Judicious Julia - {Chapters 1-6}

CHAPTER ONE

What would you do if you watched a man shoot another man? Yeah...well you do that...But for me? Me...I just stood there. It's not that I was brave, I just couldn't bring my legs to move away from where I stood across the street from Mr. Doubleday's book store. When I saw the man with the gun I hid behind a bush, and then the shot went off. It was louder than I expected.
“You saw it too?”
“I..I..I didn't see a thing!” I lie whirling around to see who had spoken from behind me. There stands a girl, probably my age but much taller and slimmer.
“Shhhh or he'll hear us” she says quietly, her eyes as big as saucers.
“Sorry” I turn to see if the young man saw me, doesn't seem so.
“I'm Sarah Parker from Parker Manor” she whispers. “Follow me, we should report this to the police”
Oh...the new rich girl I think as she takes my arm and pulls me after her.
A block away sits a limo, she pushes me in the back seat and follows me inside.
In normal circumstances I would have been excited to ride in a limo, it's a pretty rare thing in Randcliffe County, but not this time, I don't feel much excitement at all actually.
“What's your name?” Sarah asks
“Oh... I'm Julia Fritz”
“Nice to meet you Julia”
“Yeah, you too”
We drive on in silence for a time, I mean come on, we both saw something pretty freaky back there, it's not the best time to talk about shopping, boys or the weather. After about 15 minutes I feel as though something isn't just right.
“Uh...Sarah...this isn't the way to the police department” I point out, thinking maybe since she's new in town and doesn't know her way around.
“I know that Julia, we aren't going to the police department” She says smugly.
“um.. what?”
“Wait and see Julia, wait and see”
So I start to panic. WHERE IS SHE TAKING ME!? I scream inside.
I carefully pull my phone out of my pocket and see someone has been texting me. Alex!

Alex: Where are you??
Alex: We're waitingggg
Alex: Pick up your phone!
Alex: Julia? JULIA JULIEEEE JJ??!
I quickly reply back.
Me: Alex, someone was shot. I think I have been abducted. I don't know what to do. Pray for me.

I slip my phone back in my pocket and look back at Sarah. She's still engrossed in some book that seems to be in French, since I can't read the title.
Buzz..buzz..
I cough to cover up the vibration sound my phone makes and wait a moment before checking it.

Alex: WHAT?!? Be careful Julie, I'll call the police and see what I can do. Praying.

Thank goodness! I knew I could count on him.
“We're here Miss” the driver says suddenly as we pull up to a curb.
“Thank you Louis” Sarah chirps as she pulls out her phone and texts someone.
Moments later I see a man walking toward the limo.
OH MY WORD. It's the man with the gun! I'm dead I'm dead I'm dead. I bite my thumb nail and try not to say all that out loud.
“Julia, I'd like you to meet my brother, Manuel” Sarah giggles as the young man slides into the seat across from us.
“Hello Missy” Manuel drawls.
“Sarah...What's going on?” I ask, my voice rising to a nervous squeak. I try not to act completely freaked out. Because I am completely freaked out.
Sarah laughs as if I'm a small child asking some silly question like, 'Can monkey's fly?' Or, 'Do chickens talk?'
“Julia, what you saw back there.... Manuel with the gun? The store owner on the ground? Those things will never be repeated to anyone. Do you understand me?” Sarah demands.
I hesitate, looking from Sarah to Manuel and see the barrel of the gun pointed directly at my face.
Gulp.
“IS THAT UNDERSTOOD?” Sarah screams.
“Yes yes understood, completely understood” I say quickly.
“Good” Manuel and Sarah say in unison.
“Because you saw what you saw Julia, you will be working for us. And if you don't do as we say, somebody will have to pay”
I look to Sarah in surprise. “Work for you? What can I do?”
“Whatever we say, may it be to pick me up a latte or to stab someone in the back, you will do it”
“But... I couldn't...I” I blanch.
“But, you WILL. Or else someone in your family, or maybe Alex will have to go” Sarah says and looks to her brother still waving his gun.
“But...I...wait...how do you know about Alex?” I ask in disbelief.
“Julia, Julia, Julia...I'm no Amateur” Sarah laughs “all of your texts and phone calls will come directly to me! See?” She holds up her phone where mine and Alex's last texts are displayed.
I swallow hard. “Oh”

CHAPTER TWO

The Parkers' Mansion was gorgeous, I had to admit. My little 3 bedroom house was nothing compared to this elaborate estate.
Sarah and Manuel brought me to a room which I guess is called a drawing room? I didn't see anything to draw with...bummer....but, oh well.

Sitting on the chair they motioned to, I twiddle my thumbs waiting for the siblings to begin their...their...rant?...talk, discussion....oh whatever. I wait for them to speak...And it isn't long before Sarah starts. It's weird that Sarah seems to be the one in charge...Manuel is clearly the oldest...this would sooooo not happen in my home, if Clara thought she could boss me around for one se...
"Julia! I am speaking! Pay attention!"
oops
"Sorry Sarah..."
Sarah rolls her eyes and begins again with a huffy breath.
"As I was saying....For your first mission, I need you to find something for us"

Manuel grabs a paper and shows it to me. On it is a picture of a book, the title being "Journal of Edmund Parker"

I nod pretending to know what I'm looking at...a book...I know that...
"It's our great great Grandfather's journal" Manuel states as he crouches on the ground in front of me. "Somewhere in that book is a code...a code that, once we have cracked it, will lead us to a treasure!" His eyes flash with excitement and I can't help but think he's kinda cute for a murderer... WHAT AM I SAYING...Ugh...Nope he isn't cute at all...he's... ghastly! revolting and...and... hideous!
"We had the book once...but before we knew about the treasure our Mother had sold it" Sarah sighs with exasperation.
"We have been searching high and low for the book" Manuel stands up and paces the room. "We have checked all of the book stores in a 50 mile radius from here"
Suddenly I remember Mr. Doubleday from the book store... "Um...I was just wondering...but why did you shoot Mr. Doubleday?"
The siblings both look at me with the same piercing blue eyes. "He read the book...and then sold it. When I came asking if he had it, he said no... but that he had had it before. He told me that he had read it and he felt as though there was a secret to it...." Manuel shakes his head.
"Mr. Doubleday..." Sarah starts, looking to her brother for permission to continue his tale. "Wrote down all of the codes that he could find in the journal...He had already cracked some of them, he knew at least that there was a treasure..."
"He couldn't find out anymore...he is a smart man" Manuel says "was...a smart man" he corrects himself.
GULP....something so little..gee I really really REALLY need to stay on their good side....
As if they can read my thoughts Manuel and Sarah laugh suddenly.
"Don't worry your pretty little head, we won't hurt you, so long as you obey us and do as you're told" Manuel crows. I notice his gun still concealed in a small holster around his waist. I shudder.
Dear God I pray. Please protect me, show me what is right, direct my every action so that it would please you...And please please don't let them kill me...Unless, of course, that is your will. Though I really really hope it isn't... Amen
**
After another half hour of talking, well... they were the ones talking, I was pretty much just listening...But, Sarah tells Manuel that she thinks they should take me home. 'Bout stinkin time! I think.
"Manny, We should take Julia, home" She says.
"Yeah, it is getting late, and we don't want her family to be even more worried."
I sigh...What am I going to tell my Parents?! And Alex? I hate to lie to them...
"Julia, from now on you and I will be spending an lot of time together" Sarah declares.
"Um...we will?"
"Yes, you and I are going to become quite chummy, we shall be best of friends"
I can't help but laugh at this... best friends?! Me and this girl?...
"Okay...if ya say so"
"It has to be this way....I can keep an eye on you, and it won't seem odd when family and friends see you with me...we shall be like this" she says, her fingers twisting together implying how close we will be.
Ugh...
So Sarah and I get back into the limo and drive the 20 minutes to my house.
"Act shaken" Sarah says as we pull down my street. "Act as though you saw the murder, and that I, seeing it as well, took you in my loving arms and got you to my home and far away from that awful crime scene and that big bad man" She sticks her bottom lip out into a pout.
My eyes look heavenward. Ohhh goodness
As we pull up in front of my house I take a deep breath and try to prepare for the many falsehoods that will be escaping my mouth today.
My little sister Clara bolts from the front door as soon as I step from the limo, and I realize she must have been waiting and watching, hoping for me to come.

"Julie, Julie!" Is all she says, before her face is buried in my stomach and I'm encircled with her arms.
"Hey Clara! What's all this, aye?"
"We were so worried! Mama has been cryin, and Daddy is comin home from work to come find you!" Clara says looking up at me, her big blue eyes full of delight at the sight of me. My lip quivers.
"Oh Julia!" It's my mother.
I hug her close as she comes near.
"Hey Mama" I say softly.
"Oh we were so worried about you!" She cries, her embrace tightening around me.
"I'm sorry Mama, but everything is OK now" I say, pulling away I gesture toward the limo where Sarah stands near the open door, watching our little scene.
"Mama, this is Sarah Parker"
Sarah steps forward and shakes mama's hand. I notice how she acts nervous and scared. ohh.. that's how she acts 'shaken' I realize.
"Hello Ma'am, I was with your daughter..when...when...we saw..." Sarah bursts into tears and to be perfectly honest I thought they were real. This girl has some serious skills.
My Mom hugs Sarah and I can't help but feel angry at the blonde haired, blue eyed crybaby.
She's a liar, and now I have to be a liar... ugh! I really wish I hadn't seen the murder, or bumped into Sarah....
"Sarah, dear, why don't you stay here for supper?" My mother says, holding the girls hand.
"Sniffff" Sarah blows her nose on a handkerchief and shakes her head. "I mustn't...My Mother was so worried about me, she hardly wanted me to leave the house to bring Julia...I really must be getting back"
I roll my eyes as Sarah hugs me, my Mom then Clara.
"See you tomorrow Julia" She says climbing into the limo. We all watch it until it turns the corner, then my Mom asks, "What's tomorrow, Julia?"
Here goes...
"Sarah and I were going to hang out...if that's alright with you..." please say no, please say no! I beg silently.
"Oh! Of course dear! It will do you good to hang out with some girls, especially one with such style!" My Mom hugs me again, then hurries inside to call my Father.
Oh Bother... Not only did my Mom like Sarah, she almost insisted that I hang out with her.
WHAT have I gotten myself into!?? OK yeah, I don't really ever hang out with girls besides Clara and a couple kids from our Home school Co-op, but mostly just Alex.
As if she can read my mind my Mom sticks her head out of the front door and says. "By the way dear, I invited Alex over for dinner. He and Lizzy will be here at 6, their parents have a meeting with a new couple at church so they couldn't make it"
Sigh....Now I have to lie to my family and Alex all in one day.
My phone beeps. Sarah.
Her text reads:
Sarah: No funny business. We're watching you very closely. Not a word to your friend...or else.
How does she find these things out!?!?.. I text her back.
Me: Yep. Trust me, I heard and understood the first time.
Sarah: Watch the attitude.
wow. Such a boss! Is there an eye rolling emoji? Because I seriously need one.
I put on my happy face and hurry to help my Mom with dinner. This has been the longest day of my life. And it just got a whole lot longer. I just hope by the end of all this, my nose doesn't end up looking like Pinocchio's.

CHAPTER THREE

Well, dinner with Alex and his sister wasn't very pleasant to say the least.
First, Alex kind of freaked out at me because he had been so worried, he hugged me tight and wouldn't let go, I was afraid we would be stuck like that forever! Lizzy hugged me too and Clara being kinda jealous hugged me at the same time, once my Dad got home from work he hugged me for several minutes and kept kissing the top of my head thanking God I was alright. Well, to be perfectly honest I think I'm hugged out for the next three years at least.
But the biggest problem of the night is that Alex so totally suspects something is up. He asked me what was wrong but I just blamed it on having a long crazy day. I could tell by his face, he didn't buy that for a second.
I was glad when they left and I was able to go to bed! After our family devotions I literally dove into my bed like a dolphin would into the ocean.
That night, I dreamt of fireworks, red fireworks. Every time one exploded, someone I knew would fall down dead, and I was the one lighting them off. I was just about to light the last firework off, there were 3 people left. I couldn't do it, I just couldn't light it, so I screamed. I woke up screaming. It's not the best way to wake up, let me tell you.
Soaked with sweat and screaming like a banshee isn't the most attractive way to greet your Mom in the morning.
“Julia! Are you alright?!” I stop screaming and look at my Mother's open-mouthed visage.
Gulp “Yeah yeah yeahhhh... Mom...heh...I'm fineeee” I emphasize the 'fine' because I'm sure I don't appear to be fine at all. “What's for breakfast Mama?” I ask grinning, sliding out of bed and stretching.
My Mom looks me over carefully and shakes her head. “Waffles, dear, you should get dressed and ready, you said Sarah was coming to pick you up early”
Darn it. I totally forgot! “Oh...yeah, I'll get ready, be down in a bit”
I shower and slip into some comfortable clothes, leaving my hair to air dry; I tie my Converse and trudge downstairs, the smell of waffles, syrup and bacon fill my nose and I can't help but smile at Clara, who has my mustache glass filled with my by-far favorite juice. Orange juice! “Awww thanks Clara!” I say hugging my little sis.
She smiles and I cringe inside remembering my dream from last night. She was one of the last ones standing...Her face full of fear and sadness, I wish I could erase the image fro....
Ding Dongggggg the doorbell interrupts my thoughts, and I'm thankful.
“Julia, eat your waffles, I'll get the door” My Mom says sliding a plate in front of me, I drizzle a little syrup over the waffles, and cover the top with whipped cream. Yummm
My Mom hurries in right after I've shoved the first ginormous bite into my mouth, I can feel whipped cream on my nose.
“Julia! It's a boy!” My Mom exclaims clapping her hands excitedly.
Manuel.
“Oh, dats sawahs brover” I say through my waffle.
“No, dear, he says he's Sarah's brother” She laughs, “It's not Silas Dover, he hasn't been around since you punched him in the nose for trying to kiss you”
I roll my eyes.
“Hurry Julia! The boy is waiting in the living room!”
I gulp down the rest of my food and imbibe my orange juice as fast as I can.
“Bye Mom, I love you” I say, kissing her cheek. “Bye Clara, be good for Mama”
“Be careful Julia, love you too” Mother says as she hurries me out of the kitchen and I find Manuel looking at a family picture.
“Oh, there you are!” He says setting the frame down and standing. “Beautiful family” he adds.
“Thanks” Wow dude...Have you not seen you and your sister?! You guys are the definition of beautiful.
He nods and holds his arm out for me. What!? This guy has to be from the past. "You seem to have a little something on your nose" he adds, pulling out a handkerchief. I look over his shoulder into the mirror on the wall. Whipped Cream! Ugh, I forgot. I wipe it off, feeling super embarrassed.
“Sarah is in the limo waiting, she didn't want to leave the AC” he says as I take his arm and he leads me to the limo, opening the door and helping me in. Man, what a gentleman!
“I know Daddy! I promise we'll work it out! Please don't be mad, please Daddy, we'll find it.....”
Sarah is on her phone, must be her Dad.
“We understand. Don't worry about a thing, we'll make it up to you...ok, we'll check there...oh..ok bye.....” her face falls “Love you too Dad” she adds as she hangs up, I can tell her Dad wasn't to happy.
“What did he say?” Manuel asks from where he sits beside me.
“He says if we don't have the book by the end of the week he'll...he'll disinherit us.” Sarah sighs. "He also says that he thinks it's at one of the local libraries due to huge donation of books Doubleday gave recently, he just doesn't know which library would have it."
Wow....my Dad would never, ever do that. It's not like he has some huge inheritance, but he would never not consider me his daughter.
“We must try harder” Manuel replies firmly.
“Manny, we've been trying hard the whole time!” Sarah complains. “I'm tired of trying and getting nowhere”
“Well now we have her” He looks at me “She'll be a big help”
I don't know if I should be pleased or not. Of course I love to help people...but not this kind of people.
Sarah sighs. “Julia, are you ready for your first mission?”
I nod my head hesitantly “Yeah....I'm ready.”
“OK, here's what you have to do” Manuel says “You must search these libraries for the journal." He holds up his phone where his Google search for libraries in the area is shown. "You will have our help via ear piece. You mustn't tell anyone the true reason behind your searching for the book, just state you are interested in the Parker family history. If you find the journal, remove the barcode number, as well as anything else the library may have added to the journal that may cause an alarm to go off if the book is taken. Hide the book in your bag and bring it out to the waiting limo.” He says as though he has practiced it his whole life.
I nod. “OK, I'll try my best” I love libraries, but I hate stealing. I once stole a bag of bird seed... true story!** It was a total accident. My Dad and I were at the hardware store and he asked me to carry the bag of bird seed, when we got to the cash register I forgot I was holding it and we walked out of the store, I was about to get into the car when I noticed and I kind of freaked out. “Dad...did we pay for this?” So he and I went back in and paid for it. I was glad I wasn't caught or arrested. Could you imagine? 'Julia Fritz: Arrested for feeding the birds for FREE' I am SO glad my name was cleared.
“Julia?” I look up at Manuel
“Yeah?” I ask.
He laughs. “She seriously didn't hear a word you said”
I blush. “Sorry... I was.... strategizing”
Sarah rolls her eyes and repeats herself. “I said, we don't have all day so I hope you know your way around libraries, we have 3 to cover and I have a salon appointment at 6” she sniffs.
Oh dear! It would be devastating if you missed your appointment. I think, as I sit here with my frizzy wavy mane, chap-stick smeared lips and a hint of mascara, she sits across from me with her sleek blond locks, hot pink lipstick and perfectly done make-up, plus freshly painted nails. Mine have been chipping for weeks!
“Go on now, we'll be a few blocks away watching your every move” Manuel says slipping an ear piece into my hand and pinning a camera brooch to my shirt.
“Now turn around”
“What?” I ask him, surprised.
“Turn around!” I turn around and he grabs two strands of my hair from either side, pulling my hair into a front up, he secures it with something.
“What is that for?” I question, feeling self conscious suddenly.
“It's a camera hair pin, so we can be sure no one follows you, and if they do we can warn you....And it makes your hair look nice” Manuel says.
I blush. “Oh...Thanks....but, who would follow me?” I ask, feeling suddenly nervous.
“Get in the stupid library!” Sarah says shoving the door open.
I hurry out and Sarah slams the door behind me, as I slip the ear piece in I hear Manuel telling Sarah to be quiet, and then he starts to talk to me as I walk towards the library entrance.
"Julia, we didn't tell you because we didn't want to add to this, but there are other people looking for the book, they are very very dangerous, and there is no telling what things they can do."
Gulp "Good luck in there, and be careful." I run into the library and get started, trying not to look over my shoulder every two seconds.
After 2 hours of searching and searching, I can't find the journal, I even asked three librarians!
Sarah seems aggravated with me, but Manuel says that means we are one step closer to finding it.
At the second library I still can't find it, 3 hours and 22 minutes later I walk slowly to the limo, I'm glad there is only one more to go.
"Where to now?" I ask, munching on a fry from Burger King.
"The Manchester Central Library" Manuel says. "We'll be waiting at the far end of the parking lot." he adds.
YES! That is by far my favorite one in the area.
I hurry to the door, but slow my pace as I enter.
The inside of this place is beautiful, the high ceilings and extensive bookshelves make me feel right at home, the elaborate architecture takes my breath away.
I can't help but feel like a secret agent as I walk through the library, no one can see my ear piece but I can feel it, and I really wish I had some dark sunglasses and a briefcase to finish the look.

I have been searching for an hour now.
“Julia?” I hear my name, and at first I think it's Manuel through the ear piece, but I feel someone touch my arm and I turn around, coming face to face with another close friend of mine. Uriah Mills.
“Uriah! Heyyy” I punch his arm lightly and smile. “You scared me, pal”
He apologizes and motions towards the shelf of books I was scanning. “What are you looking for?” I freeze and stare back at him, searching for what to say, then I realize, he just wanted to know what book I was looking for, just like any other time he would ask that.
“Oh...nothing in particular...just...looking” I say. “well...Actually I am looking for a journal”
I hear Manuel in my ear but I'm not too worried. Uriah is smart, nerdy smart. He'll just think I want to read the book, there doesn't have to be an ulterior motive.
“Hmm, sounds interesting, who's journal?”
I pause...Something Parker....
“Ezra Parker!” I say.
“Edmund Parker” Sarah hisses in my ear. Thanks!
“Edmund Parker, yeah Edmund” I correct myself.
“Never heard of him, want some help looking?” Uriah asks, already scanning the titles of the books a shelf above his head.
“Yeah, that would be great, thanks!” I know Sarah and Manuel are probably mad at me for getting his help, but I don't think it will hurt anything.
After a half hour we haven't found anything and my phone keeps buzzing in my pocket.
“Julia, Alex keeps texting you, maybe you should answer so he thinks everything is A-Okay” Sarah says.
So he 'thinks' everything is OK....right, because he would definitely have to think it.
I look at Uriah who's still tirelessly scouring shelves. What a nerd. I can't help but smile.
“I have to go to the bathroom, I'll be right back” I say to him and hurry to the bathrooms.
I check my phone, and as I do a third text comes in from Alex.
Alex: Hey, What's up?
Alex: I called your house, your Mom says you're out with the Parkers'.
Alex: Ok...So I just texted Uriah, asking if he wanted to hang, and he tells me you're with him at the library...what gives?
“Manuel, what should I tell Alex?” I ask, though I'm not in the habit of asking advice from murderers, this seems like the time I should. How am I going to explain that I'm out with the Parkers' and out with Uriah at the same time?!
“Just tell him we dropped you off at the library for a little while and we'll be picking you up shortly.” He says “That's all truth”
“OK, that should work” I text Alex back.
“Julia, why did you tell that boy about the journal?” Sarah asks, there is an angry edge to her voice, but I can't tell if it's due to the fact that I told him, or that I'm making her late for her beauty appointment.
“He's smart, but he won't suspect, we often come here together and help each other find books.” I say, which is true.
“You better hope he doesn't find out, you know what happened to Mr.Doubleday” She warns.
“Got it” I clench my jaw. “Now I have to get back to work”
When I get back to the shelves we were searching I don't see Uriah, and since it's a library, I don't want to call out his name.
“Julia, where is your friend?” Manuel asks his voice rising nervously.
“I don't know” I look around the vast library, how am I going to find him in this place?!
“Julia! He's being chased out in the parking lot!” Sarah shouts and I cringe at her loud voice.
“Keep it down will ya?!” I sibilate. sheesh! I have to get out there and fast!
I run out the door and see Uriah sidestep a big man, just to come face to face with another bigger man.
“HEY!” I yell, I run towards them and body slam into the smaller guy as he lunges for my friend.
“What's going on?!” I ask Uriah who is doing everything in his power not to get caught.
“I..don't...know!” he says between lunges, this way and that. I kick a man in the stomach sending him reeling backwards.
“I found the book, and just as I grabbed it, a man snatched it from me and took off, well he didn't check it out, so I ran after him, and besides! Finders keepers!” Uriah says, trying to catch his breath while I handle the two goons.
“Wait! You found the book?!” I stop short and instantly regret it as a large fist slams into my stomach, knocking the air out of my lungs and me off my feet. I scramble up as fast as I can and kick the mans knee, knocking him down.
“Yeah...it said 'Journal of Edmund Parker' It was old.....and bound in leather” He says, he hits one of the men in the face with a book from his book bag. “Take that ye goatish clay-brained foot-licker!” He yells, smacking the guy again.
“What in the world was that, Uriah?!” I ask, jumping out from between the two men running towards me, causing them to smack into one another. Uriah gives me a high five. “It's Elizabethan, a Shakespeare insult”
“Oh....cool, but um, where is the book?” I ask, noticing that neither of the guys have it.
“Oh....There was a third guy, he ran off and left these spongy half-faced pigeon-eggs to deal with me” He smirks, “But instead, I dealt with them” He flexes his nonexistent muscles.
I need to get that book.
I tell Uriah I'll see him at church on Sunday and head back to the limo, leaving the two thugs dazed on the ground. I slip inside and find Sarah crying, I can't tell if it's real or fake, and Manuel is practically pulling out his hair.
“Gahhhhh” Manuel yells. “We almost had it!”
“I'm sorry guys, I tried...”
“No, it's not your fault, either way those guys would have gotten away with the book” Manuel says. "Nice moves by the way"
"Oh thanks.....I'm a 1st degree black belt in karate...but, who are 'those guys'?"I ask.
“Men our cousin hired no doubt" Sarah says sniffing.
"Why would your cousin do this?"
"Our Aunt was pregnant when our Grandfather died, our cousin wasn't even known about yet" Manuel begins after telling Louis to head to my house. "Because of that, our Grandfather had mine, and Sarah's name in his will"
"When our Aunt found out, she was furious!" Sarah continues. "She grained it into Adam's head that he deserved to have something from his deceased Grandfather."
"We agreed! So, we gave him things that were meant for Grandpa's 'Grandchildren'. But one thing we kept for ourselves, our Grandfather's journal, that was meant specifically for us, he had put in his will 'My journal, for Manny and Sarah Parker.' The rest was for his grandchildren in general" Manuel says sadly. "But apparently that wasn't enough."
Just as they finished their little tale, Manuel's phone rings. He answers.
"What?!....no...You must return him...He isn't even working for me! You'll pay for this!" He promises, throwing his phone in a rage.
"Manny....who was that?" Sarah asks him hesitantly.
"Adam...He took Uriah and is holding him until I tell him how to crack the codes in the journal" Manuel huffs, running his hands through his blond mop.
My face pales and my heart stops. What have I done?

CHAPTER FOUR

After a long and sleepless night I pull the blankets off and slip from my bed, wishing the floor would swallow me up, along with all of my problems.
I check my phone for the 5 millionth time since I was dropped off by the Parkers. Still not a word.
I shrug into some comfy clothes and pin my waves back out of my face.
“Julia? Why are you up so early?” My Father asks as I reach the bottom step.
He sits on the couch, tying his work boots on. “Oh, I couldn't sleep...and I was kinda hungry” I say, the last part a big fib, I couldn't eat a thing right now, not even chocolate could entice me. And that's saying a lot.
My Dad ushers me into the kitchen and offers to get me a bowl of cereal. “Thanks dad, but I think I'll just eat an apple” I say, he nods, kisses my head then grabs his lunch out of the fridge, preparing to leave.
“Dad?...” I need to talk to him, ask him what I should do about all this.
“Yes, Julie?”
“Uh...h...have a good day”
I can't ask him.
He smiles. “You too sweetie.”
After an hour or so of sitting and staring out the kitchen window I get a text message.
Alex: Do you know where Uriah is?!! His mom is frantic, I told her you were with him Yesterday.
Great....I hurry to my room and pull my shoes on, I tell my mom I'm heading out for the day to hang with friends and I hurry out the door, hopping onto my bike and peddling as fast as I can toward town. I call Sarah but she doesn’t answer so I leave a message.
“Sarah, I don't know what to tell Alex, I don't want anyone else getting in trouble, please call me back”
Moments later I get a call from Manuel.
“Hey Julia, sorry about that, Sarah was sleeping so I listened to your message. Meet me at the café as soon as you can.” he says. "We need to stradegize"
“Ok, see you there.”
After another 15 minutes of peddling I pull into the café parking lot and park my bike near the door. I hurry inside.
Manuel isn't there when I arrive, but after a few minutes I see him pull up in a 1964 Mustang convertible.
"Sweet ride, man!" I say as he comes to sit across from me.
He grins. "Yeah, thanks, cost a ton."
I can totally see that.
"We need to talk, we need to make a plan." Manuel says.
"Ok, shoot."
"Last night I did some digging. I found out that my cousin isn't the only one after the journal."
Well duhh, so are youuu I think.
"A man by the name of Greyson Fallows is also looking for it."
"Why would he be looking for it too?" I ask.
"I wasn't sure, but I remembered early this morning that my Grandfather had a very close friend. He called him Grey...I think Grey must be Greyson."
"Interesting..." I nod my head and try to piece together what this means.
"Hey Julia! Can I get you anything to drink? And who's your friend?" Comes a voice beside me.

"Heh..heh Addy! What are you doing here?!" I ask nervously.
"Um..Julia...My family owns the café...I work here?"
I bite my lip. Oh yeah...
Manuel sticks out his hand to shake hers. "I'm Manuel Parker, nice to meet you..."
"Addy, My name is Addy, and nice to meet you too" Addy raises an eyebrow at me and I shrink into my chair.
"Get us two Cappuccinos and two glazed donuts please." Manuel says and Addy hurries off.
"She your friend?" He asks me.
"Yep, my best gal friend."
"You seemed uncomfortable around her..?"
"I don't want her or any of my other friends getting involved in this...I'm keeping them at a distance." I explain, Addy comes back with our order.
"Julia, are you still meeting Alex and I at the pizza parlor tonight?..You can bring your friend!"
I hesitate and look to Manuel, to, I don't know, say we have plans?
"Of course she'll be there! And I'd be glad to come...that is if Julia doesn't mind.."
WHAT IS HE DOING!?!?!
"Uh..no..I mean yeah sure, we'll be there.." I shake my head at Manuel and Addy hurries off to help another customer, but not before adding cheerfully "See you tonight guys!"
"What was THAT!?!" I hiss.
"What do you mean?!" Manuel asks innocently.
"I JUST told you I want to stay away from them! So far wherever I am there's been trouble. I don't want anymore trouble for my friends!" I slide my uneaten doughnut across the table to him. "Now, what is the plan? "Julia, look. You and I haven't exactly had much time to get to know each other, but I already think of you as a sister, and I don't want anything bad to happen to you.."
Yeah, says the guy with the gun...
He sighs, running his fingers through his hair. "But I need you to trust me when I say I will do my utmost to get your friend back."
I shrug and prop my chin on my hand. "What can I do?"
"You can come with me to my house, we'll pick up Sarah and go give our cousin a visit." He says leaving the money for the bill on the table, plus a generous tip.
"You can put your bike in the back seat for now."
OK, guys, don't get me wrong I am worried and frustrated and stressed about everything that has been going on. But when a girl gets to ride in a car as sweet as that Mustang, sometimes all those thoughts drift away and you can't help but enjoy yourself. I know I couldn't.
We arrive at the Parker Manor and I still can't get over the vastness. Sarah is ready and comes out of the house followed by the Butler.
"Do you want the limo Master Manuel?" Louis asks.
"No thanks Louis, I'll take my car."
Sarah huffs. "Why would we take this junk heap when we have a perfectly good limo!?"
"Shut up Sarah, get in the back." Manuel snaps at his sister.
She grumbles and climbs in, complaining about having to sit next to my bike.
Manuel rolls his eyes dramatically and I giggle.
"Louis, please be so kind and take Julia's bike to her home? Tell her Mother we'll drop her off in awhile."
Louis nods and takes the bike. We drive off, our hair blowing in the wind.
After about an hour of driving we come to a long narrow road with large houses on both sides, set back far from the road edge.
"Here we are!" Manuel states as he pulls down a long drive way, through a wrought iron gate and past the tall green hedges.
"Woah!"
"I know right?! This place is awesome, we were here last week for a BBQ, they have an awesome backyard." Manuel says, parking the car.
We climb out and as we walk to the door it opens, revealing Adam Parker, their cousin.
"Manny! Sarah! How are you!?" He says giving them each a hug. "I got Sarah's text bout ya'll stopping by! Come right on in!" He says holding the door open for us.
"We're good Adam, and you?" Sarah asks, smiling sweetly.
"Fine, fine! And who is this?" He stops and looks in my direction, noticing me for the first time.
"This is Julia Fritz, Julia this is our cousin Adam." Manuel says.
Adam smiles and I shake his offered hand awkwardly.
"Nice to meet you pretty lady." He says and winks.
I roll my eyes.
"What brings you to my humble abode?" Adam asks, offering a chair to us all.
"We're here on behalf of Uriah, the boy you took captive last night." Manuel says as he takes a chair next to mine.
"Oh, I see...Well you know what I asked for if you wanted him returned."
"Look, Adam, Uriah knows nothing about this situation, I promise! He was just trying to help me find the book...and I was helping...because..if I didn't...well..."
"If she didn't we would have had to dispose of her." Sarah interrupts and smiles smugly.
Yep...
"I'm sorry Julia...but you see, us Parkers are stubborn, and if I say I won't let him go until I get what I want...well, that's exactly what I mean." I can't help but admire his cool evilness...He's so calm and laid back, if he weren't evil he would make an awesome companion.
"Can we at least see him, Adam?" Manuel asks, rising from his chair and towering over his cousin by at least a foot.
Adam taps his cheek with his finger and smiles slightly. "Alright, you can see him...but no funny business Manny, I know you." He raises an eyebrow, then turns on his heel motioning with his hand to follow him.
He takes us down the hall and opens a door leading into a vast and beautiful library. I gasp in delight.
"I know right!? Isn't it rad?" Adam asks noticing my reaction.
Before I can answer him I see Uriah.
"Uriah!" I exclaim and hurry to his side.
There he sits in an overstuffed chair with a large book in his hands.
"Julia! It's a library for heavens sake! Keep it down!" He grumbles.
Ok...for being held against his will he seems pretty normal...I would so totally be freaking out.
Manuel looks at Uriah with a confused expression. "Adam, if we promise to help you out, will you let him go?" Manuel asks.
"Manny." Adam shakes his head and laughs. "That is not how I work and you know it! You can either help me now and take your friend, or help me never and never see your friend again." He crosses his arms and watches Manuel with a smile playing on his face.
Manuel sighs. Just help him!! Let's take Uriah and go! I want to say.
Sarah comes and hooks her arm in Adams. "Dear cousin, I was wondering if I could see your new stallion! When we came last week I was to ill to be near the smelly barn." She pouts.
Adam smiles, and his eyes flash with excitement. "Yes! You must see my beautiful white stallion! All of you!" he says.
Manuel gives me a hard stare and I know exactly what he's saying.
"I..Uh...I'm allergic to horses Adam..." I say.
"Oh..how sad. Guess you'll have to stay here. Manny, keep Julia and Uriah company, Sarah and I will be back shortly." They hurry out of the room and I'm left alone with Uriah and Manuel.
"Come on, we don't have much time!" Manuel grabs mine and Uriah's hands and pulls us after him.
"What if he catches us?!" I ask as he yanks us toward the car.
"He won't! Get in!" he demands jumping in without even opening the door.
Uriah and I scramble into the back seat just as Manuel slams his foot on the gas throwing us backwards. "Get your seat belts on!" He shouts and he whips the steering wheel around heading toward the back of the house.
We can see Sarah and Adam heading to the barn and I wonder what in the world Manuel has planned.
But apparently Sarah knows. She sees us coming, kicks Adam in the shin then takes off running towards the car. Manuel slows just enough for her to dive head first into the front seat before he takes off again, straight through the enormous backyard property.
"Wow Sarah, that was amazing!" I yell over the wind.
She looks back at me and smiles. "I'll do whatever it takes to get whats rightfully mine." Her disheveled hair blowing about like crazy.
Gulp...yeah...even shoot people.
After awhile of driving we get to a back road and Manuel slows down, and heads back towards town.
"Manuel...How was that so easy?" I ask.
Manuel laughs and shakes his head. "Adam is smart...sometimes...but he works better when someone is doing the work for him. It was easy then, but it won't be easy now that his temper has flared."
"That was a splendid experience!" Uriah says grinning.
Ughh If only he know what I've gone through emotionally these last 24 hours.
We drop of Uriah after giving him an excuse for not showing up last night. He lost his phone and spent the night at a friends house. I just hope his mom is so happy to see him she doesn't notice what a lame cover story that is.
"Ready for pizza?!" Manuel asks me, looking at me in the rear view mirror.
I totally forgot.
"Yeah...sure."
"Ewww Pizza?! Yuck." Sarah's face shows disgust and she crosses her arms.
"We're dropping you off at home, party pooper." Manuel says and I laugh. Who doesn't like pizza!?! That's like saying you don't like chocolate. It's not normal!
After dropping Sarah off we head to the pizza parlor in silence. Well, not complete silence, Manuel and I share a common love for piano music, he has some awesome Philip Wesley CDs. So we drive in happy, dreamy, piano-y silence...
"Here we are!" Manuel says shutting off the engine then coming to open my door for me.
"Thanks!...And you're going to love this place, they have awesome pizza!" I say as he hold the door for me yet again.
Alex and Addy are already sitting at a table and Addy waves excitedly when she sees me.
"Julia! Manuel! So glad to see you!" She says and hugs me.
I smile and sit down next to Addy, forcing Manuel to sit next to Alex. I introduce them.
"Alex, this is Manuel, Manuel, Alex." They shake hands and we sit down. I can't help but feel a weird tension in the air.
"What pizza are we going to try?" Manuel asks the table.
"It's up to you guys I just want to eat!" Addy exclaims patting her stomach to indicate its emptiness.
After a moment of pizza topping options and then a moment of crust flavor arguing, we finally decide what we want.
Bacon, pepperoni and mushroom, extra cheese with sesame seed crust.
"This is delicious!" Manuel says, his mouth full of food.
"Yeah, after we should head to Diana's Dairy, they have the best homemade ice cream in town!" Alex states, taking a swig of his pop.
I'm glad they seem to be getting along, but I notice how Alex keeps looking at me, I really hope he doesn't still suspect something is up...He seemed a little upset about me ignoring his text all day...but still, he seems weird.
After we finish the last piece of pizza we just chill and talk while our food settles. Addy and I are facing the door, Alex and Manuel have their backs to it. So I'm the only one who notices Adam marching towards the parlor door.
"Um...Manuel..." I point behind him.
He turns. "Uh...excuse..me guys, be right back. heh." He laughs nervously, sets a $20 on the table and hurries away before his cousin comes in.
"What was that all about?" Alex asks, turning to watch Manuel through the door.
"Nothing, nothing...Soooo...Addy, how was work today?" I ask her.
"You know, just the normal Friday business, busy at some points and dull at others. How was your day Julia?"
"It was good Addy." I kidnapped a hostage and rode in the back of an antique Mustang nearing 100 MPH...Could have been better...but at least Uriah is safe.
I watch as Manuel and Adam yell at each other, getting all into each others faces and shoving each other around.
"Julia!" Alex says my name loudly. "I've been calling your name but you can't seem to take your eyes off of...Him." He jabs his thumb behind him.
"oh..I'm sorry..what did you want to ask me?" I ask, still watching out the door.
"I was just going to ask..."
Just then Adam slams his fist into Manuel's face, sending him sprawling to the ground.
"Alex! Look!" I point and we all run out to see what we can do.
Adam sees me and marches up to me, his face inches from mine. "Where is your friend, princess?"
"Hey! Back off!" Alex tries to shove him, but Adam just bats him away.
"It's ok Alex." I say.
"It's ok Alex." Adam mocks. "Now where is your friend Missy, you have 5 seconds to tell me."
"I'm not telling you a thing...except that your breath smells like a port-a-potty"
Adam's eyes turn to slits. "How dare you!" he whines. "Does anyone have a mint?" He asks.
When no one answers he turns back to me. "Julia, so help me..."
Just then we hear police sirens.
"I called the police!" Addy says.
Adam's face fills with panic and he turns to Manuel. He helps him up and they both climb into their cars.
"Julia, get a ride with your friends, I'll call you later!" Manuel shouts and they drive off.
Neither of them are willing to get caught. They need each other.
Alex hurries to my side and holds his finger in front of my face.
"You have a whole lot of explaining to do. And I mean now." He demands.

CHAPTER FIVE

I know I can't tell Alex anything. I can't put him danger. But his look tells me I can. It tells me that I really have no choice but to tell him something. Alex
"Jewel. Now." He says, grabbing my arm and pulling me after him. He does the same to Addy and we hurry to his car.
"I'll leave you two alone...." Addy says nervously. She holds her hand to her ear and mouths "Call me!" as she hurries to her car.
"Get in." Alex says, holding the door open for me. I climb into the passenger seat and we hurriedly pull out of the parking lot to stay clear of the police.
"What do you have to say for yourself?" He asks, once we are quite a bit away. My phone rings at that instant. Manuel.
"Uhh..Let me get this.." I say then I answer the phone. "Hey"
"Hey Julia, sorry about that, I couldn't get caught...did you get a ride?" Manuel asks. I look to my left.
"Yeah, Alex is bringing me home, and it's ok." I notice Alex tense.
"Make sure you don't tell him anything Julia, not a thing about whats going on."
Gulp... "Ok" I squeak.
"I'll see you tomorrow, we're going to go find the book. I'm sure its at my cousins house, and I don't think he would hide it....its really not like him."
"Yeah...ok, see you tomorrow then..."
"See ya." And we disconnect.
"Who are you going to see tomorrow? I hope its not that Manuel fellow." Alex says pointedly.
"Umm...Yeah its him."
"Jewel, what was that back there? Who are those guys?"
"I can't tell you." Here we goooo....
I see Alex's temper flare. "WHAT CAN'T YOU TELL ME?! I'm your BEST FRIEND!" He says, his face flaming red.
This has only happened 10 times tops, since I've known Alex. Its scary every time.
"I know you're my best friend...that's why I can't tell you..." Sigh "..its complicated."
Alex pinches the bridge of his nose and shakes his head. "This doesn't make sense Julia. Why is it any different if I were your best friend or not? Why can't you just tell me?"
"If I tell you, you, your family and mine, will be in serious danger. I can't tell anyone...Don't you see how hard this is for me? I always tell you everything, but I can't right now because I need you to stay safe." I can't help the tears that begin to fall down my freckled cheeks.
Alex looks startled. "Jewel, please don't cry, you know how I hate when people cry."
I laugh sadly. "And you know I can't help it sometimes. Girls cry, Al!"
We sit in silence for several moments. I watch as rain begins to drizzle down the windshield. I tap my fingers on the door in time to the swish swish squeeeeak of the windshield wipers.
"So...You won't tell me anything?" Alex questions.
"I can't."
Alex sighs.
After another few minutes of driving I ask Alex to turn down a side street.
"Why?"
"Just do it! Quick!"
He takes a right and the car behind us does the same. "We're being followed." I say nervously.
"What?!" Alex's eyes dart to the rear view mirror. "Who is that?"
"I don't know. But we have to lose them, and quick!"
Slamming his foot to the gas pedal, the speedometer jumps ahead as does the jeep.
Alex weaves in an out of streets passing through stop signs and barely missing a group of kids crossing the street.
"I really hope I don't get a ticket." Alex says through clenched teeth.
I really hope we don't get killed.
"Manuel definitely doesn't seem like your type to me."
I turn to Alex and can't help but laugh, even in our current situation. "How would you know if I even had a type?"
"I dunno...I just thought I knew you."
Ouch...
"You do know me Alex...what are you talking about?"
"I haven't known you these past couple of days. You haven't acted like yourself...and all of a sudden you're all buddy buddy with these two rich kids." He checks his mirrors then continues. "You acted nervous around me! You never act nervous around me! I just don't know what happened to Jewel, my bestie."
He pinches my cheek and smiles sadly. "I think we lost them"
Here comes the waterworks. And I don't mean the downpour outside.
Again my eyes overflow and the salty tears stream down my face.
"I'm sorry Alex, I didn't want it to be this way, I didn't want to lie to you, to my parents, to anyone!" Ugh Now I'm sobbing.
"Julia, I can help you through this, I just need you to trust me."
I try to arrange the details in my head, what parts I can tell him without him getting hurt. But I can't think of anything without adding more lies to the mix. And something as small as asking Uriah to help me look for a book in a library had gotten him kidnapped.
"Alex..I trust you..don't get me wrong. But it's not about whether I trust you or not..I just don't trust them."
"Who is 'them'?"
"I don't know...I mean, there are lots of 'thems'" Shaking my head I turn to look out the window. I decide I can't tell him a single thing.
"JULIA HOLD TIGHT!" Alex yells as he slams on the breaks and his jeep skids to a hasty stop.
The car that had been chasing us sits directly in front of us.
Alex pulls the gear into reverse, but behind us sits a second vehicle.
"What are we going to do?!" I ask, locking the door as several men climb out of the car.
"I don't know Julia...I don't know."
Suddenly there's a man at both of our windows. They both have guns.
The one on my side taps the window and tells me to open the door.
When I don't move I see him pull something out of his pocket.
"Alex! He's picking the lock!" I scream, sliding away from the door and closer to him.
Suddenly the door is jerked open and the man grabs my arm yanking me from the seat. I scream and am pulled from the car and onto the street.
"This is all we need thank you" The man says gruffly. The door slams shut as he drags me toward their vehicle.
"WAIT! What are you doing?" Alex yells as he hurries out of his car.
"We just need the girl, you're free to go." The man waves his hand at Alex.
"Excuse me? I'm not going anywhere without her. And you're not going anywhere with her." Alex lunges at my captor just to be grabbed from behind by a second man.
Without a second thought Alex has the man flipped over his back and onto the cement.
I pull away from the mans grasp on my hands and send a hard front kick smashing into his abdomen. He sucks in his breath and I use his size and current weakness against him, flipping him into a heap in the street.
Alex and I could soooo take these two dudes down. But there are more than two dudes. Soon we are surrounded by men dressed in black, standing in the pouring rain.
I'm pulled away from Alex, towards the waiting car. And Alex is pulled the opposite direction.
Someone ties my wrists behind my back and I get a gag that is way to big for my mouth shoved into my face.
"Take me with you! I'll go too!" Alex says, but the men just ignore him, and tie him loosely to a street light pole.
They throw me into the back seat and I watch through the back window as the men get into their cars and Alex's and we drive off.
"WAIT!" I hear Alex yell. "That's my car!"
None of the men talk to me as we drive. But I hear the name Greyson and my ears perk up.
"I don't know...I don't think the boss will be to happy about this." One man says.
The driver snarls. "Shut up! This is definitely going to make him pleased with us, we might even get a raise!"
"The boss wanted the book, not this girl."
The driver looks directly at me through his rear view mirror.
"Knock her out." He says.
My eyes widen.
"What?!" the first man asks.
"I said...KNOCK HER OUT!"
The man socks me in the jaw sending pain throughout my face and I slowly drift into oblivion. But not before hearing the drivers last remark.
"I meant with anesthesia."
That would have been preferred.

CHAPTER SIX

I feel like an idiot, I just let my best friend be kidnapped along with my car.
Pulling and twisting my wrists I finally get them free from the ropes, but that does nothing to ease the regret I feel.
Where would they take her? I wonder. Who are 'they'?
I pull on my hood to block the rain. Not like I'm not already soaking wet.
Its been about 20 minutes since I was tied up here if my guess is correct, so by now, at the speed they were going, Julia's captors could be miles away. I take off running in the direction they went.
I don't know where I'm going, or what I'll do when I get there but little do they know I can find exactly where they are. I just need a phone. Alex, sometimes you can be sooo stupid. I had left my phone in the cup holder inside my jeep.
I see a man walking my direction, he's on his phone. Maybe he will be able to help me.
Jogging over to him I hear the mans conversation.
"Alright Honey, I'll be home soon...I know I need to get it fixed, do you think I enjoy walking home after work?"
He stops in front of me and rolls his eyes at whatever his wife is saying.
"Babe, I got to go, I'll be home soon...Love you too. Bye."
He sighs. "What can I do for you, son?"
"My friend was kidnapped and the guys who took her also took my vehicle. I need a phone to call the police, and also to track down my car...I have a GPS tracker on it."
He looked at me warily. Then seeing the sincerity in my face dialed the police.
"Here you are, but I have to get home so don't take all day."
I quickly fill the police in on all the details I know about the situation and they promise to be on the look out.
Then I quickly log into my GPS tracker account through the mans browser. Within seconds I have a reading.
"Gotcha!" I thank the man for his phone and take off running again, this time knowing exactly where I'm going.
I just hope Julia's alright.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

I don't know where they've taken me but wherever it is it smells like stinky men and sweat.
I overheard a guy say that we'll be leaving soon to visit Greyson.
So he's the one who's behind this.
I try to wriggle free from these ropes but they're so tight. My phone keeps vibrating in my pocket and whenever it does I fake a coughing fit so they won't hear it.
I hope its Alex, I hope he can find me.
"Alright sweetie we're just gonna take you for a little rode trip." says an older man, probably in his late forties I guess from his greying hair.
My heel connects with his shin and he falls over, clutching his leg in pain.
"What was that for!?"
Eye roll.
A younger man helps him up. "We kidnapped her....I think that is reason enough."
They both take hold of my shoulders and pull me off of the ground, using the rope as a grip.
"Here, you get her in the car I'm gonna go call the boss." The first man says watching me from the corner of his eye.
What you lookin at tough guy? I glare at him.
I'm lifted into the back of a black vehicle and a white cloth is pinched to my nose.
I try to fight it but in seconds I drift off.
I'm out.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

When I finally get to the address that the GPS said my car should be.
I'm dripping wet, from the rain and sweat.
I hurry to the building and peer in the garage window. There she is!
My jeep.
I pull at the garage door but it won't budge. I get the same result at all the other doors.
"I already tried getting in but it's really no use."
I turn around, coming face to face with Manuel.
"What...What are you doing here?" I ask him. I really don't like this dude.
"I'm following Julia, as are you, I suspect." His questioning statement made me angry.
"Why would you be following Julia?" I demand.
"Because she wouldn't be in this mess if it weren't for me." Manuel replies calmly. "But she isn't here. You can come with me if you want."
"How do you know where she is?" I ask, though I don't really want his help.
Manuel holds up his phone revealing a map. A small red dot moves slowly down a road a few miles from here.
"I have a tracking device on her phone." Manuel says. "Oh, and Julia would tell you what was going on, she really would. But she can't, we forbade her."
"You FORBADE her? Since when do you tell her what she can and cannot do?" Cool it Alex, calm down. Don't try to rip his head off.
"Since your girlfriend came snooping and saw something she shouldn't have." Manuel rolls his eyes. "Now are you coming with me or not?"
"I'll take my car."
"That will take to long, come with me and we can pick yours up on the way back."
I peer over his shoulder, spotting his sweet car. Maybe it wouldn't hurt to hitch a ride...
"Fine."
Manuel hands me his phone as he pulls out of the parking lot. "Tell me where to go." He says.
"Right."
We drive in silence except when I need to give direction, until Manuel finally speaks.
"Are you jealous of me?" he asks with a smirk.
"No...Why would I be jealous?" I ask, my face reddening.
"Because Julia has been into me and not you."
"Its whatever, I mean we're not dating or anything..." OK yeah it does bother me a little bit. little bit of a lot....
"You wish you were dating her though, don't you?" Again, Manuel's smirk grates on my nerves.
"We're just friends."
"Really? So you wouldn't mind if I dated her?"
Of course I'd mind... "It doesn't really matter what I think, it's up to Julia and her parents."
I've known Julia for a long time. She's my best friend, and I have to admit I do have feelings for her...I just don't want to mess up our relationship.
"The red dot stopped." I say changing the subject. "Turn right up ahead and take it slow."
Manuel turns and we drift down the street. For the first time I realize that taking my dark colored jeep would have been a much better idea than this bright colored Mustang.
"They're in there." Manuel says matter-of-factly. He pulled down a side street and parks the car. "We'll walk from here."
Keeping to the left we cross the street. "There's a camera." I mutter and we press our backs to the building creeping toward the corner.
"Do you see anyone?" Manuel asks.
I look around the corner. "Nothing but a van. It looks empty."
Keeping our backs to the wall we slip around the corner until we were next to a window.
I look inside and what I see frightens me.
"What is it? What do you see?" Manuel whispers.
"Julia, she's tied to a chair. Some guy is holding a gun to her. She looks scared."
Manuel looks inside as well.
"Greyson! That fool. Julia doesn't even have the journal."
"You know this guy?"
"Yes, he's an old friend of my grandfathers."
"Friend?" Some friends this dude has....
"Well, he was a friend...That's besides the point. Can you hear what they're saying?"
I press my ear to the wall near the window.
"No, I hear voices but I can't tell what they're saying."
"Follow me." Manuel gets down on all fours and crawls under the window. I follow.
"That door over there...I doubt it's locked." Manuel whispers.
I reach for the handle and it turns. "It's open."
Manuel pats his pocket. "If things get crazy in there stand back, I'll take care of it."
"I'll take care of myself." I say. Who does this pretty boy think he is?!
We enter the building, I squint to see due to the dark interior.
"I hear the voices at the end of that hall." Manuel whispers and we tip toe down the hall.
A low raspy voice comes from behind the door at the very end of the hall.
"Now, tell us where the journal is or we'll have to do this the hard way."
Gulp...What's the hard way?
"I told you already, I don't know where it is!"
Julia. Hearing her voice makes me feel better.
"Missy, you better stop lying, we know you and your boyfriend took it back from Adam Parker."
I stiffen. Did he just call Manuel her boyfriend?
"We didn't! And he's not my boyfriend." Got that right!
"Then what was it you took? Why would you take off the way you did?"
"Adam had my friend Uriah, we were rescuing him, but I don't know where the journal is."
Uriah?!...that's where he was?
"I don't know that I believe that. So you'll have to stay here until we have the journal, and if you don't start talking that could be a long time." The man says.
"Please sir! I promise if I knew I would tell you the truth, please just let me go." Julia's voice is scared, I hope they haven't hurt her.
I look at Manuel and he nods. We're going in.
I open the door, Manuel and I walk in like we own the place.
The three men look at us in surprise. "Manuel? Manuel Parker?" The eldest man says in disbelief.
"Yep, it's me, Greyson. What do you have to say for yourself? Kidnapping an innocent girl! I never knew you would bow so low." Manuel mocks astonishment.
Greyson's face reddens as he struggles for an answer. "Manuel I...Well you see...I uh..."
"I'm waiting..." Manuel examines his fingernails.
Greyson finally speaks up, he seems angry. "Manuel, you know that your Grandfather owed me, it's only fair that I had part of his fortune."
Manuel steps towards him, looking him straight in the eyes. "My grandfather didn't owe you a dime. So you don't get a single penny of his fortune."
I take the tense moment as a chance to free Julia from her bonds.
"You found me!" She whispers as I untie her.
"Of course I did, I wouldn't have let you be taken and just sit there!" I notice her head is bleeding and around her right eye is a purplish hue. "Are you OK?" I ask.
"Yeah I'm alright."
"HEY!" One of the men shouts and he lunges for me. I deflect him with a kick to the gut.
Greyson, seeing me, balls up his fist preparing to send it flying at me.
Manuel steps closer and pulls out his gun, aiming it at the men. "I would keep a distance if I were you."
He looks at me. "Hurry up man!"
Once Julia is untied I help her stand and we hug. I notice she seems to be favoring her right leg.
"What happened to your leg?"
Her eyes narrow. "That dude kicked me... for kicking him first." She motions to the elder of the two guys who seems to be Greysons employees.
With her arm around my neck, I hook my arm around her waist acting as her crutch, and we step towards the door.
Greyson points his finger at Manuel indignantly. "You haven't heard the last of me Manuel, I WILL have that fortune."
"We'll see Greyson, We'll see." Manuel laughs. That laugh makes me want to hate his guts more...
"If you dare follow us out there and cause a scene, I will shoot you all." Manuel says and he ushers us out the door.
"Guys, I can't thank you enough for getting me out of there, those dudes were brutes." Julia says as we limp towards the car.
Before I could speak Manuel butts in.
"Of course Julia! I wouldn't let them hurt you anymore." He kisses her cheek.
One step closer and I will have this guys head....
I help her to the car and Manuel opens the door, but instead of her sitting in the front with him I help her into the backseat with me.
Manuel smirks and walks around the vehicle to the driver side. "Off we go!"
I cannot wait to be away from this jerk.....

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Seeing Alex and Manuel together was a huge surprise for me, but a happy surprise obviously, they were there to rescue me! Alex is in some kind of mood and I can tell he does NOT like Manuel, but I don't feel like worrying about that, I feel really ick right now.
As if he can read my thoughts Alex asks. "How're you feeling?"
"Tired, sore." I had been with Greyson and his men close to 4 hours, they had thought that beating the truth out of me was the best route, well I told them the truth, I don't know where the stupid journal is. But since they didn't believe that was the truth either, they kept with the face slapping and body kicking. I can't wait to get into bed.
We drive in silence for awhile before we arrive at the first place I was taken. "What are we doing here?" I ask.
"Getting my jeep, they left it here." Alex says climbing out of the Mustang and helping me out.
"Oh, Alex I can take Julia home, no worries." Manuel says.
"I can handle it." Alex fumes, and tries the garage door, he reverts to kicking the lock, trying to get it to budge.
"Are you sure you can handle it?" Manuel asks, holding up a ring of keys. "Here, try these."
Alex is so embarrassed, poor guy. He snatches the keys and tries them, in a few moments he has the garage door sailing upwards.
"Yeah, I can handle it." Alex says taking my hand pulling me along with him. Owww my leg, my legggg
We hear Manuel's laugh reverberate through the garage and Alex's face is fiery red.
"Don't worry about him Alex, let's get home." I say trying to ease his mind.
He shakes his head and helps me into his jeep, before coming around the other side and climbing in.
"I'm sorry for hating him so much, but I really don't know what you see in that dude." Alex says sighing and kneading his forehead.
"Nothing special." I say.
"What?"
"I said, I see nothing special about him."
Alex looks confused but doesn't say anything more as he pulls the jeep out of the parking lot and turns it towards home.
I pull out my phone and send a text to Manuel.
Me: I'm telling Alex everything.
My phone rings. Manuel. Ignore.
Then he texts me back.

Manuel: I don't think that is wise.
Me:I can't keep lying to my best friend.
And I won't.

TO BE CONTINUED