Taken by Virginia Rose Richter Page B

and her endless rules.” She glanced around to see if her mother was nearby. But she could hear her upstairs talking to Phillip while she put him down for his nap. “It’s terrible what happened. We should try to figure out where those kidnappers have that baby. Why don’t you come over and we can make a plan? I have to go.” She hung up.
    The phone rang. It was Jessie’s father. “Don’t tell anyone you were there today, Jessie. You and your mother are now witnesses.”
    “Uh-oh.”
    “What?” said her dad. “Who’d you tell?”
    “I told Tina. But she already knew because her dad was at the hospital.”
    “Ask her to not repeat it. I have to go. See you tonight.”
    “But, Daddy…Mom wants me to call Bryce because I took a picture of the baby and she wants it developed,” said Jessie.
    The line was silent. “A picture? We could use it for sure. The police don’t have much to go on. Okay, tell Bryce but swear him to secrecy. You could be in danger here.” He hung up.
    When the phone rang again, it was Bryce.
    “Hi, Bryce.” Jessie’s heart started pounding.
    “Hey, Jessie. What’s happening?”
    “We need a favor. Could you come over? I’ll be on the front porch.”
    “Sure. I’ll be right there,” he said.
    Jessie took the camera from her pocket, rolled the film to the end and removed it. Then she hurried to the porch and sat on the top step.
    Bryce lived with his father and sister, Sunny, across the street in the guesthouse of the Swedish Museum. His dad, Dr. Peterson, was the museum curator and they were fairly new in town. She watched Bryce as he hurried up her sidewalk. His hair was lighter after being out in the summer sun. She just liked to look at him. He’s so cute. Tall and smart too, she thought. He was in the ninth grade—one year older than she. And the best-looking guy in school.
    He sat down next to her on the step. When he turned to her, she could barely think straight. His soft green eyes were the kindest she’d ever seen.
    “What’s the favor?” he asked.
    “You know the Novaks? Up the street? Well Mrs. Novak just had their baby and someone stole it from the hospital!”
    “Are you serious?” He took her hand. “Who would do that?”
    Jessie could feel herself blush. Don’t let go of my hand, Bryce. “I took a picture of the baby when we visited the hospital today. Could you develop it? The police will want it and it takes so long at the camera shop.”
    “Sure. Let me have the film and I’ll take it to the lab at school. Mr. Swanson will let me use the dark room. How many copies?”
    She handed him the roll of film. “Is three too many? One for the Novaks, one for the police and I’d like one too.”
    “Okay,” Bryce said. “I’m gathering that you’ll need one for some detective work. Right?”
    “You’re getting to know me very well, Bryce.” She smiled. “Yeah, I would love to find out where the baby is. Mom says time is important because a newborn’s looks change so fast.” Jessie stood up. “Oh…I forgot. My dad said not to tell anyone I was at the hospital today. So please keep it a secret. He says Mom and I could be in danger.”
    “I promise I won’t tell anyone—not Mr. Swanson or my dad.” He squeezed her hand and stood up. “I’d better get moving on this picture. I’ll come back as soon as I finish.” He smiled down at her.
    Jessie’s heart did a little flip.
    She watched as he ran across Willow Lane and then came out of his driveway on his bike. Farley, the Peterson’s sheepdog, ran behind him to the curb, but returned to the yard when Bryce said, “Stay, Farley.” Bryce waved at Jessie and raced down the street.

Chapter Three
    Jessie watched him disappear through the falling leaves. Where is Tina ? Suddenly Tina appeared pushing the big double stroller up the sidewalk. Tina looked small maneuvering the babies toward Jessie’s house. At the steps, she set the brake on the buggy and plopped on the step next to