Read Online The Black Cadillac by Ryan P. Ruiz - Free Book Online Page A

Mom,” said Cody, lying to his mom.
    She glanced down at the sheet of paper.
    “You’re lying, Cody. You can’t pull a fast one on me. I’m your mother,” she said. “You better get that done by the time you leave,” Georgiana informed him. “And don’t lie. I cannot stand liars.”
    “Okay, Mom. Sorry,” Cody said meaningfully.
    His mother set down a mug with his tea in it. Cody gave Olive a playful stare. Olive just smiled, remembering her brother put down his homework so they could play Sorry.
    Cody took a sip of the hot tea his mother had just set down for him on the kitchen table. It was twenty after seven. Georgiana said good-bye and headed out the front door. Her bus stop was just at the corner of their street.
    Cody finished his math homework by just guessing and jotting down random numbers under the problems. He jammed the paper into his folder and stuffed it in his bag.
    After saying good-bye to Olive, Cody headed out the front door. He took the long way to school. Cody caught up to Zach right before the playground. Zach had headphones on and was listening to a cassette tape on his Walkman.
    “Hey, buddy!” yelled Cody.
    “Oh, what’s up, dude?” said Zach, removing his headphones.
    Zach noticed his friend hobbling.
    “What happened to you?” asked Zach.
    “Oh, nothing. Ol and I were playing tag, and I twisted my ankle trying to catch her. No big deal, it’s just a little sore,” replied Cody.
    “Oh well, that sucks,” said Zach.
    “Wanna shoot some hoops after school?” asked Cody.
    “Yeah, dude. We could use a break from this work we have been doing,” replied Zach, looking at his friend in disbelief. “Are you sure you’re okay to play?”
    “Yeah, I’ll be fine by after school. Do you want to play or what?” said Cody.
    “Yeah, let’s play some b-ball after school at my house,” replied Zach with a smile.
    “Okay, cool. I’ll call Phil from your house after school and tell her,” said Cody.
    “Sounds like a plan,” replied Zach.
    The two headed into the school building just as the first bell rang.
    For a dreaded Monday, which every student hated, the day went by quickly for Cody. Two of his teachers were sick, and the substitutes in each class were cool. They just let the class do anything they wanted within reason.
    During a few classes, Cody thought about his neighbor’s garage. Could Mr. Durkbridge own the car the boys had been looking for? Was that even possible? But who was the man they saw at the church? Thoughts and questions ran through Cody’s mind all day about his adventure a night ago. The pain in his ankle also reminded him of it. Things were starting to confuse the boy. Cody met up with Zach after school by the playground, and they headed to Zach’s house.
    The house was a little smaller than Cody’s, but it was very homey. The house was white with green shutters. It had a porch with two green columns. Zach’s driveway was fairly big and made a great basketball court. Zach had gotten a mounted basketball hoop when he was in fifth grade. Zach was a great basketball player, and it was his reward for making the team.
    “Let’s go inside and put our book bags down. I’ll give you a T-shirt to throw on,” offered Zach.
    Before Cody could respond, Zach’s mother interrupted.
    “Are you guys watching this?” she asked, pointing at the television.
    “No, what is it?” responded Cody.
    The news was on the TV, and there was a flashing emergency alert sign going across the bottom. Zach’s mother turned the volume up on the television.
    “Again, everyone, we have breaking news. An eight-year-old girl is missing in Sheldon Township. Her name is Mandy Coefield, and she was last seen walking home from school by friends earlier today. If you have any news or information regarding Mandy, please call the Sheldon Township Police Department. Or call 1-800-MISSING with any tips,” the newscaster said through the television’s speakers.
    “This is just terrible.