A Secret Society
“Okay,” the woman nodded, jotting the details in her notepad. “You were on the fourth floor near the elevators. I will add that to my report.”
“Your report?”
Esther shot Audrey a look that warned her not to engage the woman because she really wanted to get some coffee and because the woman was probably crazy anyway. It was a lot for a single look to say, but Audrey and Esther had been friends long enough to convey a good amount of information in a quick glance.
“This is an important weekend for—”
The woman broke off, carefully scanning the area.
“Well, you girls do seem trustworthy…”
“Uh,” Esther tried to slip in an excuse to leave, but the woman rushed on.
“You see, I’m part of a secret society. A sort of roving field agent, if you will. I gather intel, you know. And I’m quite certain I’ve discovered the location we’ve been tracking. Right here at Geekify Greenville!”
The woman rocked on her heels with smug glee, nearly bursting the cat-shaped buttons on her hand-knit vest. She winked, then smiled, then seemed perplexed when Audrey and Esther did not share her excitement.
“Oh!” she cried in realization. “I forgot to tell you what society! Well,” she leaned in, lowering her voice. “I’m part of SETLOE. You know, SETLOE?”
Audrey and Esther exchanged another look. Audrey’s was apologetic. Esther’s said I told you so.
“Oh, dear, you don’t know.” The woman shook her head. “SETLOE is the Search for Extra-Terrestrial Life on Earth.”
“If the life is extra-terrestrial…?” Audrey began the question impulsively, earning herself a sharp nudge from Esther’s elbow.
“Visiting Earth!” the woman clarified in a hushed hiss.
“Oh, okay,” Esther responded easily. “Well, you should have no trouble finding aliens here. In fact, I think I saw some heading to the ticket line. While you go look for them, we’re going to go—”
“It is the perfect hiding place!” the woman gushed, entirely missing Esther’s tone. “But they won’t be attending the con. They just use small cons like these as cover. You see, it’s easier for our government leaders to sneak into a place like this than to sneak ETs into the White House.”
“Sure,” Esther nodded. She caught Audrey’s elbow, ready to steer her away. “That’s fascinating, but we need to get set up now. So… we’ll see you around.”
“Oh, yes,” the woman beamed, “I’ll be here!”
“Freak!” Esther whispered in Audrey’s ear as they walked away.
“I’m Ashlee, by the way!” the woman called after them. “Ashlee with two EEs!”
Audrey turned back with a smile and wave.
“I’m Audrey. I’ll be in Artists Alley, at Audrey’s Knit Nook! Come see me!”
Esther groaned, tugging her friend’s arm.
“What?” Audrey shrugged. “She’s wearing a hand-knit vest. I could sell her something.”
Esther sighed, “I need coffee.”
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With 3 genres, 22 possible endings, and even a time loop, Audrey & Esther Geekify Greenville will lead you through wacky journeys again and again!