Free The Super Spies and the Cat Lady Killer by Lisa Orchard Page A

glance over her shoulder. The men were twenty feet from the stream and trotting fast.
    â€œWhat’re we going to do?”
    Sarah motioned toward the creek and mouthed the word underwater .
    Jackie nodded.
    Taking a deep breath, Sarah plunged below the surface. She allowed the current to carry her downstream, knowing it was the only way to escape.
    The water transported Sarah to a shallow part of the creek. Gasping for air, she rose out of the water. She opened her eyes and saw Jackie. Another wave of relief flooded through her body and a giggle tickled her throat . Clamping her lips together, Sarah wiped water from her face and moved closer to her friend.
    â€œThat was way too close for comfort.”
    â€œNo doubt.” Jackie shook her curls sending drops of water everywhere.
    â€œWho were those men?”
    â€œI don’t know.”
    â€œI’ve heard the big one’s voice before. I just can’t place it.”
    â€œMe either.”
    â€œShh, I think I hear them coming,” Sarah warned.
    Jackie grabbed Sarah’s arm, and pulled her toward a tree growing near the bank. The branches hung low over the water, offering cover. They ducked into them just in time. Sarah peeked between the branches and saw the shadowy figures of the men.
    â€œLon, did you see anything?” the man with the cap asked.
    â€œNo just some ripples in the water.”
    â€œProbably a deer.”
    â€œLet’s talk somewhere else, just in case,” Lon said, giving his companion a rough push forward.
    The thugs continued walking downstream. Sarah and Jackie hid in the water, too scared to follow them.
    â€œI can’t believe we overheard those men,” Sarah said, through quivering lips.
    â€œThey were talking about getting rid of evidence.”
    Sarah furrowed her brow . “Where have we heard that voice?”
    â€œDo you think they have anything to do with the Cat Lady?”
    â€œIt’s the only crime around here.”
    â€œThis is huge.”
    Sarah grimaced. “We need some dry clothes before we go to the Cat Lady’s.”
    Jackie nodded, her lips pressed in a tight line.
    They climbed out of the water and walked toward the willow tree, clinging to each other for warmth.
    â€œWe can sneak back to my house and get dry clothes,” Sarah said.
    â€œYour clothes won’t fit me,” Jackie protested.
    â€œSo what, no one’s going to see you.”
    Jackie groaned. “Your clothes aren’t very fashionable.”
    A laugh burst through Sarah’s lips. “Don’t worry, you won’t be infected with my lack of style.”
    Sarah stopped at the willow tree and pulled her friend beneath the branches.
    â€œWhat?” Jackie asked.
    â€œI just want to make sure we’re not followed.”
    When Sarah felt safe, the girls made their way down the path. Once they hit the pavement, the teenagers abandoned the shadows for the light in the middle of the street. Sarah picked up her pace and trotted toward her home, Jackie matched her stride for stride.
    Out of the corner of her eye, Sarah saw a police car turn the corner and head in their direction. “Jackie, hide!”
    Jackie dove into some shrubbery growing alongside the road. Sarah was right behind her.
    Flashing lights illuminated the night sky. Sarah groaned. The last thing they needed was another trip to the police station. Forgetting her damp condition, Sarah focused on staying out of sight.
    â€œIf they find us, we’re in deep trouble,” Jackie gulped.
    â€œThey must’ve seen us walking in the road.”
    â€œI so don’t look good in orange.”
    Suddenly, a bright light shone in the shrubbery. Sarah grabbed Jackie’s arm and pulled her down.
    â€œLie down on the ground,” Sarah whispered.
    The girls lay flat on the ground, their faces in the dirt. Sarah didn’t dare look up. Dank earth filled her nostrils, and she willed it to hide her. Her