Bodies in the Boatyard by Ellen Jacobson

Author:Ellen Jacobson [Ellen Jacobson]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Ellen Jacobson
Published: 2020-12-21T00:00:00+00:00

9

STAGE FRIGHT

“Well, here goes nothing,” I said as I pulled into the parking lot of the community center. “I really wish I hadn’t had those cookies before we left. I feel like I’m going to throw up.”

“Don’t be nervous. You’re going to do great,” Leilani said, unfastening her seat belt. As we walked toward the building, she added, “I heard about how you handled Norm when he was making fun of you for believing in aliens. You weren’t a shrinking violet. You put him in his place.”

“But that was in the heat of the moment. There were only a few people there. There are over fifty people signed up for this event.” I gulped. “Fifty!”

I pivoted and began walking back to the car. Leilani grabbed my arm. “Wrong way, Mollie. Take a deep breath. You can do this.” She steered me toward the entrance while I tried not to hyperventilate.

A young man with spiky orange hair and an alarming number of facial piercings greeted us at the door. He was wearing a bright green T-shirt with a picture of a spaceship beaming a human aboard and the words “Pick Me” printed underneath. I had purchased a shirt just like it at the FAROUT convention last year for Scooter, but for some reason he never wore it.

“Are you here for the talk?” he asked.

“We are,” Leilani said. She nudged me. “Well, actually, I’m here for the talk. This lady here is your speaker.”

“You’re Mollie?” he asked. “I’m Simon.” He took my hand and shook it vigorously. “I’m so honored to meet you! I read your recent article in the newsletter about the alien abduction case at that marina in Coconut Cove. Whatever happened to the victim?”

“Oh, it’s a long story,” I said. “Suffice it to say, other issues came up.”

“I want to hear more about that,” Simon said. “I hope you’re going to cover it in your lecture.”

Those cookies were making their presence seriously known in my stomach. “Do you mind if we go inside? I’d like to freshen up before we start.”

I pushed the door open and darted for the ladies’ room. When I came back out, a small crowd had gathered around the registration desk. Simon was handing out FAROUT brochures and answering questions. He waved me over.

“Can I get you a cup of coffee or tea before we begin?” he asked. “One of the volunteers also brought some chocolate macaroons. I can get you a couple of those too.”

Fortunately, I’m not fond of coconut, so it was easy to pass on the macaroons, which my upset tummy thanked me for. I took my cup of coffee and made my way to the front of the room, nodding nervously at the people sitting in folding chairs. I put my purse on the table next to the lectern and pulled out my key chain. I stroked the tiny Wookiee doll attached to it for good luck, just in case rubbing Coconut Carl’s belly hadn’t been enough to help me get through the evening.

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