looked up and saw us and stopped. The Manager
had gone to college with my brother and remained good friends.

“Deanna,” he said with a surprise! “I haven’t seen you since you had pig tails
and braces. You are growing into a fine young lady. Who's your friend?”

“This is Erin, my friend from school. I know it has been a long night, but could
we ask you a few questions? We're looking for Tracey and the missing
cheerleaders, any info you can give would be a great help.” 

The manager looked at us, “ok, only for you, even though I have told all I know
to the police. You girls look so nice. I can find time for you. Come into my
office.” 

We sat down and fixing our skirts at the same time. 
“What can you tell us about the driver of that bus,” I asked? 

“Well, there is not much to tell. He started here about 6 months ago. He was a
model employee, but we now know he gave a false name, Frank Gorshen.” He
answered.

“Wasn’t there a Frank Gorshin on the old Batman TV series,” asked Erin? 

“I believe he was, but my Frank spelled his name differently. Come to think of
it, Frank was a big fan of the Batman TV series. He had a Batman lunch box and
always read Batman comics on his break. I didn't tell this to the police, does
this help?” 

“This could be a big help,” rising to shake his hand. “Thank you very much for
your time.”

“Say hi to Deacon for me. “Good luck,” said the manager.

We raced out to the car and got Erin’s laptop computer. “We should start
searching for buildings that may be abandoned or for sale, perhaps in this area.
They probably did not have time to go too far. Erin began to search on the web
with her computer. 

“Look,” said Erin. “Kay G. Byrd Costume Company. This company moved to Readfield
last year. I think I know where the old building is. You do not suppose he took
them there do you?” 

“It's worth a shot,” I said. “There was a K.G. Bird Umbrella company in an old
episode, we've nothing to lose, but keep looking and we will drive there.” We
drove off to the address where Erin had found. It was about a 25- minute drive
to the outskirts of town. We arrived at entrance of the driveway where the
building is. This is in an industrial part of the town with many warehouses and
factories, both used and empty. We parked our car off the road where it could
not be seen and preceded on foot down to the building. There was a bunch of
windows about 6 feet off the ground, and a large garage door, big enough to
drive a bus into. We peered into a window, by standing on the cement foundation,
and being tall girls we could see into the room. We found them, the girls where
laying on mattresses on the floor, with their hands and feet tied with rope. 

“Quick, let’s go and call the police,” I said frantically! Just then we turned
and standing there were three figures in masks, the Penguin, Joker and Riddler. 

“Looking for something ladies? “Do you girls look pretty!” While the Penguin
looked at our skirts.
Unable to escape we tried to fight. I moved at the Joker and managed to suprise
him with a quick kick to his belly. He moaned in pain as he doubled over. 
The Peguin send a punch to me however I dodged it and replied with a hard punch
to his face.
Then I heard the voice of the Riddler.
“Stop it“ he said. I looked at him and he had Erin forced down on her knees with
her arm twisted behind her back.

As I was distacted the Penguin used the moment to punch me hard in my belly and
make me double over as I gasped for air.
Quickly he forced me on my knees and twisted my arm behind my back.
Now both of us were helpless. 


“What do we do with them boss,” asked the Riddler. 

“They know too much, bring them to the office and tie them up. We can't bring
them with us, we were only paid for twelve!”

They led us into an office that was near where they had the girls. 

“Sit down in those chairs and put your arms behind your backs,” ordered the
Riddler. The Joker got out some long nylon rope and tied Erin to the chair,
hands behind her back, ankles tied together and then to the cross piece on the
legs. He then took a long piece of rope and wrapped it around her chest, three
or four times, twice around her waist, and then three times around her thighs,
tying the rope tightly to the chair. Then the Riddler came over and tied me up
the same way. The Riddler was admiring his work, I think, “I am not sure who has
the cuter legs, the bleach blonde or the sandy blonde. You girls should wear
miniskirts every day.” He laughs. 

“What do you want with us, and our friends? Let us go you moron! The police will
be here any minute!”

“I’m scared,” mocked the Riddler. “Do not worry, we will be leaving soon, except
you girls,” with a strange laugh. The Penguin entered the room. “Do you want me
to gag them boss? I really want to gag them. The sandy blonde has a smart
mouth.” 

“Yes,” said the Penguin. “And when you are done here, go into the other room and
gag and blindfold the other girls. We will be leaving soon.” 

“What time does the boat leave,” asked the Joker? 

“Quiet,” said the Penguin, and do as you are told. The Joker took two long and
thick white cloths and gagged us by forcing the cloth into our mouths between
our teeth and tied it tightly behind our heads. He got Erin’s hair caught in her
gag. Then they left the room. 

“Mmmphh…” Erin moaned. She looked at me with that what are we going to do now…
look. We both tried to squirm out of the ropes that held us to the chairs, but
it was no use. The ropes put a tear into my nylons. I figured if I struggled
enough, the ropes would loosen, eventually. The door slowly eased open enough so
I could see into the hall. The villains began leading the cheerleaders one by
one out the door, their hands still bound but now they were gagged and
blindfolded with white cloth, still wearing their cheerleader uniforms. When I
saw Tracey I let out the best MMMMPPPhhhhh…I could to let her know we were here.
Her head turned but they pushed her out the door. Soon the Joker returned with
what looked to be a Jack-in-the-box. It had a digital timer on top of it. The
Joker sat it down on the table next to us. It said three minutes on the timer. 

“Bye-bye girls, at least you are dressed nice for a bomb!” He activated the
timer, and quickly ran out of the room. Erin and I looked at each other in
horror as we thought this could be the end. We struggled with all of our might
to get loose. Two minutes left, I almost got a hand free. Finally, I have a hand
free. But is it too late? One minute left, I am trying to untie all of these
knots, 30 seconds still not free, 10, 9,8,7 6,5,4,3,2… We close our eyes… ONE,
pop! 

The Jack pops out and laughs and says: “We were only fooling, we were only
fooling-ha ha ha ha!” Needless to say we breathed a big sigh of relief. I
finally managed to wriggle out of my bonds and went over to untie Erin.

“That was too close,” cried Erin. 

“Come on, we need to find Tracey!” I said frantically. 

We ran back to the car. It is now about 8p.m. “Look on your computer and find
out if there are any ships leaving soon from the river harbor.” 

Erin looked, “yes, there is one leaving at 10p.m. tonight, a freighter called
the Bertha Mae, headed to, of all places, Yemen!” We drove to the waterfront
after calling my brother and the police to let them know what we had found out.
They said they would investigate. We arrived at the port and found the ship. It
was a cargo ship about 600 feet long, with a Liberian registry. I looked with
dismay. 

“We'll get her back,” said Erin. She took out a Kleenex and wiped the tears from
my eyes. 

“You're right, I have got to get it together, for Tracey and the others. I have
an idea on how get on the ship. We can climb up the bow line.” 

“In skirts,” cried Erin! I went into the trunk and got out two pairs of leggings
I had stashed in trunk.

“Put these on, no… under your skirt dummy! With only a one- inch difference in
height the leggings fit on Erin. We snuck over to the bow- line, and shimmied up
the rope to the top of the ship, making sure no one was looking. It helps to be
good athletes. We raced up to the deckhouse and snuck in, thinking where they
would hide thirteen girls. We went down to the Hold, and saw a door and opened
it. Erin and I heard voices and went into the room and closed the door. 

“Tracey,” I whispered. The girls were still bound, gagged, and blindfolded, and
their ankles had been re-tied. I raced over and removed Tracey’s blindfold.
Tracey looked at me with wide eyes, but just then the Riddler came into the room
and grabbed Erin. He was holding a gun this time. He pulled out a bandanna and
stuffed it into her mouth.

“Looks like you will be joining us after all, lie down on the floor so we can
tie you up blondie,” said the Riddler. 

But just then the Joker comes running in. “This place is crawling with cops.
Let’s boogey!” They took off and Erin and I began to untie the girls. Holding
hands the girls followed Erin and I out of the room, up the stairs onto the
deck. There was police everywhere including my brother’s live truck from the
station. We noticed that our villains have been taken into custody and being led
into police cars. Deacon ran to us and hugged Tracey, Erin and I all at once. 

“Nice work girls, they will not be bothering you for a while.”

“What took you so long,” Tracey jokingly asked even though she had tears in her
eyes. 

“We were tied up for a while, but you did not think we would not come and rescue
our best friend?” 

I looked up at a police officer, “we will get your statements tomorrow. Go home
and get some rest.” 

While most of the girls was being picked up by their parents, Tracey, Erin and I
walked arm and arm back to my car. “Best friends for life, no matter what.” I
said. We all agreed, and deep down we cannot wait for our next adventure. 

The End! 
Enjoy, Deanna and Tracey
Happy Snooping!