[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]
She cleared her throat. It s normal to be scared, she told the girls. No one blames you for being
scared about what happened to Jenny. But you have parents who love you and will do everything they
can to protect you.
Mr. Adams sat on the arm of the couch next to his daughter and squeezed her hand, his mouth firm and
his eyes moist.
Laura, Tanya, I know you both already told Detective Travis and the other policemen what you saw.
But sometimes, you might remember a little detail that didn t seem important at the time, or you forgot
because of all the scary stuff that was going on. If you think you can, I would like you to tell me what
happened. In your own words. And anything you remember, no matter how little or unimportant or dumb
you think it is, please share.
Laura nodded, almost eager to tell her story, but kept glancing at her father for reassurance. She d
Generated by ABC Amber LIT Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html
picked up on his discomfort at having her recite the tragedy. WillAdams probably thought how easily it
could have been her and how relieved he was that it hadn t been. Then came guilt at that relief.
Olivia understood those feelings as well.
We were playing atBrownPark , the one around the corner. We usually ride our bikes, but mine had a
flat tire and I didn t want to get out the bike pump and get all dirty, so we walked. We always go there.
The neighborhood was so safe, Mrs. Adams said. I always thought it was safe.
Having her mother break down wouldn t do Laura any good, so Olivia said, This is a beautiful
neighborhood. Of course you felt it was safe. She turned back to Laura before a conversation could
develop. So you walked. How long did it take?
She shrugged. Idunno . A few minutes. I don t have a watch, and we weren t rushing to get there. We
only go there because it s something to do, you know?
What did you see when you got there? Were there other kids there?
There were some older kids sitting by the pond smoking. We didn t go over there, though we d
brought bread for the ducks. But my mom always says stay away from the older kids.
Laura glanced at her mother, and Olivia instantly knew she was lying. Her heart sped up.
Did you know these older kids? she asked cautiously.
Laura shrugged again. No.
Never saw them at the park?
Well, sure, we saw them around. They live in the neighborhood.
Ever talk to them?
No. I mean, maybe a hi or something, but not talk.
Olivia raised her eyebrow and looked at Laura directly in the eye.
It was Tanya who burst into tears.
It s my fault! she cried.
Olivia reached out and squeezed the girl s hand. Nothing is your fault, she said firmly. Tell me what
happened.
J-J-Jenny said not to go t-t-to them, but Laura and I, we, we, we wanted to just t-t-try. You know,
one cigarette. And, and they d offered before and we said no, but we d talked about it and Jenny didn t
want to, but Laura and I did so we told her to wait by the fountain. We d be right back. But, but
Tanya s little body heaved with sobs. Olivia wanted to pull her into her arms and tell her everything
would be okay, but she had to know the rest of the story. She squeezed the girl s hand harder to get her
Generated by ABC Amber LIT Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html
attention, and Tanya finally looked at her, tears streaming down her face.
No one is angry with you, Tanya. No one. Please tell me what happened next.
Tanya s bottom lip quivered. We, um, went over to them and asked for a cigarette. I took a puff and
started coughing. It tasted bad. Nothing like I thought. Laura didn t want to try after that, and the kids
started laughing at us so we ran away, back to the fountain. She bit her lip.
Olivia turned to Laura, who looked stricken. Laura?
She nodded. But Jenny wasn t there. Tanya was drinking water because her tongue felt yucky and I
looked around, and that s when I saw Jenny talking to the guy. He had really short hair. A white T-shirt.
I couldn t see Jenny s face, but she went with him. I yelled for her and waved my arms so she could see
me, but I don t know if she saw me. She got into his truck.
What did his truck look like?
Laura glanced at Travis, then back at her. Another lie coming up? It was big and black, but I don t
know what kind it was.
That s what she d said before, and according to the reports she d described what they determined was
a Dodge Ram because of the trademark symbol on the side.
[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]