Book 2-Alex Bishop in Follow That Mystery

Alex Bishop in Follow That Mystery

                                                                                       Chapter 33

                                                                          What's Wrong With Lee?

      "Look.  I'm sorry I'm such a grouch," Lee said, meaning it.  Glenna patted his arm in solidarity.  "Is there more involved here, than just your classmates begging you to tell them about the horror we went through?" Fletch asked him in a gentle voice.  "Yeah.  There's more," Lee said, looking at his shoes.  "What?"  Fletch prodded when Lee hesitated.

     "My mom wants us to move to Celina Ohio," Lee told them gruffly.  Everyone's jaws dropped except Glenna's, for Lee had already told her.  "W-h-y?"  Alex stuttered out.  "Her number one reason is low crime; a very low crime rate in Celina.  The biggest crime they have is when a cow gets out of it's fence and starts gobbling up a neighbors lawn."

     In spite of Lee's serious problem, everyone couldn't help but laugh.  Lee ignored the laughter and continued, "Mom's been crying off and on since the hostage thing happened," he said miserably.  "But those guys weren't citizens here," Dawn said, "they were escapees from prison.  Can't your mom see that?"  Dawn said passionately.

     "I told her that Dawn.  So did Dad.  He's been trying to talk sense to her ever since....the thing happened," Lee groaned, and then kicking a neighboring chair leg.  "Hopefully your dad will be able to get through to her that moving isn't the answer," Anna put in.  "Not even Celina Ohio is exempt from crime.  There is no crime free town," she said wisely.

    Lee smiled sympathetically at her.  He knew what she was referring to.  Her sister Sandra was killed in a very small town, where up until that tragedy happened, was considered a very safe place to live.  "I've been so upset by all of this that I threatened to leave home if she didn't change her mind," Lee admitted shamefaced.  "That probably wasn't wise," Alex said, almost in a whisper.  "Yeah.  you're right.  It just made her cry all the more."

     "Why Celina?" Sam asked.  "Oh, her family is there; parents, cousins etc. etc.  Mom also owns some land there that she inherited from some relative," Lee said, ending on a sigh.  "Man.  I'm really sorry I said anything about your attitude Lee,"  Alex apologized.  "I don't think I'd be doing as well as you are, if it were me."

     "That's okay Alex.  It makes me feel better to talk about it with you guys," Lee said with a small grin.  "I'm going for dessert," Fletch announced.  "We still have a half an hour left for lunch."  As usual, Fletch was on his way before he finished his sentence.  "Hey does anyone know what happened in the computer room," Matt asked, changing the subject.

     "I imagine just some sort of electrical problem," Nick said, glancing at his best friend Lee, who was picking at his mac n 'cheese.  Nick had no siblings and considered Lee his brother.  And he hated to see his friend in so much emotional pain.  "What are the cops doing here?"  Fletch asked, suddenly appearing at the table, holding a plate, a large piece of chocolate cream pie sitting upon it.

     Fletch had a big bite in his mouth when he'd ask his question, making Alex say, "What?"  Fletch pointed out the front windows as an answer.  Everyone looked to see a detective's car sitting at the curb.  Now Fletch's friends were wondering the same thing.  But a P.A. announcement ended their wonderings.

     "THIS IS A REPEAT MESSAGE WE BROADCAST EARLIER.  BUT EVIDENTLY SOME STUDENTS WERE NOT PAYING ATTENTION, BECAUSE WE ARE STILL GETTING QUESTIONS.  SO AGAIN,  ALL COMPUTERS CLASSES ARE CANCELLED FOR THE DAY!  IF YOU HAVE COMPUTER FOR 5TH HOUR! GO TO STUDY HALL INSTEAD!  THANK YOU!  "You know, her voice is getting really annoying," Nick said.  Lee actually chuckled at that.  Before anyone else could say anything Detective Burns appeared at the cafeteria doors, his blue eyes searching the room.