CHAPTER ONE Rowan and Astrid Vega stood in front of the Somerville Cinema with their best friends Quinn and Jace blinking as their eyes adjusted to the bright sunshine I’m going to have nightmares for weeks Astrid said Are you kidding me That was awesome Don’t be such a baby replied her brother Rowan At twelve Rowan was only fourteen months older than his sister but he took every opportunity to act superior Toward the end of a summer that had already had more than its fair share of excitement a matinee movie was just what the foursome needed
I thought Mutant Zombies from Outer Space Six was better but this one was pretty good too Jace said I liked it but I still don’t understand how the zombies came back after their planet was blown up in the last movie Quinn added I can’t explain that Astrid said with a smile But I do know that I am hungry Are you serious After you finished off that huge tub of popcorn Rowan asked Astrid rolled her eyes at her brother Whatever Let’s head back to the diner Mick’s Diner was the best place to eat in Somerville and it also happened to be owned by Astrid and Rowan’s parents Amelia and Jason Vega As the kids headed down Main Street they saw a man a woman and two teenagers walking toward them The man walked in front of the others and
appeared to be thoroughly lost He alternated between looking up at the street signs and down at a piece of paper in his hand With its location near Highway 84 and its small town charm Somerville got its fair share of tourists passing through Most enjoyed a delicious meal at Mick’s Diner and a walk down Main Street before filling up on cheap gas at Earl’s Gas Station and getting back on the road As Rowan Jace Astrid and Quinn got closer they knew right away that these people were indeed a typical family of tourists The man was tall and thin with disheveled curly red hair and round wire glasses The woman was small and stood with a stiff back as she clutched a oversized designer handbag with both hands Large sunglasses and a puckered look decorated her face The teenage boy and girl behind them wore bored expressions and well-made expensive clothes
They had shoes that cost more than some folks in Somerville might have paid for their rent each month Their phones were the latest models and brand-new Hi there Rowan said in his friendliest voice His parents had always reminded him to be nice to tourists since they were so important to the success of Somerville’s businesses Can we help you find something Without looking up from the phone he was tapping away on the teenage boy said How about a way out of this ridiculous little town Jefferson snapped the man There is no need to be rude Whatever the boy muttered without looking up as he shook his hair out of his face The man shot the teenage boy a look before turning toward Rowan We’re actually looking for the Somerville Museum he said Is it nearby
