A Parthan Summer by Julie Steimle (intellectual books to read TXT) 📕

Jeff smirked when he saw her then drew his head back into the bus, taking one last glance at the car where the Browns were sitting. Zormna also glanced at that car and grimaced.

“…And I don’t want any grief out of any of you,” the bus driver snapped after a long lecture she had entirely ignored.

The students in the bus sat silently for a mere moment then immediately resumed their gossiping as if the man had not spoken at all.

The bus driver scooted back around in his seat then hiked up his sagging belt and pants. He continued in his routine, adjusting mirrors and his seat. The Billsburg bus pulled out of the lot, going down a portion of the hill before their own driver closed the doors.

The other Pennington busses slowly drove out of the campground lot, chugging over the gravel at first. Then their bus followed. They rolled out of the lot and down the hill, back along the windy trail of the Pennington Forest road, leaving behind the rustic habitat with memories and tired relief.

*

Most were groggy, sung out, feeling dirty, sweaty and achy when they rolled into the Pennington parking lot, where they were greeted by family and friends. Each athlete exited the busses like freed prisoners, staggering a bit, blinking in the afternoon sun as if stunned with disbelief that life could be any different that the one they just had. They parted from the busses they had come from, lugging their duffle bags while bidding their friends goodbye. 

Brian continued to joke and tease his friends as he exited the bus. Jonathan took the swiftest opportunity to grab his things then greet his mother with a strong hug. Mark followed Brian to the curb, begging for a ride home, as his parents would be at work. When Jeff stepped off the bus, he blinked in the bright summer sunlight then shaded his eyes, hopping to the curb.

Michelle and all the cheerleaders climbed out of the bus, staggering like seasick sailors for just a few minutes before each scattered to their family cars. Except Joy. She lingered with Zormna while peeking out into the parking lot as they stepped back onto the sidewalk in front of the school. She said, “You know, you can always come back home with me. We’re glad to have you.”

“Still?” Zormna raised her eyebrows at Joy who chuckled, ducking her head just slightly.

Nodding, Joy said, “Yeah. If I don’t drive you nuts, then no worries, right?”

Zormna set a hand to her forehead with a heavy, relieved sigh and peered over the parking lot, wondering if anyone would show up, or if Jeff would have to walk her home—as they had long agreed that she should not wander Pennington by herself. Maybe going to Joy’s home first was a good idea.

But instead of the cranky pair of parents that Zormna had dreaded to find, that redheaded Jennifer McLenna who had first found her at Pennington High just a season ago crossed the parking lot toward her with an eager grin and an open hand. And Jennifer was honestly smiling when she saw her.

“Joy,” Zormna said, gesturing to Jennifer. “I think I’ll be ok.”

Seeing Jennifer, Joy chuckled and nodded, smiling. “Alright. Just… anytime you need a break. We’re here for you.”

Joy waved to Jennifer who nodded back and waved as she approached Zormna. Zormna grinned when she saw that Jennifer was ready and willing to carry a duffle bag.

With a skip in her step, Zormna rushed over to her.

“So, how was camp?” Jennifer asked as they strode together down the road into the neighborhood. “Details, Zormna. I need details. It has been so boring without you.”

Zormna handed Jennifer a handle on her bag and smiled. “Boy, did I miss you.”

Jeff watched them depart together, sighing. He leaned against the bus, folding his arms. One thing taken care of.

He causally scanned the parking lot, spotting the FBI car that had been so persistent at following Zormna before. And they dutifully watched their quarry with the same diligence. He wondered if he would have one following him now. He could see the dark sedan that had come to camp with both FBI agents, Palmer and Powell, parked in the lot also. His own designated stalkers, he figured. Apparently they were waiting for Al to come pick him up.

But he continued to wait for Al until the bus engines started and rumbled, shaking the vehicle. With a jerk, Jeff pulled away from the bus behind him, which moved as he was leaning on it. Backing towards the school, Jeff watched the school bus roll out the lot and down the street to where the busses usually were parked. Each one rolled away until the parking lot stood empty. By this time, nearly all the cars were gone, and most of his classmates had returned home.

Standing awkwardly, Jeff decided to sit on the curb. It was a public place. People would see if he ever got jumped. And thinking on that, Jeff mourned that he would have to start thinking like that again.

But, before he could finish the act, the screeching wheels of his ‘brother’s truck spun into the lot from the road. Jeff smiled. Al had refused to let him fix that truck. Al said it was his personal project…which was why it was in such an unfortunate state.

Opening the door, his tall, sandy-haired best friend said, “Sorry I’m late. You can’t believe what kind of month I had.” 

‘Alex’ shifted gears as Jeff climbed inside, hefting his bag over the rim into the back.

“Oh no?” Jeff replied. He thumbed in the direction of the sedan.

Alex nodded and set a hand to his forehead. “Ah…so they came to you too, huh?” Alex shook his head as he pressed the gas pedal. 

The vehicle roared as it raced back to the exit of the lot. 

“That’s just great,” Alex said, “They have been questioning old Uncle Orren until doomsday—barely a day after you left. Jeff, what happened?”

“They found me out.” Jeff murmured.

Alex shot him surprised looks as he drove back toward their home which rested on the edge of town. “Found you out? Don’t say that! Tell me they just suspect you.”

Shaking his head, Jeff moaned. “Nope. I don’t know exactly what they found out, but they know about me not being related to you. And they went to Ireland and got copies of important documents there. As far as I know, I’m on plan B.” Jeff then mouthed: “Have you checked for bugs?”

Alex groaned loudly. He turned the steering wheel and veered into a new street.

“Serious? So they know Mom and Dad aren’t your mom and dad?” Alex said in a louder voice.

Jeff pawed over the truck dash, reaching into the glove compartments and inside the ash tray and the cigarette lighter. Alex let him grope under where he was steering also.

“Yep,” Jeff said, lifting up one bug he had pried out of an air vent which did not close as it ought. He chucked it out the window. He found a second one shoved in the crack between the seat cushions. He mouthed, “We’ll go over the whole truck later.” But he said, “They figured out your parents just let me stay with you. They think they forged the documents.”

“Oh…man,” Alex groaned on the behalf of the couple that had helped them. But then he said, staring at Jeff, “What about you, though? Do you have to leave?”

Jeff shook his head. “I won’t be going.”

Alex parallel parked the truck in front of their simple, seventies-style house on the edge of town.

“Jeff, what do you mean? Those…those guys will—” Alex’s voice rose.

“I can’t leave Zormna,” Jeff said, turning to his friend. He fiddled with his seatbelt and unbuckled it, putting his hand on the door handle next.

Alex grabbed Jeff’s arm to stop him from leaving the car.

“But what about you.” He then paused, thinking and added, “You can take Zormna with you.”

Jeff smirked with a down-turned shake of his head. 

“Al…it’s too late. There is nowhere we can go. They’ll follow us.” He unlocked the door then opened it. “I’m sticking it out here.”

Alex shook his head then immediately climbed out of the truck. “Well, I’m not leaving you to them.”

“Thanks,” Jeff said with a nod.

Scratching his head, Alex looked out and down the street where a dark sedan was now driving toward their home. “What will Uncle Orren think? How are we going to work this?”

The sedan parked across the street, and two neatly suited men opened the doors and stepped out, approaching the house.

“We’ll work it out,” Jeff answered him, lifting his bag out of the back of the truck.

The two men approached them as Jeff turned toward his house, heaving his belongings. One man opened his wallet, showing a badge and ID card.

“Hello, I am special Agent Palmer and this is my partner, Agent Powell. May we have a word with you?” one of the suited men addressed Alex.

Jeff smirked and shook his head, looking up at the summer sky. Alex stood tall, though he shoved his hands into his pockets.

“What’s this about?” Alex said with protective hostility.

Opening the front door, Jeff turned back with a look at his friend. His people could keep the FBI busy running around in circles. He had no doubts about this. He had been doing that sort of thing for years. It didn’t matter if the watchers were the People’s Military of Arras or the Federal Bureau of Investigation of the Unites States of America. He’d survive. After all, it was one Parthan summer and a short duration. And, as Zormna once said, he had a great alibi.

Jeff entered the house with a called into the Spartan room, “Uncle Orren, Aunt Mary, I’m home!”

Publication Date: 04-01-2017

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