Free Henry Franks by Peter Adam Salomon Page B

go.”
    â€œOh, and about Justine? She’s cute,” Bobby said. “Out of your league, though, sorry about that.” He smiled and pushed Henry away, sending him to the floor.
    Henry picked himself up but Bobby was already walking into the library. He looked through the library window long enough to see Justine turn away from Bobby, but he was too far away to hear what she said.
    â€œOut of your league too,” Henry said with a smile, running his fingers over the scar on his wrist.
    Officials at Town Hall Meeting
Warn of Suspected Serial Killings
    Brunswick, GA—August 21, 2009: Mayor Jim Monroe appeared with Carmella Rawls of the Brunswick Police Department and Major Daniel Johnson of FLETC at a press conference at Glynn Academy in Brunswick on Thursday evening to discuss the investigation into what is being called a suspicious series of murders in Glynn County. While few details were given, some guidelines were provided by the Mayor to increase public safety. The main recommendation was to utilize the Buddy System by traveling in pairs when possible.
    â€œThis is not a time for panic or overreaction,” Mayor Monroe said. “This is a time for the community to come together and resolve to rededicate ourselves to preserving the safe, family-friendly environment that makes Brunswick and the Golden Isles such a wonderful place to live and visit.”
    â€œI’m confident in the resiliency of the people of Glynn County and in the resources which have been allocated to this situation,” Mayor Monroe stated at the end of the press conference. “I urge everyone to support our community and our local businesses by continuing to enjoy the beautiful summer we have been having.”

thirteen

    â€œAny plans for the weekend?” Justine asked as they walked off the bus.
    â€œAir-conditioning. You?”
    â€œNot going to the football game tonight?”
    Henry slid his hands into the pockets of his jeans and shook his head. “Wasn’t planning on it. Don’t really know what I’m going to do.”
    â€œWell,” she said, “I was thinking today.”
    â€œIs that a good thing?”
    â€œYes.” Her ponytail bobbed with her smile. “It’s a good thing. I’d like to help.”
    â€œHelp?” Henry asked.
    â€œThe pictures, in your basement.”
    â€œWhat about them?”
    â€œWant help finding them?”

    The front door stuck when he tried to open it and it took a push or two to work the key. A welcome rush of cold air blew out and Henry fumbled for the light switch.
    â€œNow I know where you get your style,” Justine said, looking around the entranceway.
    â€œMy style?”
    â€œAll dark and moody. You dress like your house.”
    â€œIt was like this when we moved in, I think. Blame the people who lived here before.” Henry matched her laugh. “Though it is a little depressing in here.”
    â€œNo wonder you’re seeing a shrink,” she said, pushing against his forearm as they walked. When he didn’t respond, she said, “That was a joke, you know?”
    In the kitchen, with a couple more windows and a little more light, he looked at her. “I know.”
    â€œWhere are we going?”
    â€œThrough here.” He led the way into the laundry room. “Wasn’t a particularly funny one, though.”
    â€œWhat?”
    â€œYour joke,” he said, hair once more falling into his face. He brushed it aside and then pulled out the rolling cart. “Perhaps ‘the interior designer was suffering from Prozac withdrawal’ would have been funnier.”
    Justine shook her head, ponytail flying behind her. “Mine was better than that.”
    â€œI’ll think of something.”
    â€œProbably not.”
    Henry opened the door and picked up the flashlight he’d left on the cart, complete with fresh batteries. “The pull cord’s down here. Watch