Trails of Secrets

8. The Story

"My parents worked for a secret organization- don't ask- the name is classified. I didn't know much about it until the day my parents disappeared. My older sister filled me in on the family business when they were taken. My parents' job was to find valuable items that people lost. Not things that they lost in their house and couldn't find- things that were meant to be in their possession that had disappeared generations ago. 

"The last item that my parents were trying to find was extremely valuable. Before my parents could obtain the item, they were kidnapped. Or killed. I still don't know. But it is probably the latter. My parents had told my sister where the item was located. I wish that they hadn't. Because soon, they took her too. But before they took her, my sister had written messages leading to the location of the item. 

"Her favorite place to hide the messages were in old, dilapidated houses, like this one. But sometimes, they are in libraries, parks, or other old establishments. Each message leads to another. I've gotten used to where to look for them. But it took me months of endless searching to find the first message. 

"For years now, I have been searching for these messages in houses and collecting them. I'm hoping that I can get to the item before they do. They know that I am looking for it. He sends people to try to steal my messages. He's gotten three so far. But I have them all memorized."

The girl stopped talking and took a deep breath. Annalise shook her head. Was this girl serious? There was no way this was real. This was beyond what she was hoping for. "So who is taking all your messages? Who took your parents and your sister? Who is your enemy?" 

"The Collector," the girl hissed. She said the name as if it had a foul taste in her mouth. 

"Wait a second," started Annalise, "how does he fit into all of this?" She pointed at the blond guy who was leaning patiently against the wall. 

"He's my friend. Chris has been helping me for about two years now." The girl smiled affectionately at him. 

Now I know more than ever that this is the inspiration I need for my book. I've hit a dead end and this could help bring me back up. I've got nothing to lose. Annalise shifted her weight and breathed in deeply. 

"Let me help," Annalise blurted.

"What?"

"Let me help you. You can get a lot more searching done with three people. And I could bring snacks. What harm can I cause? What's the worst that can happen?" 

The two friends shared a look. "Excuse us for a second."

They both huddled for a moment and began to whisper just like people always do when they are about to make a group decision. I feel like I am about to get sworn into a secret society or something. How exciting. 

Annalise needed this. This was going to be her inspiration. She just knew it. Plus, they seemed to be fun. She hadn't had fun in a long time. 

"Ok. you can help." The girl turned away from her friend and sighed. 

"Tomorrow night."