Previous chapters of the Vista Falls story:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

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

Last time, while still cornered by theater manager William K. Francis in the projection booth at the movies, the teens once again tried to explain that they were merely trying to investigate the mayhem caused by “The Red Rose Rascal.” Chief Colbert and Officer Littlepoole arrived and explained to Mr. Francis that the teens were only trying to help and that they were known around Vista Falls for their ability to assist in solving mysteries. Mr. Francis, though at first unconvinced, did finally agree to let the teens go without filing a complaint, but he asked that they didn’t snoop around the theater any longer. The teens promised both Chief Colbert and Mr. Francis that they wouldn’t interfere. They promptly left the theater, happy that they weren’t in trouble. Vera, on the other hand, was curious to have a look in the alley outside the movie theater—convinced that the Red Rose Rascal would have had to exit through the theater’s back door into the alley. Remembering the promise that they had made to Chief Colbert and Mr. Francis, Ward and the others reminded Vera that they had said they wouldn’t interfere and would meet Chief Colbert and Officer Littlepoole in the park. Vera was determined to have a look around. What did they do? Here’s what you decided.

Chapter 7: For Family
By Joseph Crisalli

“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.

“We’d be more helpful if we went to wait for Chief Colbert and Officer Littlepoole in the park like we said we would.” Delia sighed.

“Look, you’re either with me or against me.” Vera pouted.

“You know, Vera, we’ve known each other since we were all babies. And, yet, for as long as I remember, you have said, ‘you’re either with me or against me’ at least once a month.” Ward rolled his eyes.

“And, it’s always true.” Vera smiled.

“All right,” Rick spoke for everyone. “I guess we’re with you. Let’s just take a quick look around and then go to Cascades Park the way we promised.”

“Good.” Vera smirked.

“Well, come on, let’s hurry.” Ward said.

Together, they hurried behind the theater and began looking around the alley.

‘There’s nothing back here.” Delia said softly. “Just the dumpster and a few bits of garbage on the ground.”

“What’s that?” Vera pointed to a small rectangular paper on the ground.

“Garbage.” Delia rolled her eyes.

“Maybe it’s a clue. Go pick it up.” Vera said.

“You pick it up.” Delia frowned.

“I don’t pick up garbage.” Vera smiled.

“And, I do?” Delia raided her eyebrows.

“Oh, I’ll pick it up.” Ward said in frustration. He bent down and picked up the paper. “It’s a business card.”

“For?” TJ asked.

“It says, For the finest in floral arrangements and elegant gifts, call Bette and Trippy Trellis.’ Then it says, ‘Trellis’ Flowers and Gifts,’ and gives the phone number and address.” Ward said.

“Flowers? Like roses.” Vera’s eyes widened.

“Yes, but remember we’ve all known Miss Trellis and her brother for years. They are the only florist shop in town—well, at least this part of town.” Delia said. “I’m sure they don’t have anything to do with this. Somebody probably just dropped that card.”

“But, who?” Vera wondered aloud.

Before they could think about it any further, they were interrupted by an angry, yet familiar voice. Of course, it was Mr. Francis.

“I thought I told you kids to get away from here!” Mr. Francis said. “What do you have to say for yourselves?”

Everyone looked at Vera who gulped.

Meanwhile, Vera’s twin, Lucy, and their cousin, Kate, were arriving back at their house. Vera and Kate were as unaware of the trouble with the Red Rose Rascal that their friends had experienced at the movies as the others were unaware of the strange bouquets of roses that had been left at the Wildlife Sanctuary and Mr. Dinello’s house.

“You don’t have to stay with me,” Kate said gloomily. “Why don’t you go catch up with the others at the theater? “I want to be alone anyway.”

“I don’t want to go to the theater. Besides, the movie’s already started.” Lucy said. “I’d rather spend the afternoon with you like I said I would.” Lucy smiled.

“I don’t want your pity.” Kate frowned.

“It’s not pity, Kate. Did it ever occur to you that I enjoy spending time with you?” Lucy smiled again.

“You’d have a better time if you went back to see Mr. Jaquith and Mr. Dinello. You could listen to Mr. Dinello’s speech for the wedding reception tomorrow night.” Lucy argued.

“Do you really want to be alone?” Lucy asked as they walked up the path to the their house.

“I do.” Kate nodded.

“Wait!” Lucy said quickly, her eyes growing wide as she looked at their front porch. “Roses!” Lucy hurried to the bouquet of red roses that sat in front of the door. “Just like at the Wildlife Sanctuary.” She opened the card and read it aloud. “’For Family.’ And, it’s not signed.”

“Huh.” Kate said matter-of-factly.

“What could it mean?” Lucy exclaimed.

“I’m sure it’s nothing. You go on back to Mr. Dinello’s.” Kate said quickly.

“No. I’m not leaving you here alone. Someone is out there pulling some kind of prank with flowers. I’m not comfortable leaving you here by yourself.”

“I’ll be fine.” Kate argued.

What should Lucy do?

Voting results for how the story continues:

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Vista Falls Ch. 7: What should Lucy do? Insist on staying with Kate? 41.9% Make Kate go with here to find the others? 32.3% Leave Kate alone? 25.8%   Version 2.03

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