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

him.”
    “That’s probably a good question,” replied Zach.
    “I was looking at an article on Sam Jennings in the newspaper. She was taken in the wintertime on a cold day,” said Cody. “It makes sense. When the weather is cold, kids may not be paying attention and not very aware of the surroundings.”
    “I saw on the news that this year is Sam’s fifth year anniversary of when she went missing,” said Zach.
    “I know, my mom was watching the news the other night, and they had a story about Sam on. They were talking about all the clues and tips the police received. The case is still open,” said Cody.
    “One thing though, Cody, there was never any mention of a black vehicle,” Zach said.
    “I know, but that was five years ago. The kidnapper could have gotten a new vehicle by now,” said Cody.
    “True. That’s a very good possibility,” replied Zach.
    “What are the chances of the man in the black car, being the kidnapper of Sam Jennings?” asked Cody, raising his eyes.
    “Probably not likely, Code. The man would be stupid to stay in the area. Her case was very public, and anyone you ask knows who Sam Jennings is.”
    “I know, but what if her killer is nearby and fooled everyone?” suggested Cody.
    “Maybe, Code. Let’s get going,” said Zach.
    Zach looked at his digital watch. The two friends jumped off the swings and headed toward school.
    Monday went by extremely fast for both of them. After school, they each went home to grab their bikes. It was another decent day in the low fifties.
    “Meet me at the store by my house at 4:00 p.m.,” instructed Cody.
    “Okay, see you in an hour,” replied Zach.
    Cody ran all the way home. Phyllis was waiting for him at the front door.
    Before she could blurt out something dumb to him, Cody blew by her and ran up the stairs into his bedroom. He put on a hooded sweatshirt and set his book bag on his desk.
    Cody walked into Olive’s room and gave her a hug as she was playing with her stuffed unicorns.
    “I have to head out to meet up with Zach, I’ll be home later, and maybe we can play a board game or something,” said Cody.
    “Okay, brother. Have fun with Zach. Love you,” his sister said.
    “I love you too, Ol,” replied Cody.
    He shot down the stairs and booked out the back door. His mountain bike was waiting for him on the side garage where he’d left it. Cody walked the bike to the gate and leaned it against the fence. Opening the gate, he thought he heard something on the other side of the fence.
    “Mr. Durkbridge? Is that you?” asked Cody.
    Cody looked through the slits in the fence and saw a car in the garage covered by a black tarp. Cody wondered what was underneath the tarp.
    “Mr. Durkbridge?” Cody asked again.
    There was no response, and the boy had a paranoid feeling. Cody hopped on the bike and closed the gate as he wheeled down the driveway. He thought he saw a pair of eyes staring at him between the wooden fence as he rode away.
    When he arrived at the store, Zach was there waiting out front.
    “I rode by the church and didn’t see anything,” explained Zach.
    “I know, I didn’t see the car, either. Let’s just ride around in the area and periodically check back,” said Cody.
    “Okay, also, let’s ride up Lincoln Street and look in driveways. You never know,” replied Zach.
    “Great idea, now let’s find this car,” Cody exclaimed.
    The boys rode slowly up Lincoln Street, peering into each driveway as they rode by. The street was fairly crowded with people and cars. It was a normal road with some people sitting on their porches, enjoying the decent weather. Some of them waved at the boys, and some just put their heads down or looked away.
    A couple of people were watering their small lawns. The houses sat just thirty feet from the street. By the time the two reached the end of the street, they didn’t spot one car that resembled what they were looking for.
    Cody and Zach turned around and went back down the