(Dear Readers, thank you so much for reading my book. I really appreciate it.)
The fireman tied the remaining portions of the rope around Alex and Lee's middle, then he and the boys climbed down the slopping bank into the boat where the other three firemen were waiting. Within several minutes the three boys were sitting on the side walk at the top of the bridge.
The crowd on the bridge had grown in size considerably since the boys had gone into the water. They made a path and applauded as the water rescue team rushed over and covered the boys with blankets, and then began to evaluate their condition. A large policeman came elbowing his way through the large group of people surrounding Alex, Fletch and Lee.
The applause finally stopped when the officer held up a hand to quiet them. "I need your names." He said gently. Alex, Lee and Fletch gave him the information while coughing and shivering. "They all seem to be in good shape, considering...." One of the EMT's said to another of his fellows.... "Just some superficial scrapes and scratches; except for this young man, here...." He said, indicating Lee, who was clearly in pain from the gash on his arm.
"I'll sterilize the wound and get it bandage." He said, taking what he would need from a long white box at his side. He soon had Lee's wrist cleaned and wrapped properly, and Lee heaved a grateful sigh of relief.
"Thank you for the info boys. Just hang tight here for a few." He ended, then rushing back through the crowd. He returned just as the medics were finishing up their examinations on the boys. "I've called your parents," the officer said, kneeling in front of them.
"Oh, man" Lee groaned, putting his head in his hands and shaking it back and forth. "None of them were angry...." He assured them.... "They were just grateful all of you were alright." He added, patting Lee on his good arm.
"You know, if it hadn't been for your bravery, jumping in like you did, these two,...." he motioned to Fletch and Alex, "might not be here at all." The officer ended soberly. Alex and Fletch turned to Lee, whose face had turned red, and Alex said, "Yeah Lee." There was a pause, "Thanks." Both boys said in unison. Lee's face turned redder still.
"Are you boys up to telling me the whole story...." The policeman asked. But before they could answer,....he added, "Although, I think I can guess," looking at the large gap in the wooden railing. Alex started to say something when he heard his name being shouted from fairly close by, and then his friends names as well.
Their parents were hurrying through the crowd to where they still sat on the sidewalk. When they reached their sons, all three mothers chorused, "Are you alright!" and then hugging them; and Lee's mom immediately after, examining Lee's bandaged wrist. "I'm okay." All three boys replied. "They're fine. Alex's father said, putting a hand on his wife's shoulder.
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Book 1-Alex Bishop and the North Side Detectives
Mystery / ThrillerAlex Bishop is the new kid in town and he's not happy about it. He misses his home town of Fairling Indiana and the friends he had to leave behind. He has been deposited at his new address in Elkhart Indiana where he knows no one. But much to his...
