Previous chapters of the Vista Falls story:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

How should the story continue? Voting is open on the current chapter!

Last time, at the movie theater, Rick, Ward, Vera, TJ and Delia rushed to the projection booth after the strange and startling display by the so-called “Red Rose Rascal.” When they arrived at the projection booth, they discovered it was empty! As Ward tried to shut the sputtering projector off, they heard footsteps on the stairs. The theater’s manager, William K. Francis, was surprised to discover the teens in the booth and automatically assumed that they had been responsible for filling the theater with the scent of roses and interrupting the film with that strange message. The group tried to explain that they were merely investigating what had happened, but Mr. Francis didn’t believe them. The theater manager declared that he had called the police and he expected the teens to confess to Chief Colbert. The teens explained that they were telling the truth and went on to tell Mr. Francis that Chief Colbert and Officer Littlepoole were very good friends of theirs. Still, Mr. Francis was unmoved. What happened next? Here’s what you decided.

Chapter 6: Cop Out
By Joseph Crisalli

“Sir, we’re good friends with Chief Colbert.” Ward tried to explain.

“In fact we’re all going to be a part of his wedding tomorrow.” Vera explained. “I helped the bride pick out her dress and everything.”

“Sure, and I’m a famous star of stage and screen.” Mr. Francis said.

“I’m sure Chief Colbert will tell you that we didn’t have anything to do with this. We were just investigating…” Ward began.

“Trying to help.” Vera added.

“I’ve heard enough out of all of you.” The theatre manager stopped them.

“Well, now what?” Vera muttered to Delia.

Delia took a deep breath and smiled. “You guys, let’s just wait for Chief Colbert. He’ll understand.”

“You’re right.” Ward agreed. He turned to Mr. Francis and said politely, “Sir, I know you don’t believe us, but we really are friends with Chief Colbert and his fiancée, Officer Littlepoole. I know it seems strange in a quiet town like Vista Falls, but weird things like this seem to happen a lot. Just a few weeks ago, we worked with Chief Colbert and our friend, Mr. Dinello, to try to figure out the identity of ‘The Woman in Gray’ who was terrorizing the town. And, before that, we worked with the police to solve a lot of other mysteries, too. Like when the Trotter Wildlife Sanctuary exploded, we helped solve who did it.”

“And do you remember awhile ago when someone was stealing shoes all over town?” Vera said proudly. “We worked with Chief Colbert and our friend Mr. Dinello to figure out who was doing that and why.”

“Sure you did,” Mr. Francis laughed as he heard footsteps on the stairs.

“Actually,” Chief Colbert smiled as he stepped up into the projection booth. “They did.”

“You’re not serious?” William K. Francis asked.

“I am.” Chief Colbert nodded.

He was followed by Officer Jenny Littlepoole. “It’s true.” Officer Littlepoole agreed. “These are good kids.”

“Now, Ward,” Chief Colbert asked seriously. “Did any of you have anything at all to do with this Red Rose Rascal business here today?”

“No, sir.” Ward shook his head. “We were sitting in the theater when the film broke and…”

“And that smell of roses…” Vera continued.

“And that voice.” Delia shivered.

“We came up here to see what was happening.” Rick added.

“We were hoping to catch whoever it was that pulled that stunt.” TJ said.

“Mr. Francis,” Jenny Littlepoole smiled. “I believe them.”

“If they say they were investigating, that’s exactly what they were doing.” Chief Colbert nodded.

“Investigating or not, they’re still trespassing. They shouldn’t have come up here. This part of the theater is off-limits to the customers!” Mr. Francis sputtered.

“I know that’s true.” Chief Colbert said. “And, I know they were aware that they shouldn’t have come up here without permission. But, they were only trying to help. They’re helpful.” Chief Colbert chuckled. “You’ve heard of the group of teenagers that volunteers at the Wildlife Sanctuary?”

“Yes.” Mr. Francis grumbled.

“These are they.” Chief Colbert smiled.

“So, that’s it? We just let them go?” Mr. Francis asked.

“Do you want to file a complaint?” Chief Colbert asked.

“No.” Mr. Francis sighed. “But, I want them to promise me that they won’t go snooping around the theater.”

“We promise.” Rick smiled. Everyone nodded.

“I know you mean that.” Chief Colbert raised an eyebrow.

“We promise that we won’t go snooping around the theater, Chief.” Ward smiled.

“Thank you.” Chief Colbert nodded.

“Fine. Now, get out of here. I want to talk to the officers about what happened today.” Mr. Francis said brusquely.

“Can we…” Ward began.

“No.” Chief Colbert shook his head before Ward could even ask if they could stay and listen. “Why don’t you just go on to the park or something? We’ll catch up with you there. Jenny and I want to talk with you all about the wedding anyway.”

“But, our tickets…” Delia began.

“Your tickets will be good for another film.” Mr. Francis frowned.

“Now, go on.” Jenny Littlepoole winked.

“Okay.” Ward sighed, leading his friends down the metal spiral stairs.

They trudged through the lobby of the theater and out into the bright light on Pine Street.

Vera headed around the corner of the theater.

“Ummm…Vera.” Ward said sarcastically. “Cascades Park is this way.” He pointed. “You’re headed toward River Road.”

“Yes,” Vera smiled. “The alley behind the theater is off of River Road.”

“Vera,” TJ frowned. “We promised we wouldn’t snoop around the theater.”

“And, we’re not. But, we didn’t promise we wouldn’t look around outside the theater.” Vera grinned.

“Now, wait a minute. Chief Colbert just helped get us out of what could have been a real mess. Let’s not go behind his back.”

“We’re not going behind his back.” Vera said stiffly. “We’re going behind the theater. Listen, whoever this Red Rose Rascal person is had to have come out of the back exit of the theater. So maybe he dropped something. We can at least look.”

“It’s not right.” Delia said softly. “We promised.”

“Oh, we’ll be finished before Chief Colbert and Officer Littlepoole get out of there. We’ll go straight to the park after we look around. They’ll never know the difference. Besides, if we find something, we’ll only be helping them. After all, we are very helpful. Right?” She giggled.

What should they do?

Voting results for how the story continues:

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Vista Falls Ch. 6: What should they do? Look around the alley as a group? 58.3% Let Vera go alone? 20.8% Insist Vera go wait with them in the park? 20.8%   Version 2.03

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