Book 2-Alex Bishop in Follow That Mystery

Alex Bishop in Follow That Mystery

                                                                                       Chapter 23

                                                                           The Secret in the Cellar

     After school the next day, Nikki, Amy, Michael and Kent did what little homework they had at home, (they had gotten most of it done in study hall that day) before they went over to Lyn's house and then went to see Detective Burns at the police station.  That is what they expected to happen.  But when they arrived on the Bishop doorstep where Lyn was waiting, she had a change in plans she was anxious to tell them about.

     "Come on in," Lyn told her friends.  Then she led them into the family room after they said "Hello" to Lyn's mother.  Alex was off doing something with Fletch and Lee, for which Lyn was very thankful.  "Okay guys...." Lyn started, as all of them took seats on the sofa and easy chairs.  "I think we should go visit Mr. Wells and ask him to go with us."  Lyn stated boldly.

     "Girl!  Nobody I know changes their mind as much as you do!"  Amy said with a frustrated look at her.  Lyn gave her a smirk in return.  "Listen.  I just got to thinking that there would be less suspicion on my parents' part if I said we were going to see Mr. Wells.  I mean there would be all kinds of questions if I told them we were on our way to see Detective Burns."

     Nikki, Michael, Amy and Kent looked at each other for a brief time and then Amy said, "I see your point."  "So, okay.  What are we going to say to Mr. Wells to convince him to go with us?"  Michael asked.  "I'm not sure.  But it will come to me," Lyn said with a grin.  "Nothing like going into a situation not having a clue as to what we're doing."  Kent said sarcastically.  Lyn laughed and then said, "Let's go!"

     "Hey Mom!" Lyn called, before she reached the living room where Janeen was mending one of Alex's torn shirts.  "Yeah.  I'm in here," her mother called back.  Lyn and her friends came around the corner of the archway between the kitchen and the living room and Lyn said, with a smile on her pretty face, "We're going to see Mr. Wells.  Okay?"

     "Okay.  Just be home by seven.  We will be eating a little later tonight.  Your dad has a meeting at school."  "Okay Mom.  Thanks," Lyn said, leading the way out the door.  The five of them walked the few short blocks to Mr. Wells house and Lyn rang the door bell.  Although Mr. Wells was very fond of the Bishop family, he had learned from past experience to be leery when one of the younger Bishops arrived at his door.  Especially when they were in the company of three or four of their friends.

     "Well hello Lyndell.  How are you?"  Mr. Wells said, ushering them into his living room.  "Have a seat," he said politely, hiding his anxiety as to why the young teens had come to visit.  "Can I get anyone a soda?" he asked the kids  who were sitting side by side on his sofa.  "That would be cool," Lyn said, glancing at her friends who all nodded in agreement.

     Mr. Wells came back with five cans of cola on a tray and set it down on the coffee table between the sofa and the loveseat, which he sat down on, leaning forward toward his guests, his hands clasped before him in his characteristic sitting position.  Lyn and her friends weren't used to seeing Mr. Wells in casual clothes.  He always wore a suit when he taught them History at North Side Middle School.  Today he wore a polo shirt and jeans.

     "I guess I should introduce my friends," Lyn said, after taking a drink of her soda.  "This is Amy, Nikki, Michael and Kent," she said, pointing each one out to him.   "It's nice to meet you all," Mr. Wells said with a wary smile, still wondering what they were doing there.  "Well....Mr. Wells.  We have something to tell you and then a question to ask of you."  Lyndell said, looking him in the eye.