LENA'S SECRET

“Don’t try and run away!” I said, a little nervously. I could hear my own voice, high-pitched and squeaky. I wasn’t in a position to do anything.

“As if I could,” said the old man, as he sat down at the rock and lifted up his leg. I could see he’d hit it on a stone or something. It was bleeding.

“Who are you?” I said.

He looked up at me. I could see a sharp set of cheekbones between the lank, graying hair and the rough stubble. He’d been handsome once, long ago. And his eyes bore that familiar, icy blue, the same color as the lake that was shimmering next to us.

“I’m Kiefer Cage,” he said. “One of the investors in Riley’s grandpa’s company.”

My mouth opened, and I heard myself gasp.

“What do you want?!,” I asked with authority

“To help get every important document to win the insurance for the company,” said Max, looking down at the water.

“I don’t believe you! ” I said.

“No, I’m not here to hurt him. Or you, for that matter. Though Lena, Amanda’s mom would have paid handsomely for it.