Another excerpt of Treasure Hunt

Here is Chapter 1 of our soon to be released new book Treasure Hunt!  If you missed the preview of the prologue click here.

Chapter 1

What is that? Do you hear that?”

“It's a cell phone.”

“Well I know that, but where is it coming from?” The two women sat quietly for a second, listening.

"I think it's coming from the planter behind us.” Beth carefully leaned in and lifted the giant rubber tree leaf. There, in amongst the orange colored wood chips was a cell phone. And it showed no sign it was ever going to stop ringing.

A half hour earlier, Beth and Samantha had decided to grab some lunch at the food court but Sam insisted they sit somewhere less crowded, like China.  They got lucky when a family vacated a lone bench sitting in front of the Lang Street Mall’s version of a tropical jungle. Samantha sashayed past two teenagers, beating them by seconds.

“Don’t you think that was a little rude,” Beth murmured under her breath as the teens walked off shooting them dirty looks.  “I think they were waiting.”

“So what,” she sighed flopping herself down, relieved to finally be off her feet. “They’re young and healthy. They can stand. Besides, we’re the ones who actually spend money in this place.”

Beth shook her head.  Sam could justify anything, she thought.

They had just finished eating when the ringing started. Beth stared at the phone and wondered why whoever was calling didn’t give up and just leave a message.

"Answer it," Samantha said.

"Why?" She wasn’t sure she even wanted to touch it.

“So we can return it.”

“Suddenly you’re a good Samaritan?” Beth questioned with a raised eyebrow.

Samantha crossed her arms in defiance. “I don't know about you, but my whole life is on my phone. I can't just leave it here. And whoever is calling, it must be important. The phone hasn't stopped ringing since we heard the first call.”

Beth couldn’t argue with that logic. She reached into the planter and pulled out the phone.