Noel Flair: leadership
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“Hold on,” Thomas stepped past me and stood closer to Elizabeth. “That doesn’t make sense.”
Elizabeth turned to face him. “Grandpa rarely talked about Grandma. She died when I was only a couple years old.”
“But this ‘Melissas’,” Thomas made air quotes with his fingers, “somehow has a copy of Noel’s Pendant in your attic.”
“All except for the strap,” I spoke up from behind him. “That one was brown. Ours are black.”
Hunter stood, joining the conversation as the others watched. “So, your grandfather gave us a clue telling us to go to the Eiffel Tower. Your grandmother has a leadership Pendant. And a dairy that could contain more clues was found in your family’s office.” Hunter turned to face the rest of the teens. “How do we know Elizabeth isn’t somehow behind all this? Her family certainly seems to be.”
“What?” Elizabeth lost all composure. “I’m not! I swear I’m not!”
“And we are supposed to believe you?” Hunter cocked his head at her.
I quickly stepped between them. “Slow down, guys.” I turned to Hunter. “We are not going to accuse anyone in this group. We are in this together and we stay together. Do you understand?”
He refused to nod, but I knew he understood.
“Noel, look.” Elizabeth laid a hand on my shoulder. “I know right now everything points to my family, but I promise Glenn and I know just as much as you guys do.”
I nodded. “I believe you.” Turning away from Elizabeth, I faced the rest of the teens. “We are going to figures this out. And we won’t be accusing each other.”
The group all showed their agreement.
“Ok. Next business,” I quickly changed the topic from the heated argument. “Does everyone have enough food and water to last one more day?”
One by one, the teens checked their bags and then gave me thumbs-up.
Ushering the others back to their seats, I walked up the aisle and knelt next to Enoch, who drove the bus with calm confidence.
“Would it be possible to stop along the road for the night? I think these teens need a good night’s sleep before we arrive at the Eiffel Tower.” I motioned to some of the open areas along the road and forest.
Enoch nodded agreeing with the plan. “If you check the back overhead compartment, there are about ten or so blankets we would use. I saw them when we left the airport.” He weaved around more cars. “I also have matches in my bag we can use to start a fire.”
“Good idea.” The fall air would definitely be chilly tonight.
“I’ll find a spot to pull over if you want to tell the others.” Enoch slowed the bus.
I stood up and turned to the teens, preparing for another lonely night.
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