The Disappearance of Emily: Destiny Falls Mystery & Magic Series Book 2 by Elizabeth Pantley (best books under 200 pages .txt) 📗

“That sounds wonderful.”

Yanay gathered up a tray of snacks and Eva refreshed our tea. The three of us gathered outside in the gazebo.

“It’s so nice to get to know you, Hayden,” said Yanay. “Han speaks very highly of you.”

“Yep. Over, and over, and over,” chuckled Eva.

“It’s rare for him to be so taken with someone,” said Yanay. “He’s a very private person and doesn’t let many into his bubble.”

“I feel honored.”

“Oh, you should. Han is an amazing person. I know he’s my brother, but he’s truly a special human being. But when he cares for someone, he’s the most devoted, honest man you could imagine. You can count on him for anything,” said Yanay.

“And we do,” said Eva. “It’s nice for us to have this chance to do something for him. He fights the care tooth and nail since he’s such a caregiver himself. It’s hard for him to be on the other side.”

I sipped my tea and allowed their words to settle. I had the feeling that Han was unique and was finding that to be truer than I realized.

“So, Hayden. Tell us about the Observer. We hear you’re the new editor and the paper will soon be online,” said Yanay.

I told the girls all about the paper, which led to my story about the camera and taking photos with Han. Oops. I hadn’t meant to bring the conversation back around to Han, but it just happened.

I looked around at the yard. “The landscaping here is wonderful and this gazebo is perfect. I’d be sitting out here every day.”

“Han does all the landscaping, you know. He works in the yard and around the house to relax. He works on those little bonsai trees too,” said Eva. “Not my idea of fun, but he enjoys it. And his job can become incredibly stressful, he needs the release.”

“I didn’t realize that insurance investigation was so stressful,” I said.

The sisters looked at each other, and Eva nodded. “Right. Insurance investigation.”

“What was that look?” I asked.

“That’s not something we have the right to tell,” said Yanay. “When the time is right, you can ask Han about his work.”

Just what I needed. More mystery. It sounded like Han was still a puzzle to solve, but one I’d happily unravel. I left his home feeling full of hope. I felt closer to him than ever, and I had made two new friends.

I was planning to stop by Poppy’s Extravaganza and make my first pitch for a newspaper ad. Then, I’d head to the Observer office for more old-newspaper research on my ever-growing list of weird things.

28

It was cold and raining in Poppy’s Camping & Hiking Extravaganza. I laughed out loud. It was cold and raining inside her store! There were umbrella stands just inside, filled with umbrellas of every size and color. There were racks of rain boots, snow boots, coats, vests, scarves, gloves, and hats. These were all under cover, so shoppers could browse before facing the elements. Yes, that’s correct. Before facing the elements inside the store, in case you didn’t catch my drift the first time. Because outside was the same sunny weather as always.

I helped myself to a clear, plastic, bubble umbrella that covered my head and shoulders but provided a full-surround viewing window, and a pair of black rain boots covered in cats that slipped right over my shoes. Hmm. Figured I’d buy these. They would be perfect for rainy day walks. (If it ever rained.) And the purpose of the event was immediately clear.

The entire store was a living, breathing advertisement for everything necessary for walking, hiking, and camping in cold or rainy weather. You didn’t have to wonder if a certain tent would keep you dry on a cold, rainy, windy day. You’d wander over to the cold, rainy, windy corner of the store and walk through a group of full-size tents to gauge their wind protection and dryness. Inside each tent, you’d find a variety of sleeping bags and pads for an assessment of their warmth and comfort. Amazing and brilliant.

A walking rainbow was approaching me, and I knew in an instant it had to be Poppy. She was wearing a brilliant, red rain hat with an oversized bill over her forehead. With an eye-catching pop of bright orange, her jacket was like something a kindergartener would wear. Upon closer inspection, I realized it was a rather high-tech hiking jacket, albeit in a unique color. Her rain pants were bold yellow with a florescent white stripe down the sides. Emerald green boots were appropriate. They looked like you could wade through a pond and still have dry feet.

She approached with a friendly smile. She somehow managed to hug me, even through my big, round umbrella and her excessively large hat.

“Hello, Hayden!” she said. “It’s so good to see you. Those boots are darling on you!”

“I love them. Think I’ll buy the boots and this clever umbrella, too,” I said. “How are you?”

“Oh, I’m always great,” Poppy said, “Life is too short to be anything else.”

“What a wonderful philosophy. I’m going to write that down and remember it.”

A man rolled by in a wheelchair, wearing a colorful rain poncho that covered him from top to toe, including the arms and back of his chair. It was a perfect fit. He gave Poppy a thumbs up, said thank you, and rolled over to one of the cash registers to pay.

“Wow, you’ve thought of everything,” I said.

“I hope so. If you’re planning to venture out into the mountains or visit the rainy islands, it’s important to be prepared.”

Hmm. The rainy islands, did she say? So, the sunny environment here in Destiny Falls was not repeated on all the other islands. That was new.

Poppy and I chatted for a bit while she pointed out some interesting things in the store. She enjoyed showing me the pet section with rain gear for dogs, cats, and even horses.

“How are things at the Observer?” Poppy asked. “Getting closer to the first edition?”

Ah!