Alright, I don’t want to do too much of an introduction today. The ideas from the novel are flowing and I need to get that down before they disappear. So, with this short intro here is Chapter 8 of What Would You Do.
Chapter 8
Davis felt like time stood still as the mysterious stranger looked around the diner. His eyes locked with Davis’ and shock registered in his green eyes. He looked just as surprised to see the teen as he was to see the older man. Looking away, the man selected a booth and slid into it, burying his face in his menu.
“Davis?” Snapping out of his shock, Davis turned to Ariel, who was looking at him with concern. He nodded towards the booth, which the group could see, keeping his voice down.
“That stranger from the mall is here. Don’t look.” Davis’ friends all turned to look, as he panicked, begging them to not make a scene. Kyle frowned.
“How the heck did he find us? We were all keeping an eye out at the mall and never spotted him.” Davis shrugged.
“Honestly, he looked just as surprised to see us here. Maybe it’s just bad luck?”
What Would You Do
Tessa dropped off drinks at the table of teenagers before walking over to the booth that had just been occupied.
“Mr. Bentley, welcome back. Coffee?” He smiled up at her.
“You know me well. Yes, I’ll take my usual coffee and I’ll have the chicken club with soup.” She jotted it down, noting that he seemed a bit more on edge today. He kept looking over at the table of teens.
“Today’s soup is Chicken Noodle or Cream of Broccoli.” He rubbed his chin, the hint of stubble showing that he hadn’t shaved lately.
“The broccoli please.” Tessa jotted his soup choice down, took his menus and promised to return with coffee shortly. She then headed to the table of teens, noting that they were also on edge now. What was going on?
“Are we ready to order?” They nodded and she took their orders, finally coming to the boy who had a slight accent, one that she couldn’t quite peg. “And for you?” He was staring at the menu, completely at a loss. The girl next to him pointed to something and his eyes lit up.
“I would love to try the pulled pork sandwich with fries.” She smiled.
“Great choice. I can take your menus and I’ll bring your food out as soon as it’s ready.”
Chapter 8
Adrian Bentley could have cursed his bad luck. What was Davis Steel doing at his diner? Pulling out his phone, he punched in a number and waited impatiently for the other end to get picked up. A woman’s voice finally answered.
“What do you want Adrian?” He kept his voice low.
“Don’t give me that attitude. You were supposed to keep eyes on the Steel kid.” Her tone didn’t change.
“I have a guy on it. Keep your head on.”
“If you have a guy on it, why didn’t you report that he and his new friends are at the diner I always have lunch at?” She was quiet and he could hear mad typing as she texted the person who was supposed to be observing the boy. He didn’t want Davis getting a good look at him, but he also couldn’t act like something was wrong and tip off Tess.
“I don’t know what to say. Charles failed to report that he lost track of the kids after they left the mall. I’m really sorry Adrian. How can I fix this?” He saw Tess heading his way with his coffee and managed to force a smile.
“Call Martin. We have to move up our agenda now.”
What Would You Do
Davis and his friends enjoyed their meal, even with the stranger nearby. He had cast a few glances over at his booth, trying to place him. There was something familiar about him, but he couldn’t quite figure it out. After he finished his meal, he paid and left, rather quickly. Clearly the young waitress was confused by his behaviour. Was he a regular here? Would it be inappropriate for him to ask her about the stranger? Ariel elbowed him.
“He’s gone. We can relax now, right?” He shrugged.
“I’m not sure. Honestly, now that I got a good look at him, I think there’s something familiar about him, like I’ve met him. I just don’t know where from. It’s bugging me.” Olivia took a sip of her iced tea.
“Do you think he knows your parents?” Frowning, Davis popped a fry in his mouth, chewing it slowly as he thought about how to answer.
“If he’s a friend then he would just come over and say hello. However, the way he looked when he saw me, like he was not happy to see me here, I don’t think there are any friendly relations between him and my family. Then again, my parents make more enemies than friends in their fields. Competition is fierce and my parents can be ruthless.” Kyle belched, smirking as the girls glared at him.
“Do you think we could all be overreacting? Even if he doesn’t like your parents, would that really be such a big deal? You don’t work with your parents, so why would he care about you?” Davis bit his lower lip, holding back his answer as Tess walked over, collecting dirty dishes. Kyle smiled at her.
“Can we get a few slices of pie? One of each flavour and enough utensils for all of us? We are treating our friend here to some good American food.” Tess looked over at Davis and headed to get the pie.
Chapter 8
Davis pushed the plate away.
“I’m stuffed, but that was amazing. Great idea Kyle.” The teen grinned and pulled out his wallet.
“I thought so. Which is your favourite?” All the teens pulled out their wallets, each grabbing a few bills to cover the tab and tip their waitress. Davis tossed a twenty on the table.
“That’s tough, but I think the banana cream pie. That one was delicious. I was looking around online and found a Japanese restaurant. Looks pretty authentic. I would love to take you guys there sometime.” Their faces lit up.
“That would be great. If it’s the one I think it is, we never go there because they don’t speak the greatest English.” Davis grinned.
“Good thing I speak Japanese.” The group chuckled and left the diner, Tess thanking them for the generous tip. Looking at the time, Janessa, the third girl in the group, gasped.
“How did so much time go by? I’m sorry but I’ve got to go to work. I’m going to be late and my boss already hates me.” The teens all said goodbye, heading in their own directions. Davis headed back to the mall to get his bike, looking at his phone and seeing a text from his aunt asking if he wanted to work for her. He shuddered at the idea, but texted that he would try at a few more places first. It was the first time he let down his guard. A hand clamped over his mouth, a rag with an odd smell to it covering his mouth and nose. Davis struggled, feeling his eyes getting heavy. Just as he slipped into unconsciousness, he heard a car door open behind him.
Wait – What?!
Oh man. Davis has been kidnapped. Who is Adrian Bentley? What is his beef with the Steel family? And how does Tessa fit into all of this? Why does he keep going when she works? Now things are getting interesting. I can’t wait to update you all next week. Have a great weekend and Happy Easter!
