This is the sixth chapter in our fictitious story called Secrets Under The Sizzle set in Treeville Ohio. Did you miss the previous chapters? You can find them here.
Did you want to watch Julie reading the chapter on video? Here you go! https://youtu.be/XsELKydayho
This year, the 50th Treeville Harvest Festival is brimming with vibrancy. Yet, surprisingly, the temperatures are nearing 80 degrees even late into October.
Earlier in the day, a competition for the most creative costume took place and the winning ensemble was ingeniously crafted from homemade dog biscuits. However, the victor had to abandon their unique attire on the spot when three neighborhood dogs broke free from their owners and started tailing them closely. Meanwhile, children in their costumes were running around, their laughter echoing through the park, their faces glistening with sweat from the unseasonal heat.
Following considerable deliberation, the Treeville town council decided to scale up this year’s festival compared to previous ones. As a result, numerous visitors from outside the town were attracted, bringing along their wallets for the thrilling rides and mouth-watering food. The food trucks and ride ticket counters were buzzing with long lines of eager attendees. Some even lost track of which line they were standing in due to the sheer number of people!
The Steak Place is not catering the event this year. Instead, the dynamic duo of sisters, Marsha and Taylor, are taking charge as key members of this year’s compact yet energetic committee. Mandy, the head waitress who usually relishes participating in the committee, is struggling with her emotions due to Marco’s unexplained absence. She’s tormented by the possibility that something dreadful might have happened to him. Choosing to don a somber all-black costume, she’s spared from having to force a smile while distributing flyers for the scavenger hunt.
Earlier in the week, a truck loaded with apples misjudged the height of the Pledge Road Bridge and collided with it, despite the clear signage indicating the bridge’s clearance. Luckily, the apples mostly survived the mishap, and the driver walked away unscathed.
However, the incident sparked a wave of humorous chatter about applesauce on the Treeville Babble Facebook group, keeping the town’s social media abuzz with laughter.
Richard Dunning, the founder and head writer for Vaperville Sports Talk, is decked out in a vibrant costume honoring the Vaperville Spitaliers. Vaperville is the largest town near Treeville. The team is smashing records as they remain undefeated halfway through the season, a feat never before accomplished in the franchise’s history. Richard’s enthusiasm is unmistakable and he’s eagerly awaiting to cheer on the Spitaliers tomorrow which he plans to enjoy from the local sports hub, Cantina en la 8.
Jeff and Bob, spouses of the proprietors, are engaged in a whispered conversation near the dunking booth. This booth has attracted a considerable queue, all eager to dunk a local politician currently campaigning for mayor. Temporarily setting aside his picket sign, he’s participating to contribute to Treeville Chamber of Commerce’s local scholarship fund. “I can’t help but worry about our recent trip to the lake,” confesses Bob, “What if he pops up?” Jeff reassures him, “That’s not going to happen, we made sure of it. No need to fret over that.” Shifting the conversation, he adds, “Let’s discuss how much we’re willing to wager on the next Spitaliers’ game. I’m convinced they’re going to lose.”
As they sort apples for a game, the sisters engage in conversation. “I’m really impressed with the new chef you’ve brought on board, Sandy really adds value,” says Taylor. Marsha responds, “We still haven’t heard from Marco, it’s strange that he just disappeared.” Taylor adds, “You know, it only recently struck me – all his stuff is still in his apartment. Should we consider getting the police involved?” To which Marsha agrees, “Yes, I think that’s the right course of action.”
From the opposite end of the park, an isolated individual keeps an eye on Jeff and Bob. They are mulling over their course of action. Should they break their silence and inform the authorities about the event they witnessed in the parking lot on that one eerie night?
Read on. Chapter 7 is here.
Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental
