MYSTERY LURKS IN THE MOST UNEXPECTED PLACES ...

Finally the sun ... I've waited all winter for this. Spring Break in Florida no less. After traveling two days in mostly low temps the warmth of the sun defrosts my aching bones. As you all know, I have been in revisions for months but now it's time for a new adventure, and sunny Florida is just the place.

I spend my first day driving through the northern part of the state and come across this tucked away college town. The university, set behind two towering Coconut Palms, was barely visible through the oversized swaying palm fronds and the forget-me-not blue sky featuring an occasional cottony cloud drifting lazily on its own.

A clock chimes twelve times just as I close the car door. How fun would it be to chat with some the students and get their point of view of campus life? The things we must do to keep our blogs interesting. Right? So I approach this small group of students sitting in the shade on the front lawn.

Within a few minutes, I am surprised how open and cooperative these kids are to an dude of my age. They held nothing back and mention a situation brewing at the college that really peaks my interest.

Out of the corner of my eye, I notice this striking girl sitting alone. She seems different from the others. Her quiet reserve intrigues me. I ask one of the girls if they know who she is.

"Oh, her. Yes, that's Rena. She's in one of my classes."

"Do you think she may have anything more to add?

"Not really sure. But you could ask her."

"Thanks, you guys. I really appreciate your telling about this.

I watch Rena for moment. Her ebony hair falls forward, completely shadowing her face as she studies the text book sitting on her lap.

I step closer to her and about a foot away, I clear my throat. She looks up; hazel eyes with a glint of gold narrowed. I introduce myself and ask if she'd like to be interviewed.

She rocks back and forth, strumming her fingers on her lap. "Sooo... a feature on college students. That's exciting. Is it a slow news day or something?" 

I laugh at her sarcastic wit. "Tell me, Rena, how would you describe the student life at Wilcox College?"

"Student life? Hah. How about nonexistent? Unless you're into the sorority scene or doing intramurals, this place can be pretty boring." 

I gag inside. "Boring? Not from what I've heard..."

"What did you hear?"

Taking a deep breath, I reprocess the others' information. "I interviewed a few other students earlier, and they mentioned something about a madman living on campus—in your residence hall, to be exact. Know anything about that?"

"People love to gossip around here." Her expression hardens. "Small campus, small town—things tend to get exaggerated."

 "Really? Then, how would you explain the noises these kids hear every night? Growls, screams, banging against the dorm walls..."

"Misunderstandings."

"Misunderstandings of what?" I drop down next to her on the grass. "What's the real story here?"

"I..." She turns away. "I don't know."

Looking quizzically at her, I say, "You don't know?"

"I met him a few days ago, okay? I met... Wallace." 

Now we're getting somewhere. "Wallace being the madman?"

Rena grits her teeth. "Yes."

"And he didn't seem crazy, as accused?"

"No, he seemed..." she trails off, lowering her voice, "interesting."

Now I'm really intrigued ... aren't you? "In what way? Can you be a bit more specific? I'd really like to know." I flash one of my signature "model type" smiles.

"I-I should go." She stands in a swift movement and grabs her bag. The book drops out of her hand. "I have a class soon. Now, actually. I'm, uh... probably late. Good luck with your blog post!" She snatched up the book and bolted.

"Damn. I pushed too much," I mutter. Now what's my next move? I've got to find out more about this guy ... 

I pull myself off the ground and head back to my car. An idea comes to me and I need to get on line. One person will have the answer. Carrie.

Carrie Butler ... http://soyoureawriter.blogspot.com/

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If you are as intrigued as I am, Please visit Carrie's blog for the rest of the tour and giveaways! Its worth the trip....

Have a wonderful day everyone!