Back in Royal Woods, Lincoln was still searching for Leni. "I'd better check all the places Leni likes visiting. And I know exactly where to look first." And he boarded the bus bound for The Royal Woods Mall.
At the mall, Lincoln searched Leni's favorite stores. The last one he checked was Reininger's, where Leni worked. "Leni? Leni?" Called Lincoln. Her boss, Ms. Carmichael, heard him and came out of her office to see what was going on. "Lincoln? Is that you? I didn't recognize you without your superhero costume. What's going on?" "I'm looking for Leni, ma'am. She ran off because my family hurt her feelings. I thought maybe she'd come here." Explained Lincoln.
Ms. Carmichael felt sorry for Lincoln. "I'm sorry Lincoln. But I haven't seen Leni all day. Try asking Miguel and Fiona at the food court. They know her better than I do. Oh, I hope she's alright." "Me too ma'am. Thank you." And Lincoln left the shop.
At the food court, Lincoln scanned the tables to find Fiona and Miguel. He wasn't too keen on asking them for help given the fact that Fiona hated seeing him. But, he knew he was doing it for Leni and that was all that matter.
At last, Lincoln found them near the pretzel booth. He ran over to the table as quickly as he could. "Fiona! Miguel!" He cried, instantly getting their attention. "Oh great. This kid." Grumbled Fiona. Lincoln stopped to catch his breath. "Are you just gonna stand there panting or do you need something?" Asked Fiona, growing rather impatient. "Sorry." Said Lincoln, who had gotten his breath back. "Have either of you seen Leni?" Asked Lincoln. Miguel and Fiona looked at each other in newfound concern. "No actually. In fact, I tried calling her and it went straight to voicemail." Said Miguel. "We came here hoping she'd show up, but she hasn't come. Do you know what happened?" Asked Fiona. "Kinda, but it's a long story." Lincoln then explained to Fiona and Miguel about this morning's disaster. "She ran off and now I can't find her anywhere! I'm starting to think she's left town completely." Said Lincoln, nervously.
Fiona and Miguel were dumbfounded that Leni's family would do such a thing. They once nearly lost Leni and were determined to not let it happen again. "Where do you think she went?" Asked Miguel. "I'm not sure. Probably one of the neighboring towns." Replied Lincoln. "Good. Miguel, we'll take my car and search around there. If she's anywhere, it's probably one of those places." "Thanks Lincoln." Said Miguel as they got up from the table and headed for the exit.
"Wait! I'm coming with you guys!" Called Lincoln. "Uh, no you're not." Said Fiona. "Hey! Leni's my sister! I have every right to look for her too! I'm coming!" "Fiona, this isn't the time for grudges. Let him come." Intervened Miguel. "Fiona didn't really want Lincoln to come, but she knew he was right. Leni was his family and he did have the right to look for her. "Fine. Hurry up." And the three left the mall. They piled into Fiona's car and they drove off towards the town border. "This is a nice car." Said Lincoln. "Keep your hands on your lap kid." Ordered Fiona. "Fiona.." said Miguel. "Sorry."
Stay tuned for chapter 6!