Chapter 8: Karma's Warning and Another Missing Girl

In retaliation of the missing girl case, Lotusville's citizens have taken measures to bolster the safety of their children. Crystal View Park has new posters mandating parental supervision at all times. Not every parent can stand guard—responsible teenagers assist their younger siblings. After all, balancing work and play becomes more difficult when one is an adult. Hence, the need to have teens act as an extra set of eyes.

There are additional support systems in place at the park. The presence of refreshment trucks provides extra protection as vendors take caution to ascertain children are with their respective parties.

A line of older teenagers forms at a Cafe Cart hosted by Market Place's well-known coffee house. As more customers gravitate to the cart, two leave with their drinks in hand. Crash and Alex make their way to a wooden bench.

As they sit down, Crash removes his lid to release extra steam. Once satisfied, he caps the cup. Alex casts a glance back at the long line.

"Good thing we came early," Alex says after taking a sip of his green tea latte. "Otherwise, we would still be waiting to order."

"Right." Crash nods while watching the children playing in the jackets.

"Agreed," the other smiles.

Crash carefully drinks some of his hot chocolate. The flavor is rich and more delightful than the teenager's mood. Blue eyes continue to watch the children while sorrow continues to gnaw at his heart. 'If only there were more people with Marie,' Crash reflects sadly. 'Then she would still be here playing without a care in the world.'

The bittersweet feeling leaves an acidic taste in his mouth. No child should have to be afraid to play—they deserve a safe place to enjoy their young lives. An elbow nudges the distant boy's side.

"They'll be fine, Crash." A smile beams across Alex's face in effort to reassure the other. "Lotusville has been highly proactive."

"But what about the missing girl?" The introverted teenager sighs. "It's great to be cautious. But, she still deserves more help."

Alex peers down at his cup. He hears the jovial laughter of children. 'He has a point,' the older teen thinks to himself. 'Maybe we can…' Alex readjusts his beanie as a tribute to an old, awkward habit. A passing thought gives him an idea.

"We can do what they can't," the plotter catches his friend's gaze. "Well, 'you' can do what others can't—talk with Marie."

The doubtful teenager shakes his head. 'Not this again.'

Despite Crash's patience, he steadily finds himself more annoyed with the topic. Sure, he has seen Marie appear in dreams. However, how can he be certain that she's really attempting to send a message? Without responding, Crash sets his attention away from his friend.

"Don't look away." The frustration in Alex's voice is present. He doesn't appreciate when people drop conversations. "You said it yourself. She's in that abandoned house. With a hunch as strong as yours, it's worth a shot to investigate."

"Investigate," Crash mimics the word while weighing the connotation. After another moment, the sympathetic teen concedes to his friend's wild suggestion. "Alright. When should we start?"

Before Alex can respond, an unexpected visitor appears from behind.

"What are we talking about boys?" Karma's presence disturbs the others.

Crash and Alex gasp in surprise. Drinks are nearly flung out of frantic hands. Their friend takes a seat next to the blue-eyed teen. A nervous heart beats as one who has been caught misbehaving.

"Are you okay?" She raises a brow. "You two are acting suspicious."

"We were just discussing…" Crash glances at the older one for assistance. His expression prompts a quick save.

"The missing girl," the extroverted teen tags into the conversation. "We found a questionable house…"

Karma's eyes widen. She raises a hand to interrupt the other in his thought. The expression on the girl's face projects her disbelief.

"Are you serious?" Her inquiry initially rings loudly. In fear of being overheard, she drops her voice to a whisper. "Exploring some condemned house is dangerous! Instead of putting yourselves at risk, maybe you two should report your suspicions to the police."

"They wouldn't understand," Crash shakes his head vigorously. "I swear…I feel as though Marie was leading us to that abandoned house on Willow Street."

His fellow investigator makes a nervous sound. Alex face palms in response to the slip of vital information.

"You felt her presence?" Karma continues her own investigation.

"He has," Alex intercedes. "What is this, an interrogation?"

Karma scoffs in disapproval. She rises from the bench and rests both hands on her hips. Her fierce gaze suggests a mix of concern and disappointment.

"I'm sorry for being concerned about 'your' safety!" Karma pokes each of their shoulders. "Trust me, I don't believe that either of you should peek into places that you shouldn't."

Crash and Alex both stare at her with their mouths agape. With an awkward simultaneous sip from their cups, the teenage boys raise their hands in a solemn swear.

"We promise not to go," Crash and Alex vow in unison.

As the Karma begins to respond, she hears her name echo from the swing set. A little girl with dark braids and hazel eyes waves towards the other.

"That's my niece," Karma indicates with a thumb pointed to the little one. "I have to take her home now. Though, please keep your words. Otherwise…something bad may happen."

She leaves the two on the bench. Both of her friends watch in confusion. Karma's ominous statement leaves dread inside of the introvert's stomach.

"I guess we should alert the police." Crash suggests.

"Nah!" Alex exclaims. "If Marie came to you specifically, then she wants 'your' help. After all, what's the trouble with a quick sweep?"

Crash's anxiety piques. 'What happened to keeping promises?' His mind wanders. The enthusiasm in those green eyes prompts an inner debate. 'To listen to Karma or to follow along with Alex's plan of investigation?' The introverted teen sighs and draws the final sip of his hot chocolate.

"Fine." He caves in from the pressure of his first friend. "When should we go?"

"Tonight!" Alex says with determination. "Meet me there at eight o'clock sharp!"

The other nods in confirmation. Crash rises from the bench and stretches.

"Catch you later, then," he states with a sheepish smile.

Alex pats the other's back. He takes his leave. Crash casts one more glance at the children playing in the afternoon sun. 'If we stop this monster, then no one else will be harmed.' The conclusion brings a hopeful grin.

Crash exits the park after tossing his cup into the recycle bin. While riding home, he overhears a conversation.

"That's the second girl within a week or so!" a woman cries out in shock.

"Such a shame!" her companion chimes with a gasp. "Poor Nadine, she is such a sweet girl! Her family lives next door to ours."

The other woman shakes her head in discontent. Crash pedals away faster to flee from the morbid news. A growing sensation of despair attempts to overwhelm his senses. Yet, the more Crash thinks about the children, he becomes more determined to help. 'There's no turning back. I have to find them!' His mind is set. Crash will find answers.