Desert Rose by K. Moore

Author:K. Moore [Moore, K.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: psychological suspense
Publisher: K. Moore
Published: 2018-11-18T00:00:00+00:00

20

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The bus taking Liam’s class on their day trip is parked near the side gate to the school. I pull into a parking spot not too far away. The kids are taking the two-hour drive to the Emirati capital to visit the new Louvre Abu Dhabi as part of their ancient civilizations studies. The museum not only houses art, but it is also a work of art in itself.

Kevin and I attended the grand opening. I will never forget the awe I felt as sunlight filtered through the web-patterned dome roof, providing an ethereal feeling. The architecture and design of it are amazing.

In light of everything, I was a bit hesitant about allowing Liam on the trip. Knowing he was more than just a phone call and a quick fifteen-minute drive away made me feel uneasy, but his counselor and teachers convinced me that it would be okay. They also promised that, if any issues arose, they’d be able to get him home early.

“Okay, Liam, let’s get you onto the bus,” I say, releasing my seat belt and opening the car door.

We go around to the back of the car, and Liam grabs his backpack and throws it over his shoulder. I look toward the bus, only now noticing the police car parked off to the side. A group of ten people or so are loitering at the rear of the bus. They don’t appear to be parents dropping their kids off. One has a camera and is standing next to a guy with a microphone. As though a signal flare has been lit, they burst into life and start toward us as we make our way to the bus.

“Shit,” I mumble under my breath.

I recognize a few of them as parents from the school. I’m hoping it’s all just a coincidence and they’re having an impromptu meeting and not waiting around for me. Their eyes are focused on our progression toward the bus, and most hold grim expressions.

“Why are those people looking at us like that? Who are they?” Liam asks nervously, pulling his shoulders back as he moves closer to me.

My young protector.

“A reporter and a photographer? And some parents, I think?”

I’m not sure, but it looks like they’ve been waiting to talk to me. I can’t fault them for that. I suppose if I were a parent and had seen the news, I would want answers as well. And who better to provide those answers? If they’re waiting for me, that’s one thing. Being parents themselves, they should have the decency to realize that I have Liam with me, and he shouldn’t be exposed to the sort of questions I’m guessing they want to throw at me. Hesitantly, I look at our car, wondering if there’s time to escape. Unfortunately, this isn’t an option.

With a deep breath, I pull my shoulders back and resign myself to deal with this head-on. “Liam, pull your cap down lower so they can’t photograph your face.”

The group, followed closely by two police officers, converges on us before we can make it to the bus.

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