Anne Gray

Talk about being handed a gift on a platter or an offer I just couldn’t refuse. It was only three weeks since I had cleared my workshop of the last project. My bank accounts were in a very healthy state and I wasn’t even thinking about a new project until, that is, I saw the hiker. She didn’t blatantly have her thumb out, but was obviously looking for a ride. Standing on the edge of the sidewalk with her, I guessed 5'2", body screaming for attention. I ran the picture through my mental computer. Pale blue flowered halter top, very tight denim short shorts, new looking running shoes and a small white box purse. Over her left shoulder a half empty backpack completed the picture of an elfin like girl in her late teens or early twenties. ...

Chapter 1 – First of the Set! I was waiting in the car outside the entrance to the mall just after 9:00 p.m. for Karen to do her part in our new adventure. She timed it perfectly and was behind Susan as the girl pushed through the doors and fiddled with her umbrella. The rain was getting heavier and I saw my sister point towards the car to offer a ride. We had been in the store, owned by the girl’s parents, several times and she knew us as good customers that, along with the rain, obviously helped her decide to accept the invitation. ...