Page 52 of Secrets (Lost and Found 2)

“The diary is signed with aV. The note is from a woman named Tori.”

“Dang.” Luna twisted her mouth to the side. “I still think there is a connection here.” Luna chewed on her lip. “I’m going to bring these with me when I see Christopher. Maybe he can recommend a handwriting expert.”

“That’s not a bad idea. If you really want to go through all that trouble,” Ellie said.

Luna gave Ellie a look. “This is me, remember?”

“Right. Dog with a sock in his mouth refusing to let go.” Ellie chuckled.

“Bowwow,” Luna replied. Both women laughed.

“Are you getting excited about the weekend?” Ellie knew that was a rhetorical question, but she wanted to engage Luna in more conversation.

“I’m a wreck,” Luna admitted. “On the one hand, I’m really looking forward to spending some alone time with Chris, but I don’t know how much he is looking forward to it.”

“Oh please, don’t start that again,” Ellie huffed. “Truth be told, if it were up to me I would lock both of you in a room and not let you out until you had at least a heavy make-out session.”

“Ellie Stillwell! How crass.” Luna laughed out loud, knowing Ellie would take it as a joke.

“My dear. Life is short. And swift. Before you know it, another twenty years have dissolved into the mist.”

“Yeah. I get it. I’ve had that conversation more than once. I’m such a hypocrite.” Luna shook her head.

“No, not really. You understand the concept of enjoying life while you can, but too often we get caught up in the daily grind.”

“My gosh, you are starting to sound like me!” Luna smiled.

“We’re a good influence on each other, and if I can influence you into getting up close and personal with Chris, I will.” Ellie folded her arms.

“You are such a good friend.” Luna gave her a warm smile. “I appreciate your confidence in me. I wish I had more.”

“You know he is very fond of you, and you are of him. Don’t put any pressure on yourself. Just be the kooky, loving, warm, caring Luna that we all love.”

“Aw.” Luna’s eyes got a little misty. “I promise I will not pull the emergency brake if he makes a move. How’s that?”

“And what about you? A little physical contact couldn’t hurt.”

“Like what?”

“Touch his arm, put your hand on his back. Oh jeez, Luna, do what you always do when you’re around him. If I didn’t know better, I would think you two were having a thing.”

“It’s a thing all right.” Luna snorted. “Just whatkindof thing is the question.”

Ellie rolled her eyes. “Whatever ‘thing’ you want it to be.”

“OK. Enough high-school chatter. Let me ask you something.”

“Of course.”

“Do you recall any fires during those two years?”

“In the summer, there are always fires. Irresponsible campers, or some idiot tossing a lit cigarette out a car window.”

“Maybe I’ll go to the library and check out the local newspaper editions from those summers.”

“That’s an excellent idea. If you want I’ll go with you,” Ellie offered.

“Really? That would be great.”