Exerpt

“Normally, I wouldn’t worry about Penny.  She’s a tough cookie, but with that maniac nephew prowling around the convention and Penny with her wrist in a cast, I have to admit I would feel better if we found her.”

Charlie decided to text Penny, but after 30 minutes, she still hadn’t replied so Diana tried phoning her.  After 4 rings, an unfamiliar voice said “hello?”

“Hello, who is this?” asked Diana apprehensively.

“It’s Aimee at the front desk of the Adelphi hotel.  This phone was turned into lost property and I just answered it hoping it was the owner trying to find it.”

“Oh, I’m not the owner, but I know the owner.  We are looking for her. Could you tell me how to contact the hotel security?  Could you maybe contact them and ask them to stop by table number 30 so we can talk to them? ”

“Certainly.  Right away.”

Diana turned to Charlie with a worried look on her face. “Penelope’s phone has been turned into Lost Property."

“Oh no.  Maybe we should start packing up so we can go look for her.”

“Let’s wait for hotel security.  I’ve asked for them and we can’t run off and leave the others who will be showing up at five to help us pack up.”

“I guess you are right,” conceded Charlie.

Ten long minutes later, the head of hotel security arrived at the table and Charlie and Diana explained about Penelope’s disappearance and her phone.  He asked for a description and took notes. 

“I’ll radio this description to my team and have them search the convention first.  If she doesn’t turn up in the search, then we will give you your next options.  I’ll get back to you in a bit,” he said slapping his notebook closed.  As he walked away, he began speaking into his walkie talkie.

A little bit later, the crowds thinned and business slowed and to keep themselves from worrying, Diana and Charlie decided to pack up their merchandise.  They had sold so much that they were able to fill the smaller suitcase and duffel with leftovers. They put the smaller case inside of the larger empty one, reducing the amount of stuff they needed to carry to just one suitcase, the retractable sign and Diana’s blue tote.

They were just finishing when Robbie, Nathan, Mick and Hillary returned smiling, laughing and chatting.  When they arrived at the table and saw everything packed up and the grim looks on Charlie and Diana’s faces, they stopped.

“What’s happened?” demanded Hillary. “I can tell by your faces that something bad has happened.”

“Are you too OK?” asked Nathan putting an arm across Diana’s shoulders as she looked about to break down in tears.

Charlie explained. “Penelope is missing and we think she may be in danger.”