Page 58 of Waylaid in Whittier

Danielle, who was a few inches taller, leaned forward and looked inside. “You’re right. It’s clean as a whistle.”

“I hate to admit it, but so far, this trip has been a waste of time.” Millie dusted her hands. “Hopefully, Sharky and Brody are having better luck.”

Annette checked her watch. “They’ve been exploring the creepy building for a while now.”

Millie hopped down and ran around to the driver’s side. She took the keys from the console and locked the truck. “I see a flash of light coming from the second floor. They must be upstairs.”

Falling into step, the women trudged across the gravel driveway. Walking single file along the bridge, they entered the metal building.

Danielle lingered in the doorway. “This is exactly how I pictured this place to look.”

“Right out of a scary movie,” Annette said. “Remember those movies about the redheaded doll that stalked and killed people? It could easily have been filmed here.”

“I was thinking the same thing.”

“Horror movies?” Millie grimaced. “I make it a rule not to watch them. Real life is scary enough.”

“It’s a good thing because this place nailed the backdrop,” Annette said. “I’m not one to get spooked, but you couldn’t pay me to spend the night here by myself.”

Creak. Pop.

Millie froze in her tracks. “Did you hear that?” she whispered.

“It sounds like the building is settling.” Annette spun in a slow circle. “Old building. Metal walls. Earthquake prone area.”

“There are earthquakes in Alaska?” Millie shot her friend a worried glance. “Are you sure?”

“Positive.”

“Huh,” Danielle murmured. “Who would have thought?”

A scurrying noise echoed from somewhere nearby.

“Sharky?” Millie called out. “Brody?”

Neither answered.

“Let’s keep moving.” Danielle nudged Millie forward. “You’re doing an excellent job of taking the lead.”

“Scaredy-cat,” Millie teased.

“Not always, but in this instance, yes. I would rather be on the commercial where a bunch of teens are standing in front of a barn with the sharp tools hanging on the wall and a killer is lurking in the shadows watching them.”

“Seriously?” Millie paused. “What happens?”

“I don’t know. The clip ends when they decide not to escape in their vehicle but head for the barn where the killer is waiting.”

“You should stop watching those kinds of shows and commercials.”

“I like being scared. Although I can tell you, I wouldn’t watch a thriller or horror movie involving a cruise ship.”

“I don’t think I would watch that kind of show either,” Annette said. “We have enough action happening on board in real life.”

“Seeing how we both like scary movies, we should hang out one night, pop some popcorn and get the daylights scared out of us,” Danielle said.

“I’m up for it. When is your next night off?” Annette asked.

“On Wednesday. Dawn of the Dead is playing. It starts at ten.”

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