Chapter 4- Second attempt

Trixie woke up the next day keen to start her own investigation. However when Roger Pettigrew and Matt Wheeler walked into the room her plans sunk, between them they planned to stay with the Bob whites the entire time.

Roger Pettigrew was there right now planning the rest of their day. "If we split into smaller groups with one adult to each group we could accomplish things faster". They did that with Dan, Darlene, Di and Mart with Mr Pettigrew and Jim, Honey, Brian and Trixie with Mr Wheeler.

"We'll meet up to compare notes at the restaurant later", Mr Pettigrew told them.

He took his group over to one of the rides "Dad can we at least go on the ride by ourselves", begged Darlene. "Nothing can happen if you stay right there".

She batted her eyes at her father. "Alright", he conceded I guess you are safe enough on a ride. I'll wait by the exit."

"Good", Darlene grabbed Dans hand. "Please, she asked, can you let me explain for the way I've acted toward you, we can talk on the ride.

Dan looked at her. He did genuinely like Darlene even though she was someone who played games with others. He supposed she couldn't do anything to him so agreed.

Di and Mart snuggled together in one of the ghost train wagons and Dan sat next to Darlene in another. Charlie smiled at them, "ready "he asked. "Yes", replied Darlene with a smile.

Charles had come to her after the talent ago suggesting a way a getting closer to Dan. Darlene was used to men going along with her, that Dan had stood up to her and seen behind her act hurt. She would have figured he was too young to be so wise.

Darlene found tears falling as she realized she actually liked Dan but now would have no chance of getting to know him better. Charles suggestion provided a perfect opportunity for an explanation and this time it'd be genuine. Darlene just hoped Dan would listen.

Charles had asked her to make sure her father was out of the way when they went on the ride and she had the perfect way to accomplish that.

Now she'd get to be with Dan alone on a ride and hopefully work things out.

Mart and Di's cart started first, then soon Dan and Darlene where disappearing inside the house. ". I guess it was moms fault", Darlene told Dan after a couple of minutes had passed. "She told me right in front of me that she didn't want me. Dad said I've been trying to find love ever since and looking in the wrong places. I do things to people hoping to make them like me then all I get is heartache. I just can't stop myself Dan." Dan looked over at Darlene and saw the tears in her eyes. At the talent show she'd tried to get his attention by trying to play him off against David. Dan knew that had been an act, now as he looked into her eyes he finally felt like he was seeing the real Darlene. He put one arm around her. "I blew it with you too", Darlene told Dan.

"Darlene be yourself", I think there's a very nice young lady in there somewhere. But you're too afraid of being hurt to show your true self. So you've become someone else", Dan replied wisely. Darlene gaped, she felt that Dan had just accurately described her,

"How'd you know that", she asked. "Because I've be doing it as well. I hid my true self behind a tough guy persona because I was too afraid to feel loss. It took almost dying to make we realize I actually wanted to live." Dan replied seriously. Darlene put her head on his shoulder, "all this time I was hoping to manipulate you into liking me and I could have just talked to you and it would have worked" Darlene sighed. "Yeah but it's not too late to make another start Darlene", Dan smiled at her. Darlene held his hand, "I'd like that Dan".

The ride lurched hard then, "What's happening ", Darlene asked as they stopped still.

"I think we've broken down Darlene", Dan replied. "What do we do", Darlene asked a little afraid or being locked in this dark tunnel. "I'm sure they'll have it fixed soon", Dan replied holding her hand tighter. "Sorry for the delay", came a voice over a hidden speaker, "we are currently experiencing technical difficulties please make your way out the emergency exits." Dan looked up and saw an illuminated exit sign, "Come on Darlene. He took her hand and they exited the cart. "it's pretty dark ",Darlene complained as she held Dan's hand. "Yeah I can only just see things", Dan followed the faint lights on the path in front of them. He let go of Darlene's hand as he held his hands out in front of him.. Suddenly those lights winked out and it was totally dark. "Dan", called Darlene stepping back and trying to see around her. "Darlene stand still", Dan requested as he prodded in front of him. He was sure Darlene was just a few steps away but when he moved forward all he felt was a wall. "Darlene", Dan shouted. All he got was silence.

Darlene was sure that wall hadn't been there before. "Hello, she yelled, "please help", it was dark and she was beginning to feel slightly panicked. Then she noticed a soft glow coming from behind her. Turning she saw the emergency lighting had come back on. She followed the path of the light until she finally found daylight then she ran crying into her fathers arms. Minutes later Mart and Diana joined her outside.

"Hold on a minute, where's Dan", demanded Mart. "Darlene stopped crying pointing back at the ride, "we got separated, he's still in there some where".

A short distance away Matt Wheeler was determined not to leave his son's or daughters side. "I coming on the ride with you", he firmly told them. "Dad, Honey rolled her eyes. 'What can happen on a ride". Matt Wheeler just crossed his arms over his chest. "I'm not taking any chances on anyone trying to snatch you again Jim, or you Honey. Trixie frowned, "Honey", she muttered. "What", Honey turned to face her friend. 'It's just that it would be easier to snatch a girl, less likely to fight back", Trixie stated. Jim nodded admitting the truth of Trixie's words, Honey would have been the much easier target. "Maybe it was just opportunity", Matt Wheeler told Trixie. Trixie didn't look convinced. "Well they can't have been after Dan", Jim pointed out. He heard Trixie sigh, "I just can't seem to work it out", she admitted.

"Well let's just go on this ride" Jim told her taking her hand and pulling her toward the entrance. The young man in charge of the ride was just about to usher them on when his walkie talkie sprang to life. He picked it up and listened his face growing more concerned. "I'm afraid we'll have to delay the ride awhile."

"Why, whats wrong", Trixie demanded looking at his worried face. "The ride your other friends were on has broken down . It seems some people have got out but someone is trapped inside", the guy told them. Honey gasped. "Come on let's go', Trixie insisted as they made there way back to their friends.

Dan walked gingerly forward, "hello", he called out. In response he heard a soft chuckle, "We are a little more prepared this time", came a familiar voice. Dan swallowed nervously recognizing the voice of his abductor, "I thought you were after Jim", he stated trying vainly to see in the dark. "No, but it was good for us that they had those thoughts", came the reply.

Dan made a point of backing away from the voice. "What do you want", he asked hoping to keep the assailant talking long enough for help to reach him. "Just you", was the response, "Why", Dan asked, "I haven't done anything nor am I anyone important". 'I actually didn't ask I just get paid upon delivery", the chuckle sounded again. Dan backed up into something soft, his heart constricting when he realized it was a person. "I got him, Harry called as he grabbed Dan firmly. "Good the boss sent some drug so we can make it easier to subdue him", Charlie moved forward a torch held in his hand.

Dan struggled hard kicking out at the one holding him. "Oh no you don't", the second voice joined the first, slapping Dan and pulling him to the ground. "Jab him and lets get this over with", the first voice suggested . Dan struggled but could feel it was probably going to be a lost cause. "Let him go", the voice came out of nowhere, causing Charlie to stop the syringe inches from Dan. "I said let him go, NOW", Dan heard the soft kick of a trigger being pulled back. So did Charlie and Harry who quickly jumped up off their victim. "I suggest you start running gentlemen", came the voice again, "run to whoever you work for and say I won't let anything happen to this one". Dan heard the click again, "go now before I change my mind". Charlie and Harry got up and ran. "Shouldn't someone notify the authorities", Dan asked the shadowy figure he could hear but not see. " I dear say someone will take care of that", came the reply.

"Now young Daniel I suggest you go join your friends and perhaps think of a way of being sent home. You may been in further danger if you stay here and I may not be able to help you" , the voice sounded concerned. As much as Dan wanted to enjoy the rest of this time away he had to admit he'd had enough of this holiday and wanted to get home to his Uncle. He stood still thinking for a few minutes, until he remembered this man had used his name.

"Who are you and how did you know my name", Dan crept forward sure he was getting closer to the voice. "All you need to know is I'm a friend, now go".

Dan leapt forward into nothing. The lights came back on seconds later and he could hear people calling his name.

He felt tired and a little woozy as he followed the lights to the exit. "Dan", Brian was rushing forward and putting his arm around Dan to offer support. Trixie gasped at Dan who had rips on his shirt and blood running from a cut on his temple. "Daniel what happened", Matt Wheeler demanded. The horror of the attempt came back to Dan," they tried to grab me again", he stated shakily. Fiona and Jason came running up and overheard the last comment. "Who was it Daniel", Fiona demanded.

Dan hadn't really seen either of them. "I saw Harry and Charlie running out the back", piped up another worker. "Let's go talk to those two and demand an explanation."

Fiona looked over at Dan, "take him back to the Hotel and get that Doc back to look at him. "Then stay with him until we come", she instructed. The agents pulled out their weapons and departed .

Dan was supported back to his room where the doctor looked him over again, "Physically nothing too serious", he doctor told Mr Wheeler," but he's fairly shaken", he added unnecessarily. Dan looked rather pale ,"please can I just go home", he asked. Matt Wheeler nodded, " I was going to suggest that Daniel, I'll go see to getting the plane ready". He departed leaving Dan with his friends. "Why were those guys after you Dan", Trixie demanded sitting beside him on the bed. "Look I don't know okay", Dan grumped , he was tired, sore and more than a little upset and afraid after the days events.

"Leave him be Trixie", Brian told her seriously worriedly regarding his shaken friend.

"the feds are going to ask the same thing", Trixie stated. "And I'll have the same answer Trix," I don't know. All I can say is they were definitely after me", Dan replied.

Jason and Fiona ran through the park searching. Harry and Charlie fled fast aware they could easily have been identified. 'Who was that guy that saved that kid", Charlie demanded. "I don't know Charlie but he sure messed things for us. Now we have to go back and tell the boss we missed the target. He's not going to be happy", Harry replied solemnly. Charlie kept running thinking nervously about the 'boss'. "We still have his money maybe we can put it to good use", he told Harry. Harry turned and looked at his friend, he suppose their only chance now was to try and disappear. He turned back gasping as he realized they had come to the edge of the bank leading down to the huge man made lake. Unable to stop his momentum Charlie crashed into him knocking them both forward.

Fiona and Jason arrived minutes later stopping in horror at the scene before them, both young men floating lifelessly on the lake.

Making arrangement to have them fished out Jason stayed at the scene while Fiona returned to report the situation to HQ.

Trixie's brain whirled fast as she paced Dan's room. Why would someone want to abduct her friend. The two agents had said attempts were usually over money or something personal. Trixie doubted Dan had money hidden somewhere, so that left a personal reason. "Dan maybe it's got to do with your life in the city, Trixie stated, are you sure there's something you haven't told us".

"Trix", admonished Brian, "leave him alone."

Trixie frowned at her brother. "There isn't anything", Dan replied. But the answer lacked conviction and Trixie knew without a doubt that he was lying. If she could pick up on this fact then she was sure the Feds would as well. They would certainly press Dan for an answer. What he said might prove very interesting Trixie thought.

Dan saw Trixie's look and knew she had guessed he was lying. But he just couldn't tell her or anyone else. He braced himself for the questions that would surely come.

Fiona walked into the room minutes later regarding the jumpy looking Dan. "Did you catch them", Trixie demanded. Fiona looked briefly at her before turning back to Dan.

Both young men fell into the artificial lake. Unfortunately both had drowned before we got there.' The others gasped. "Now I suggest you all pack your things and start preparing to leave", Fiona's tone was firm. She looked at Dan for several seconds before leaving the room. Trixie's mouth hung open , they weren't going to question Dan, that was incredible.

Fiona walked back to where her colleague was checking over Harry and Charlie.

"Both of them look strong and healthy, Jason remarked." Plus both can swim, I checked the records." Fiona looked the young men over, "no marks", she concluded, so they weren't forced into the water". No but look, Jason pointed at the ground by the lake, One, two," he moved over, "three sets of footprints."

"So someone else was here", Fiona stated. "Whoever it was didn't help but just stood there". Jason nodded. "Well maybe young Daniel will have some answers for us. I'm surprised you're not busy grilling him. " Fiona sighed, "well I reported this whole thing to HQ and requested some help. Instead of getting extra agents we are to both back off the case. No questioning Daniel or anyone else." Jason's mouth hung open, "back off", he repeated, "why". Fiona shrugged, "There was no explanation, I just got told to obey or risk my job". Jason paced. "Make's you wonder about that kid", he mused. "Yes, Fiona admitted," but we can wonder all we like, just do nothing further.

Let him go home to that hick town. " "Surely whoever it is will try again", Jason remarked. "I did mention that Daniel may be in further danger." But it was stated that he should be safe at home.' Fiona frowned, "safe", she repeated.

Dan had a task to do before they returned home. He opened the photo album and carefully began to remove certain photos. He wasn't trying to hide certain facts he just couldn't face the questions that would come. This had nothing to do with today's events.

Roughly one hour later Dan was nestled in a blanket and heading for home. He could feel Trixie's speculative gaze bearing down on him. There was simply no way she would ever uncover anything Dan decided. The past was dead now and it could stay that way.

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Bill Regan had met them at the airport and worriedly hovered over his nephew.

"Uncle Bill just take me home", Dan requested. His Uncle nodded and arms firmly around Dan he deposited him in his own car.

Roger Pettigrew nervously exited the lift into Mr Harris's office. "The testing of my park had not gone well", Jonathan muttered. "No", returned Roger, "I did manage to find some local kids to test the park. But the attempted abduction then a drowning that won't look good.". "Well we'll have to lift our standards Roger. Fire whoever was responsible. I still want to park to become a success", Jonathan stated firmly. "I'll do my best to ensure it does Sir", replied Roger. "Good, now make sure you take care of that Mangan kids medical bill for his injuries", Jonathan told his employee." Yes Sir", replied Roger.

"Thank you, now I'll be expecting those entries for the essay competition to come in soon, bring them to me when they arrive", Jonathan requested.

"Yes Sir", Roger stated turning on his heel and returning to the elevator.

Jonathan Harris watched him go then opened his drawer and took a gun out. He walked over to his safe opened it and placed the weapon inside.

The days event had shaken him deeply. Walking to his draw he looked at the photo that nestled there, "Sorry I didn't expect that to happen", he told the photo.

"I can't do this, he thought, not place you in danger. Then he looked at the other photo of the smiling teens in their jackets. "You don't know, do you", he said to the photo.

"I have to put it right". Don't worry I'll do what I can to keep you safe."

He sat in his chair and studied the photos jumping as his phone rang.

"What do you think you are doing", came an angry voice. "What do you mean", he feigned lack of knowledge . "Someone tried to grab the Mangan kid in your park where he was there at your invitation. Stay away from him Jonathan, you know the rules. We will not intervene if something happens, this is on your head", click the phone was placed down.

Jonathan Harris felt chilled as he sat in his chair, this is on your head', that echoed through his brain. But now he'd began this he simply could not stop. He was breaking the rules .Yet Tthere were resources at his finger tips others knew nothing about.

Jonathan was now going to make use of those resources.

He picked up the phone and dialed a number, "Walter", I'm going to need your help", he requested. Walter Maypenny braced himself, ever since that strange phone call months ago he'd been waiting for this man to call again. The man who knew about his past and who'd called in a favour from an old friend. "What is it that you need Jonathan", he asked.

The Bob whites eagerly crowded into the hall waiting for the announcement of the 5 essays chosen to represent Sleepyside in the essay competition.

"Ladies and gentlemen it was a hard decision as there were many excellent entries.", the mayorl told them. "However several stood out above the others and will represent our town in this competition, those essays were by, "Mr Harley Miller, Miss Freda Grey, Mr Peter Robbins, Miss Jemma Lawrence…

Mart looked disappointed and so did Trixie until… "last but not least Mr Daniel Mangan." The Bob Whites turned to Dan who looked stunned, they all gave him a hug, "wow Dan that must have been some essay", Brian congratulated.

"Yes I guess it was", Dan replied.

1 day later Jonathan Harris's desk was surrounded by essays. "I think you've set yourself a huge task", Roger stated soberly. "Yes but I want to read them myself, Jonathan told him. "As you wish sir, Roger turned to leave then suddenly remembered he had to tell his boss something else. "Oh Sir, they found him". Jonathan looked puzzled , "found who", he inquired. "That man you wanted us to locate", Roger replied. "Right thank you", Jonathan responded.

He turned back to the essays raising his eyebrows as he saw a familiar name amongst the essays. This was not part of his plan, Dan must have been chosen purely on merit.

Jonathan opened the folder and took out Dan's essay. He began to read, "the simple answer to why Sleepyside is a place that others should come is the people. They open their arms and hearts to anyone, to give people who may have had trials in their life a new beginning. There is heart here and warmth, a way of pulling together…."

Jonathan read on feeling tears begin to fall. Maybe he wouldn't have to rig the results of this competition after all.

The next day he announced Sleepyside had won the essay competition. The prize was to be the hosts of an international skating competition to be held in several months time. Competitors would come and practice and board in and around Sleepyside. In particular the US skating team and their Coach Karl Clarke would be residents of Sleepyside for the months leading up to the competition. Jonathan smiled, he still had a few things to work out but then his plan would be put into action.

.

Dan read the announcement in the paper. He watched as the others jumped about excitedly . Fate though was certainly cruel and life was playing a very mean trick on him. Making sure nobody was looking he tore the paper into pieces. He was going to have nothing to do with this competition. Stomping off through the preserve Dan yelled, "Why" loudly.

END of part 1