Lila Spencer - Dance to Danger CHAPTER ONE "I can't believe you're not going to the Spring Dance!" Lila Spencer exclaimed in response to her friend's statement regarding the biggest social event at Jefferson Middle School. Ashley Emerson sat dolefully next to her on the school bus seat. "I already told you, I can't stand to be around crowds ... remember my eighth birthday party?" Who could forget ... Lila thought as she immediately conjured up the memories of that sunny day when little Ashley, all prettied up in her cute white frilly dress and black maryjane shoes, had invited every kid that she knew from school. She had just finished blowing out the candles on her birthday cake, when young Bobby Fisher had placed a small garter snake on her hand. Ashley screamed so loud at the sight of the little lizard slithering up her arm that she got up hurriedly from her chair to flee when her foot got caught on one of the legs and she tripped, falling face first into the large white cake. Since then, Ashley never had a public birthday party or attended any other social function for that matter. "Okay, so you had one bad incident, it could happen to anybody ... " Lila tried to reassure her. "Yeah, but it happened to me ... " Ashley said sullenly for she was a very sensitive person. "Well, look at it this way ... Bobby Fisher won't be at the dance." Bobby and his family moved up to Pensacola last year when his father's job got relocated. Ashley grinned as she could tell that Lila wasn't taking no for an answer. "Alright, I'll think about it ... " Lila smiled back at her just as the bus came to another stop. Looking up, she noticed Tina Palermo making her way down the narrow aisle of the bus, taking an empty seat directly across from them. "Hey there ... " Lila greeted, "So what's this big surprise you kept talking about last night in regards to the dance?" she asked Tina as she was dying to finally know. Reaching into her blue oversize shoulder bag, Tina pulled out a pair of shiny pink pumps with four-inch stiletto heels. Ashley's green eyes went wider than normal at the sight of those captivating shoes. "Wow, cool shoes ... " Lila complimented with a bit of envy for she wished that she could wear high heels. "I didn't know Rachel owned pink heels." "She doesn't, I bought these myself on eBay and got them just yesterday, talk about cutting it close," Tina said all proud of herself. "At least now I have something to show for after all those times I endured babysitting the Davis demon boys." "You plan on wearing them to the dance?" Ashley asked. "Uh ... yeah!" Tina replied sarcastically. Taking off her white flip-flops, Tina placed the sexy shoes on her small bare feet. A couple of boys sitting in the back of the bus were busy ogling her. "There, a perfect fit, now I just need to break them in for tomorrow night." "You're gonna wear them all day at school?" Lila asked for as much as she would love to own a pair herself, there was no way she could endure eight hours in tall stiletto heels; she'd have blisters on top of her blisters. "Of course, I gotta be able to dance well enough in these," Tina responded. "How else am I gonna make the guys notice me ... " then turning her head, " ... and I don't mean you two!" The boys that were staring at her suddenly turned away embarrassed at being caught. "You're certainly gonna earn your nickname today," Lila said smartly. "So, do you have an outfit for the dance?" Tina asked Lila as she wanted to change the subject. "My mom and I are going into St. Petersburg afterschool to this fashion store she found that specializes in dresses for young teens, what this being my first big dance," she responded. "Of course the outfit needs to go through my father's approval so you can bet that it'll be something more on the lines that my grandmother would wear." Ashley giggled at Lila's statement. "How 'bout you, Ash?" Tina wondered. "Well ... I ... ah ... " caught off guard, Ashley couldn't find any words to say. "I'm loaning her this dress of mine that I said would look beautiful on her," Lila interjected to Ashley's rescue, in which she just smiled back sweetly to Tina in response. "And speaking of outfits, I don't even want to know what you plan on wearing with those shoes. You'll be lucky if they let you in at all," Lila joked at Tina's wild sense of style for along with the pumps she also wore a white sleeveless cropped-top and tight knee-high denim capris. It's a good thing the school doesn't enforce a dress code ... or perhaps after today they will ... CHAPTER TWO Lila placed the text books she didn't need to carry until after lunch inside the already cramped space of her small locker. "You'd think that they would provide us with bigger lockers," she complained as she tried to close the door shut. "That's because you save so much junk you packrat," Tina teased her as she was enjoying the stares and whistles she received from her rather risqué ensemble. Mr. Kimball, Lila's History teacher, also couldn't help but stare at the promiscuous teenager as he passed her by. Tina caught his gaze and returned it with a flirtatious wink. He shook his head and turned away from her, sprinting to his morning class. "God, Tina ... you are such a tease," Lila said in astonishment at her friend's inappropriate behavior. "Like my sister had told me, 'if you got it, flaunt it'." "Well, keep that up, and you'll be going to see Mr. Flannigan (the Principal), and it won't be to ogle all over you either," Lila retorted. Tina shot back with a faux scared look on her cute face. "Whoa, Tina ... man, you look awesome! Love the shoes," a voice called out from behind her. Pivoting on the ball of her foot, Tina saw Steve Cantrell looking at her with his dreamy chocolate brown eyes. The tall, brown-haired eighth-grader was by far the hottest looking boy in school. Trying to look confident, even though she was nervous inside at being in his presence, Tina smiled sweetly back at him. "Thanks. I bought them just for you tomorrow night. I hope you'll save me a dance ... " "If you look half as good as your feet, you got it," he replied excitedly. "Great, it's a dance then," she smiled warmly at him, then watched him walk off in the distance. "The 'Little Chiquita' just struck again," Lila quipped softly. "You know someday your flirting is gonna get you into a lot of trouble." Ashley's eyes suddenly widen at something in the distance. "Uh oh, guys ... it looks like that trouble is coming this way ... " she said worryingly in her soft spoken voice. Lila and Tina both turned to see three well-dressed girls approaching them. "Nice outfit, Tina ... " the tallest of the three, Brittany Olsen, replied mockingly, " ... if you like the hooker look that is." The other two girls with her chuckled gleefully at that remark. Tina was fuming inside and stepped up to the snooty blonde, looking her right in the eye as the heels of her shoes made her nearly as tall. "What's the matter, Brittany ... jealous that your clod-hopping feet don't look good in a pair of stiletto heels?" Brittany glanced down at her size nine feet clad in simple white flats, then looked back at Tina with a rage in her hazel eyes. "Don't think I just saw what you were trying to do, making Steve fall over for you with your trashy style." Brittany knew that Tina had a thing for him despite that they were somewhat of a couple. "I can't help it if Steve finds me more ravishing," Tina spoke brazenly, which made Brittany that more angry. "And besides, it's a free country, and Steve is free to do whatever he pleases." "You just better watch yourself if you go to the dance ... " Brittany spoke forebodingly, which made the hairs on the back of Lila's neck stand up at the sound of that threat. "Lighten up, Brit," Tina retorted, "you and Steve aren't exclusive as much as you like to think you are." Just then, the sound of the homeroom bell rang loudly over the speakers. "We'll just see who gets to dance with Steve," Brittany warned, and walked off with her two snobby sidekicks. "Bring it on!" Tina challenged back. Gathering up her books she carried, Lila began to walk off to her homeroom with Ashley following right alongside of her. "I think I'm gonna steer clear of you at the dance, don't want to be stuck in the middle of a heated catfight," she called out to Tina. "Of course I'm sure Steve wouldn't mind seeing that." "Ha, ha ... that's so funny, I almost forgot to laugh," Tina replied dryly. "I'll see you guys at lunch!" she yelled out as Lila and Ashley trotted down the hallway. Walking the opposite way, Tina made her way to her homeroom, which was just three doors down. A figure then emerged from a corner nearby, watching Tina intently as she disappeared inside the room ... CHAPTER THREE "Were you serious about what you said on the bus of loaning me a dress, or was that just to shut Tina up," Ashley asked as she grabbed a small plastic cup of cherry flavored Jello from the dessert rack. "Actually it was one of Julie's old dresses when she was our age that I had in mind for you," Lila answered as she grabbed a small slice of chocolate mousse pie. Ashley gave Lila a nervous look on her oval-shaped face for she knew the type of clothes Julie Spencer wore, even when she was in middle school. "I don't know, Lila ... I mean Julie was a beauty contestant. She wore gorgeous dresses ... " "Would you relax, Ash ... " Lila said reassuringly, "You have a nice figure in the works, and the dress I have in mind for you will flatter it ... trust me." The two girls walked out of the serving line with their trays in hand towards one of numerous tables spread all over the spacious cafeteria. Sitting down at a small table for three, Lila opened her apple juice box with a straw and took a small sip. The sound of clicking on the tiled floor told Lila right away that Tina was approaching them. Sitting down with her tray of lunch, the cute brunette immediately slipped the pumps off of her feet. Lila noticed the look of relief on her friend's face. "What's the matter, the shoes finally tiring you out?" "Give me a break, okay ... " Tina shot back, "this is only like the fourth time I've ever worn heels this high, my feet need a rest." "Sorry, didn't mean to give you a hard time ... " Lila apologized. "Yeah, you already got that from Brittany," Ashley spoke up. "Can you believe the nerve of that jerk, threatening me about going to the dance ... Who does she think she is!?" "Well, for one she is the only daughter of John Olsen of Okeechobee's," Lila answered in reference of Spring Hill's most fanciest restaurant, which makes the Olsens one of the wealthiest families in town. "She's nothing more than a spoiled brat, always used to getting her way ... " Tina muttered, taking a sip of her diet soda. "In all fairness, you were making the moves on her boyfriend ... " Ashley interjected only to get a dirty look from Tina, which made her quiet down. Not able to resist the temptation any longer since this morning on the bus, Lila slipped out of her yellow flip-flops and reached out with her foot, sliding Tina's pumps over to her. They both have the same shoe size, so Lila crammed her small feet into them, instantly feeling the stiffness of new leather. Tina noticed that and didn't stop her for she was curious herself at how Lila Spencer would walk in a pair of stiletto heels. Rising slowly up from her seat, Lila gently took a step, her ankle wobbled shakily against the pointy heel. "Step with your heel first, and keep your posture straight," Tina offered to Lila as she stepped carefully towards the nearest empty table. The feeling of added height to her petite five-foot-two frame was exhilarating as Lila could tell from first-hand experience now the power of high-heeled shoes. Listening to what Tina said, Lila began walking rather smoothly in those lofty heels as she realized they weren't so hard to walk in as they appeared to be. Then suddenly, she felt her ankle give way and fell straight to the floor. Sounds of laughter were then heard from some of the students watching her little attempt in heels. Looking back a bit embarrassed, she saw her friends applauding her. "Not bad at all for a first time," Tina said happily. Getting back up on her feet with the help of the table she almost reached, Lila noticed a figure standing at one of the exit doors watching her, then quickly disappeared at being spotted. Quickly taking off the pumps, she ran over there bare foot to the door, but found no one around when she reached it. Looking around the empty hallway, Lila had a disturbed look on her freckled face as she slowly made her way back into the cafeteria ... CHAPTER FOUR Finishing the last of her soda, Tina suddenly belched loudly. "Oh that's attractive," Lila responded to that, "I'm sure Steve wouldn't mind that, since boys like to make bodily noises." She knew that all too well from her older brother ... "Excuse me ... " Tina spoke a bit embarrassed. "The bubbles really do a number on my stomach." She then reached down and placed the pumps back on her now rested feet. The trio of girls rose up from their seats and headed for the exit, emptying their trays on the way out. "Can't wait to see this dress Lila picked out for you," Tina said to Ashley with some sincerity in her voice. Despite the fact that she likes to give Ashley a hard time on a semi-frequent basis, the truth was that Tina was very fond of her brainy friend despite the differences they have in personality. "Who knows maybe I can loan you a nice pair of heels to go with it. I have these alluring white sandals ... " Ashley had a stunned look on her face at the thought of making a fool of herself stumbling in those kinds of shoes the way Lila just did. Of course she can't criticize her friend for at least Lila had the guts to try and walk in high heels, which was something she couldn't bring herself to do especially with other people around watching. She envied her two more outgoing friends more than they knew ... "Let's not push it, Tina ... " Lila spoke up fully aware that just getting Ashley to try on one of Julie's dresses was an accomplishment in itself. Reaching the main lobby of the school, Tina began walking towards one direction while Lila and Ashley headed the opposite way to get to their next classes. "I'll see you guys later on the bus ... " Tina called out to them as she sauntered her way over to the girls' restroom. Walking down a short deserted hallway, Tina reached for the door and stepped inside the modest-sized pink tiled room. The stillness of the place told her that she was alone at the moment. Placing her hand bag on the shelf next to the sink, Tina reached in to get her lipstick. Uncapping the small frosty pink stick, she directed it up to her full lips. Then from out of nowhere, a hand suddenly clamped itself over her mouth""she felt the heavy wetness of a cloth press over her nose and mouth. "Mmmmmmmphhh!" her brown eyes bulged out in complete surprise at the abruptness of the attack. She instantly smelled a sickly-sweet odor emanating from the cloth, which began to make her feel lightheaded as she breathed into the fumes. Thrashing wildly, Tina struggled to break free of the hand holding her, but her attacker's grip was just too strong for the petite girl. Glancing into the mirror, Tina's eyes bulged out again in astonishment as she recognized the identity of her assailant that stood right behind her. Not having the strength to fight any longer, she felt limp as her world collapsed all around and blackness engulfed her ... CHAPTER FIVE Opening her locker for the last time today, Lila placed her History and Science books inside, while she kept her English and Math book for homework tonight. Mr. Alvarez was giving out another test tomorrow and Lila needed to make sure she was ready to take it for she was still struggling in Algebra. Between dress shopping tonight and her nightly chores around the house, she wasn't sure when she was going to find the time to do any studying. "Hey, Lila ... " a voice called out, and Lila turned to see that it was Mindy Feldman, one of Tina's friends. "Hi, Mindy ... what's up?" she asked her as she closed the locker door. "Have you seen Tina anywhere?" she replied a bit troubled. "She didn't show up for History class, but I know she was here because I saw her earlier in the hallway being the spectacle of the day. Did she need to go home early? Because if so I was supposed to get a pair of earrings she was loaning me for the dance." Lila started to look concerned at Mindy's statement. "I'll find out where she is and make sure that you get those earrings," Lila said reassuringly. "Thanks," Mindy smiled, "and I hope that everything is alright with Tina." After Mindy left, Lila started to get really worried now for Tina had never missed a class before. Making her way to the exit, Lila saw something that made her gasp""two uniformed police officers being escorted by Mr. Flannigan to the stairwell that leads down to the basement level. First, Tina is MIA from History class, and now the presence of the cops is just a little too bizarre. She noticed Mrs. Hansen, her English teacher, standing nearby and approached her. "What's going on?" she asked her. "I'm not sure, but I thought I heard someone say that a student was missing," she answered still perplexed. Lila's blue eyes went wide as saucers and felt a panic attack coming on for she suspected that Tina was possibly in some kind of danger now. "Lila, are you okay?" Mrs. Hansen asked noticing her strange behavior. "I'm ... alright ... " she responded shakily, "I just need to find someone ... " Lila took off for the exit doors and saw Ashley standing near the bus with a frightened look on her face, which made Lila even more uneasy than she already was. "Where's Tina ... have you seen her?" Lila asked her friend in a frantic tone. "No, not since lunch ... " Ashley responded worriedly. "I'm hearing that she might be the reason the police are here." With everything happening so fast, Lila took a deep breath and tried to calm her restless mind and think clearly for she didn't have any proof that Tina was in any real danger. Ashley then gasped and Lila turned to see what she was looking at. Pete, the school custodian, was being escorted in handcuffs by three police officers into one of the squad cars parked in front of the school. Looking really fearful now, Ashley spoke, "Y-you don't that Pete had anything to do with what happened to Tina ... do you?" Lila turned back at her friend with tears running down her eyes unable to give her an answer ... CHAPTER SIX Everyone's worst fears came true as Tina was nowhere to be found. Mr. & Mrs. Palermo had been to the police station trying desperately to get whatever information they could obtain on getting their daughter back safely. The police assured them that they were doing everything possible in finding her quickly. Not wanting to go dress shopping anymore, Lila asked her father if he could take her to the police station instead for she wanted to see Pete who was still in custody. Despite the fact that most of the students found him on the weird side, Lila always thought he was kind of nice, in a shy sort of way. And besides she wanted to know what evidence, if any at all, they had on him connecting to Tina's disappearance. After much pleading with him, she was able to go, but for only a short time. Bruce Spencer was good friends with Captain Mike Sheridan for they played golf regularly together at the Green Shores Country Club, and as a personal favor had managed to arrange for Lila to talk briefly with Pete in one of the interrogation rooms, under the condition that she not divulge any info to anyone. Lila sat down on a chair across a small table from where Pete Kozlowski sat handcuffed with a sullen look on his aged, unshaven face. "Please, I like to alone ... " she said to the uniformed officer that escorted her. Looking warily at the large man seated, he replied, "Okay ... but I'll be just right outside this door if you need me." And with that he left, eyeing Pete sternly as he quietly shut the door behind him. Pete looked at Lila with a frightened expression in his blue-gray eyes. Of all the times she'd see him never had he looked so scared before""he was acting almost like a child that was being scolded. "I heard they said you had something to do with Tina's disappearance ... is that true?" Lila asked in a careful tone. "I-I already told them I didn't do anything ... " he stammered. "Please tell me what happened then," Lila said trying another approach. "I saw Tina coming into school this morning wearing those ... shoes," he remarked timidly, "and it got me all excited seeing them on her, I mean I never saw anyone in school wear those kind of shoes, you know?" Lila nodded in silent agreement with him. "I admitted I watched her in the halls walking around looking all ... sexy." Suddenly, Lila's blue eyes lit up. "Pete, were you watching me in the cafeteria when I was walking in her shoes too?" He looked down on the floor and slowly nodded 'yes' at her. "I'm sorry ... " he mumbled. As much as that had spooked her, Lila smiled for she began feeling sorry for him. "It's okay ... " she spoke kindly. "What happened after lunch?" she asked wanting to hear more. "Later that day, I went into my office to get another bottle of floor polish when I noticed my desk drawer was opened ... and inside were Tina's shoes!" Lila looked very surprised at hearing that, and noticed the tears that were now running down from his eyes. "I swear I don't know how they got in there ... " "But that's circumstantial; anyone could've planted them. They can't hold you here just for that," Lila reasoned as she was still confused as to the true nature of his incarceration. "There's more ... " he said softly. "This is something that nobody at the school, or anybody else knew about, but since you've always been nice to me, and the police now know, I thought you should hear it from me first." Lila listened very intently as to what Pete was about to say. "About sixteen years ago, I was charged with ... assaulting a teenaged girl ... " Lila quietly gasped at that shocking pronouncement, and he paused at seeing her predictable reaction. "I didn't know what I was doing. I mean, I didn't really hurt her ... I got ten years for the offense, but ended up doing only seven with probation. After that I then moved down here and got a job at the school." Lila was taken aback at what she just heard, never suspecting that Pete who always seemed so friendly to her was a sex offender. "But shouldn't your crime prevent you from even working in a place where kids are?" "Yes, I never registered with the town when I moved. I didn't want to be judged for something I truly felt sorry about ... I figured that if I worked in a place where I came into contact with kids regularly, I could finally beat this damn disease I have in me. And with God's help and forgiveness, I truly have ... that is until today when I saw Tina, and the memories of that girl that I ... " He placed his head down in his arms and began sobbing. "I would never ... do anything ... to hurt poor Tina ... I swear ... " Just then the officer opened the door, signaling to Lila that it was time to go. As she got up to leave, she looked back at Pete weeping quietly and couldn't help but feel sorry for him, she just hoped that he was telling her the truth. Walking out of the small room, she saw her father nearby and rushed over to him, giving him a big hug. "Let's go home, daddy ... " While leaving the station, her father didn't seem to notice the resolute look that Lila had in her crystal blue eyes as she was determined to find her missing friend ... * * * "Hhhhhmmmmm ... eeeeeeeeeee ... !!" Tina continued to shout out through the heavily-knotted strip of cloth wedged securely in her mouth, but no one seemed to be close enough around to hear her muffled cries for help. The coarse ropes that secured her nimble body to the wooden chair she sat on held very firm for she couldn't break free even after hours of trying. Her eyes were also robbed of sight as a soft wide strip of fabric was used to blindfold her, which made where she was being held prisoner impossible to establish. The only sounds she could hear were that of crickets chirping from outside ... but where? ... She began sobbing again for she didn't know why on earth the person that grabbed her in the restroom would do such a thing""it didn't make any sense! Tugging at the scratchy ropes that tightly bound her slim wrists to the arms of the chair had only made them chafed even more, likewise her slender ankles fastened together to the chair legs. And her constant yelling was also making her throat sore, but Tina kept at it hoping that someone would eventually hear her and come to her rescue ... CHAPTER SEVEN The next day on the bus, Lila sat quietly as she was still lost in thought as the harrowing events of yesterday were still fresh in her mind. Ashley too was quieter than normal as she stared blankly out of the window watching the rows of houses go by. In fact, the entire mood of the bus was eerily silent as Tina's apparent abduction sent every kid present in a state of disbelief ... and fear. "I heard that you went to see Pete," Ashley turned to Lila. "Yeah ... I needed to find out what happened from his perspective," she replied. Even though she promised the police that she would keep her mouth shut of what she learned, Lila could trust Ashley implicitly for she can keep a secret, plus it also helped that Ashley didn't really know anyone else she could blab to anyway. "Do you really think he took Tina?" she asked her detective friend. "At first I thought it was a possibility. I mean the cops found Tina's high heels stashed in his desk drawer with only his fingerprints on them, but I'm beginning to have some doubts now ... " Moving closer to Lila, Ashley spoke very softly, "My mom told me last night she heard that Pete is a ... sex offender." "I know, he told me himself when I saw him. I couldn't believe it when I first heard it, but he seemed really sincere about having nothing to do with Tina's disappearance." "So you believe he didn't grab her then?" "I'm not saying that exactly, but it's been nagging at me ever since I got home from the station," Lila replied. "I mean Tina's shoes were discovered in his office and the sudden news that he's a 'you-know-what' was conveniently advertised to everyone. If someone else had taken Tina, they couldn't have found a better scapegoat than Pete for the police to direct their attention on." "Well, if Pete didn't take her, then who did?" Ashley peeped. "That's what I'm about to find out when we get to school ... " Lila answered deliberately. * * * Later that day during lunch, Lila and Ashley sat at their usual table. Staring at the empty third seat next to her, Lila could almost hear Tina's laughter at some stupid joke she told. Blinking back tears, her blue eyes then narrowed at the sight of someone entering the cafeteria. Lila rose up from her seat and walked off. "Hey, Lila ... where're you going?" Ashley asked with a french fry in her mouth. Not answering her, Lila marched right up to Brittany Olsen as she stood in the lunch line with her two snooty friends. "Well, if it isn't the little friend ... " Brittany said with a droll. "Don't you have someplace else to be at?" "You know, Brit ... " Lila spoke sternly at the conceited blonde, " ... I figured you for a lot of bad things, but I never would've thought that you'd stoop so low as to kidnap someone just to keep them away from your boyfriend." Brittany had a completely shocked look on her gorgeous tanned face. "Whoa, hold on there ... are you accusing me of what happened to Tina?" "Who else had the motive to see that she doesn't make the moves on Steve? ... I was there when you threatened her about going to the dance." Lila had this dead serious look on her usually cheerful face. Brittany came right up to Lila looking down at her, "I understand the police already have their suspect. Besides, I was with Vivian and Jayne (her two snobby friends) all through lunch anyway. So why don't you just butt out of my business!" and with that Brittany shoved Lila hard to the floor. Getting back on her feet, Lila went to rush at her when Ashley quickly stepped in, holding her back. "Don't, Lila ... she's not worth getting suspended over." After several seconds, Lila calmed down and stormed off. Sitting back down at their table, Lila still looked frustrated. "You really think that Brittany kidnapped Tina just to keep her away from Steve?" Ashley asked in disbelief. Looking at her, Lila spoke, "It wouldn't surprise in the least bit what kids today are capable of doing." "But doesn't she realize the serious trouble she'll get in? Her entire lifestyle would be ruined. I don't think she's that stupid to risk all that just for a boy," Ashley rationalized. She had to admit that what Ashley just said made sense, Brittany may be an egotistical spoiled brat, but she was no criminal, plus she had a pair of alibis on top of that. Lila sighed defeatedly as she realized that she was no closer to finding her lost friend ... CHAPTER EIGHT After lunch was over, Lila headed over to her next class. She walked by the doors to the gymnasium seeing the large decorated sign of the Spring Dance, which was posted as now being postponed until next Friday""no doubt due to the recent alarming events. As much as she was looking forward to going all year, Lila just wasn't in the partying mood now, not when poor Tina was out there somewhere ... hopefully still alive. It frustrated her that her one and only lead came crashing down""anybody was now a potential suspect. Recalling what Pete told her last night about being attracted to Tina's shoes sent a shiver down her spine for she remembered hearing in the news last year about a serial killer in the Tampa area that preyed on girls wearing high-heeled shoes. The latest victim was fortunately found alive ... barely, but the killer got away and was still on the loose. Lila realized that the security here at the school was not well fortified, which meant that anybody could just walk right in off the street, if they really wanted to. Trying to push that dreaded thought out of her mind; Lila entered the Science room and took her seat. "Lila ... " her teacher said as he approached her, "would you happen to know who broke into the supply cabinet?" "No, Mr. Vargas, I'm sorry ... Was anything taken?" Lila asked as the infectious Spencer curiosity was now taking over. "The only thing that I cannot account for is a bottle of Chloroform," he replied. Lila's blue eyes widen ever so slightly as she felt certain that this theft was somehow connected to Tina's disappearance. How else could somebody have taken her from the school quietly unless she was drugged! Lila got up and walked over to the cabinet. Looking at the wooden door very thoroughly, she couldn't detect any signs of forced entry, since it was always locked when not in use. "When did you first notice the break-in?" she asked the teacher who followed her over there. "Yesterday afternoon. I've been asking just about everyone since then and no one seems to know anything." "Well, it looks as though it was opened only with a key," Lila deduced. "How many people have the key?" "Just me ... and Pete, the custodian." Lila looked troubled by this latest turn of events, wondering if Pete was in fact telling her the truth about his innocence in this crime ... CHAPTER NINE The bell rang signaling the end of school for the day. Kids were trudging through the hallway disappointed that tonight's festivities were delayed a week, but Lila didn't care about their sour mood for she had more serious concerns of her own as she slowly strolled along, lost deep in thought. Ever since the events at her Science class, Lila was starting to believe that Pete was in fact the culprit in Tina's abduction. If he did lie to me at the station, he's certainly a good actor with his crying. She played out the details again in her head""he had access to the Chloroform, he had the opportunity, and like my dad had said previously regarding sex offenders is that they can't be fully cured. One little detail Lila realized was never determined was the spot where Tina was actually kidnapped. The police never really bothered to establish that since they believed that they already have their suspect, and were grilling him hard to confess where Tina was being held. Figuring out how Tina was taken might reveal something that could find her""at least it was worth a shot. Arriving at the main lobby, Lila walked in the direction she saw Tina go off to and happened upon the girl's restroom. Knowing Tina has such a small bladder and needs to relieve herself frequently, it seemed likely that she may have stopped in there. Stepping inside, Lila could tell that she was alone for the moment. She searched around the partially-clean room and spotted something lying on the floor in the corner over near the sinks. Bending down to retrieve it, she immediately recognized it as a lipstick cap with Tina's favorite lip color""frosty pink! This proves that she must've been seized while in here for she would never leave her cap behind and risk drying out her precious lipstick. Rising back up, Lila headed out of the restroom. Now if I had an unconscious girl with me, where would be the fastest route to take her out of here?... Walking a little further down the hallway, Lila noticed the school elevator, used mainly for handicapped people and for moving large equipment. She pressed the button and the doors opened. Stepping inside the spacious interior, Lila pressed the 'down' button. The elevator soon stopped and opened its doors revealing the basement level. Up ahead, Lila could see glass doors leading outside. Walking through the doors, she was at the rear parking lot of the school used primarily for the faculty. This has got to be where Tina was spirited away ... A car could've been waiting here ... Looking around the half-empty parking lot, Lila saw something lying on the pavement up ahead. She reached down to grab it and saw that it was an empty book of matches with the name "Shady Pines Trailer Park" inscribed on it in black letters. Excited by this potential clue, Lila raced back into the school to catch the bus home! CHAPTER TEN Flipping through the phone book, Lila found the name of that trailer park, and an address. She recognized the name of the street not being that far from her house, but it was too long to walk there. However, it was close enough to make it by bike. Coming up with a plan, Lila walked into the kitchen where her mother was chopping up some vegetables on the cutting board for tonight's dinner. "Mom, I'm going to have dinner over at Ashley's, if that's alright." "Sure, honey. I understand you want to be with your friend during this very difficult time," Susan replied as she and Bruce were planning on making a visit to the Palermo house later for some much needed consoling. Lila beamed, "Thanks, mom. I promise I won't be out too late." Entering the garage, Lila grabbed her pink bicycle and rolled it out through the open door of the garage. She hated having to lie to her mom, but it was the only way she could continue with her investigation. If Katie could see me now ... Lila brought along her cell phone before leaving ... just in case. She did consider asking Ashley to tag along with her, but thought it was best to check this out herself since it might be just a wild goose chase. About twenty minutes later, Lila had arrived at the Shady Pines Trailer Park. The establishment looked a bit rundown, which made her a bit nervous as she wondered if the place was a haven for criminal activity. Of course if Tina was being held in there, Lila could think of no better setting for her captivity. Riding cautiously through the rows of makeshift trailers, Lila wasn't even sure where to begin searching. Up ahead, she saw a car approaching towards her. She moved her bike off the dirt road and hid from view of the oncoming vehicle for she didn't want to encounter any of the seedy residents that lived here. To her relief the car didn't pass by her, but instead parked next to a trailer close by. Lila stepped up to get a closer look as the occupants of the car disembarked. Her eyes lit up as she identified one of the passengers as Jayne Patterson, Brittany's snobby friend! The other person with her that drove, a tall dark-haired woman, Lila didn't recognize. This was starting to get really weird now. Why on earth would Jayne, a socialite, be in godforsaken place such as this? Once the two of them where inside the trailer, Lila left her bike behind some bushes and sprinted over there. Moving very quietly along the side of the trailer, Lila noticed that the windows were a bit high up for her to see through. She would need to stand on something to help with that. Looking around, she saw this old-looking crate nearby. She grabbed it and positioned it in-line with a window at the end of the trailer, then carefully stepped on it, hoping that the weathered box would hold her weight. The window had a shade over it, but there was a narrow space where it wasn't closed all the way. Peering through the slim opening, Lila could see the floor inside. She moved her eyes to the left and saw the legs of a chair, with a pair of bare feet tied to it! Lila quietly gasped at the sight of that. She could tell that the feet were female because of the colored polished toenails. She was sure that those feet belonged to Tina for she had her toenails painted as well, and besides, how many other tied up girls would be in this trailer park? "Who're you!" a voice suddenly yelled out from behind her. Lila practically jumped off the crate as she was startled by the unexpected greeting. Turning her head slowly, she saw that it was that woman that had entered the trailer. She had this cold look on her pale face. Looking down, she could see the pistol she held close to her waist, aiming it right at her! Caught red-handed, Lila gulped as she didn't know what to say that she could bluff her way out of this sticky situation ... CHAPTER ELEVEN Lila was shoved roughly inside the trailer with the gun's muzzle jammed painfully in her back. Jayne stood nearby with a shocked look on her porcelain-smooth face. "What's she doing here?" she asked all flabbergasted. "I caught her spying on our guest," the woman replied as she quickly shut the door behind her. She tossed Lila's phone, snatched from her denim shorts pocket, over to Jayne. "Let me see Tina!" Lila said emphatically. "You are in no position to make any demands!" Jayne exclaimed to the startled teen, for Lila never heard Jayne raise her voice before""it was like she was a different person now. "Did you notice any cops outside?" she asked her accomplice nervously. "No ... " she replied, "she must've come alone." She then directed her attention to Lila, who twitched as the woman seized her hair, "Not too bright was that, sweetie?" "What's the meaning of all this ... why did you kidnap Tina?" Lila asked in total confusion for she thought someone like Jayne was the last person she would've suspected in Tina's abduction. "Well, since you really want to know," Jayne replied with an intimidating tone, "I think it would be a good idea for you to see your bratty friend, as I'm sure she would like to know that as well." Jayne walked towards the other end of the narrow trailer with the woman, still holding Lila, following close behind. She opened a door and Lila's blue eyes widen in utter shock at seeing her best friend inside""bound, gagged, and blindfolded! "Oh my God ... Tina!" Tina whimpered through the knotted cloth in her parched mouth at the sound of her friend's voice. Lila broke free from the woman's grasp and rushed over to her captive friend. She immediately went for her when Jayne raised her hand, indicating to let her go. Lila went behind Tina and untied the cloth strip that robbed her of her sight. Once it was removed, Tina looked over at her friend with frightened tear-streaked eyes. Lila reached for her gag when Jayne spoke up, "Leave the gag on, I don't want to hear her trap." Looking at her captors evenly, Lila spoke, "Jayne, why on earth are you doing this ... what has Tina ever done to you?" "It's not what she's done to me, it's what she's done to Brittany!" she shouted back. "Brittany ... I don't understand?..." Lila asked all bewildered. "You were there yesterday when little miss tramp here made the moves on Brittany's boyfriend, Steve," Jayne replied with a somewhat calmer tone. "I couldn't let that happen, Brittany adores him. So I did what any true friend would do, I simply removed the competition. You see Lila, I idolize Brittany, and I would gladly do anything for her." Lila's eyes widen in realization of the truth. "You're the one that framed Pete ... " "Of course. That twit never locks his pathetic excuse for an office, so taking the keys to the Science cabinet as well as planting those trashy shoes of hers was a piece of cake." Lila was beginning to comprehend what was happening. "Jayne, are you listening to yourself? You just kidnapped a person, that's a felony, one that could get you up to ten years in prison." "You don't think I know that, I'm not that crazy," Jayne replied heatedly. "Besides, I created the most foolproof plan, one that the cops will never figure out." "How did you know that Pete was a sex offender?" Lila asked knowing that Pete kept that secret from everyone. "I have to give that credit to my Aunt Sarah here," Jayne responded, referring to her accomplice. "You see, she knew Pete when she worked in prison, and one day when she went to pick me from school, she saw Pete hanging around and had told me everything about him. So when I needed a scapegoat for my little plan, I had the perfect subject." "Sarah, please ... " Lila spoke up desperately, " ... you don't have to go through with this. I mean, do you really want to go to prison for something that she did?" "Quit your griping, Lila!" Jayne shot back. "She's not gonna listen to you." She then moved over to her, wrapping her arms around her waist, which Sarah rewarded that gesture with a soft kiss on her forehead. "You see, I'm her precious little angel, and she'll do anything for me ... even kill someone." Lila and Tina both looked at each other ominously, realizing that they were most likely sharing their last moments together ... CHAPTER TWELVE The warm humid air outside made it even more oppressive in the swamps just beyond the trailer park as two small boats glided slowly through them. Sarah was in one, paddling through the murky waters, while the other one was close behind, tethered by a rope. Lila and Tina sat facing each other in the second boat as they were bound tightly hand and foot with rope. Tina's mouth remained gagged, while Lila had a knotted blue bandanna wedged tightly into hers. Sarah found it necessary to keep them quiet as this wooded area often attracts hunters. Lila kept tugging at the ropes that held her wrists behind her back and to the wooden plank that she sat on, which secured her to the boat. What was more alarming were the two large mason blocks at the center of the boat, for Lila had a dreadful feeling what those were meant for ... "Mmmmmmmmm ... Hhhhmmmmphhh ... " both terrified girls wailed through their thick gags hoping to warn someone of the dire peril they were in. Tina was crying profusely as she didn't want to die. Lila tried her best to be brave like her cousin, Katie, but the situation at hand was just too overwhelming for the young seventeen-year-old to grasp, that she too began crying knowing their end was fast coming. Now Lila can relate with Katie when she heard the stories of her moments facing certain death, but she always seemed to miraculously escape them. Lila prayed that some of Katie's good luck would be bestowed upon her and Tina right now. Sarah took a long drag from her cigarette after she stopped paddling. Finished with it, she flicked the smoldering butt into the dark waters of the swamp. She reached over to the rope that joined the two boats together and untied it. She then paddled along side of the other boat, looking forebodingly at the two petrified girls sitting unwillingly in it. "Well, it looks like this is goodbye, girls," she spoke casually as if she was just dropping them off home. She then pulled out his pistol and aimed it towards the floor of the other boat. She fired three shots in rapid succession, which created a hole through the wood. Brown water started rapidly pumping into the boat, and it began to sink into the murky swamp. "Have a nice time in the afterlife," she said unsympathetically, and paddled away quickly. Lila and Tina both panicked and tried frantically to escape their bonds as the small boat was quickly filling up with muddy water. Lila moved her bound feet and began to push one of the heavy blocks over the hole. Once it covered the hole, the sinking receded a bit, which gave them a little more time to make an escape. "HHHHHMMMMMPPPPHHHH!!!" Tina yelled through the top of her small lungs for she was known as a loud screamer, even while being gagged. She looked feverishly all around her to see if someone, anyone, was within seeing distance""sadly they were all alone in the quiet, spacious Florida countryside. With her hands now underwater, Lila hoped that ropes would loosen enough for her to break free, but they still wouldn't budge. Both girls squealed as the boat began to immediately sink faster again. Tina was weeping hysterically now as she tugged at her bound hands so hard that her wrists started to bleed a little. The boat was soon completely submerged and the water was now up to their chests. Lila still kept trying to free her hands as that was the only way now they could hope to survive this death trap. The grimy water was now up to their necks, and both girls looked at one another, conveying to each other that it was wonderful being best friends through the end now. The water had reached their chins, when all of a sudden, the sinking stopped cold. Lila and Tina paused for a moment and felt like time had just frozen still. Looking up at the tree-filled sky, Lila thanked God for sparing their lives for the boat must've sank in shallow waters, but realized that they were still not out of the woods yet ... Tina started crying out for help again as Lila continued with her task at freeing herself. Just then, she could feel the pressure around her hands begin to subside as the water was finally making the ropes slick enough, all she needed was a little more time ... However, over in the distance, her blue eyes widen in absolute horror as she spotted a large alligator diving into the swamp! CHAPTER THIRTEEN "Hhhhhhmmmmm!! ... " Lila squealed urgently to her friend as she could see the eyes of the alligator poking through the surface of the water, approaching them! Tina was bewildered by Lila's sudden behavior, but could tell that she wanted for her to look behind her. Turning her head around, Tina also saw the gator advance as its nostrils now appeared through the murky water. "MMMMMMMMMMMMMM!!!" her scream was so piercing, that it even made the carnivorous reptile pause for a moment, but then moved on again. Tina faced Lila and shut her eyes tightly as she waited in terror for those large, sharp teeth to tear into her soft flesh ... Lila had almost gotten her hands free when she saw that the gator was practically upon Tina now. She wailed one final time for her ill-fated friend, when out of nowhere""a loud popping sound was heard! The alligator immediately thrashed around, then a second noise came right after, and the fearsome reptile stopped moving as it slowly sank into the swamp. Turning her head in astonishment at the source of the unknown sounds, Lila saw a man standing about fifty feet away, holding a high-powered rifle! She began weeping in relief at their savior. Tina opened her brown eyes slowly, realizing to her surprise that she was still alive. She then saw that man quickly approaching them. "Don't you worry girls, I'll get you both out of there in a jiffy ... " he said as he waded in the water towards them. Reaching to Lila first, he removed the knotted cloth from her mouth. "Oh ... thank you for saving us ... " she spoke between sobs. "My pleasure, miss," he responded kindly. "It's a good thing your friend here can scream, otherwise, I would've never found you in time." After dislodging Tina's gag, all she could do was cry for she was too scared to even speak. Lila finally raised her freed hands to the surface and reached out to her terrified friend, holding her face gently and crying along with her, knowing that this horrifying ordeal was now over ... CHAPTER FOURTEEN Music played thunderously over the numerous speakers as dancing boys and girls filled the spacious gymnasium. The place was decorated with colorful streamers and a large four-foot disco ball swirled overhead, bathing the whole place in colorful bits of light. Lila walked over to one of the rows of bleachers, holding two cups of punch. She wore a fiery red dress with a short flowing skirt, and her feet were clad in stylish red sandals with a two-inch heel. Normally her father would object to her wearing such an alluring outfit, but after everything that has happened, he was just grateful that his baby was alive and well. Ashley was sitting down as she looked gorgeous in Julie's white double-knit short dress, but she still felt a bit self-conscious wearing it as she had her arms wrapped tightly around her chest. Lila sat down, handing Ashley some punch. "Didn't I tell you that you would look beautiful?" Lila spoke over the loud energetic music. After taking a sip of the fruity drink, Ashley replied gratefully, "Yeah, you were right ... but no one has asked me to dance." "You just hang in there ... " Lila said confidently to her bashful friend. Looking over at the large dance floor, Lila could make out Tina bopping her heart out, with two boys no less! She looked absolutely stunning in her hot pink mini-dress, which went perfect with her sexy high heels. Ever since the horrific events at the swamp, Tina has taken on a fresh approach to life by living it to the fullest. She also learned not to so arrogant with people anymore as that what had got her into trouble in the first place. Jayne and her Aunt Sarah were soon found and arrested. Pete's charges in the abduction were lifted; however, he did get fined for not registering with the town and was immediately removed as the school's custodian. Jayne was to be taken to an institution to help resolve her behavior issues, while it looked like Sarah was going to prison, hopefully for a long time as Lila would like it if she never saw that cruel lady ever again. After the music stopped playing, Tina made her way over to her two best friends. She took a quick sip of Lila's punch as she was so thirsty from dancing. "How're you feeling?" Lila asked as Tina took off her pumps and placed her aching feet up on the bleacher below. "Never been better!" she replied enthusiastically. "So how come you haven't danced with Steve yet?" Ashley wondered as she spotted Steve slow dancing with Brittany while another song started to play. "Brittany can have him ... " Tina replied indifferently, "besides, there's plenty of fish out there in the sea." "So we've noticed," Lila quipped. Just then, a really cute-looking boy approached Ashley. "May I have this dance?" he asked with a slight hint of nervousness in his voice as he extended his arm out to her. Ashley looked stunned at him, not knowing what to do next. Lila playfully nudged her to get up, which she slowly did and took his hand. Walking away with him, Ashley looked back at her two friends with an elated look on her cute face. Tina draped her arm around Lila's shoulder, and Lila did the same to her, as the two friends smiled warmly at the sound of the soothing music, taking pleasure at what it meant to be alive ...