Elizabeth's San Antonio Sleuthing Read Free Page A

family.
    â€œUh, Dad? Don’t you think you should get into some dry clothes first?” Elizabeth asked.
    â€œNonsense. In this Texas heat, I’ll be dry in no time. And besides, I’m starved!” He led his family the few steps to the closest outdoor café, the Rio Rio. The Riverwalk was lined with restaurants, and the Andersons had decided to eat at every one. The host seated them at a table bordering the water.
    Elizabeth’s family studied their menus, discussing which new dish to try, but Elizabeth wasn’t interested in food. Looking at her watch, she said, “In two more hours I’m going to see Kate!”

    A couple of hours later, Elizabeth sat in the ornate lobby of the plush hotel. The Andersons could never have afforded such luxury if Uncle Dan hadn’t gotten them a discount. He had also helped Kate’s youth group get a good rate for their San Antonio mission trip.
    Pulling the letter—actually an e-mail that Elizabeth had printed—from her pocket, she unfolded it. It was wrinkled and smudged from all the times Elizabeth had read it during the past few weeks.
    Dear Elizabeth
,
    I’m coming to Texas! My church youth group is planning a mission trip to the San Antonio Riverwalk, and they’re letting me come along. I have always wanted to see Texas
.
    How close are you to San Antonio? Do you think you could meet me there? I would love to see you again. Since it doesn’t look like you’ll come to Philadelphia any time soon, maybe this will work
.
    We are still in the planning stages of the mission trip. I’m not sure where we’ll stay yet. Let me know if you think you can meet me there. You have to come. You just have to!
    I’ll talk to you soon. Biscuit sends kisses
.
    Love, Kate
    Elizabeth smiled as she refolded the letter. San Antonio was one of the Andersons’ favorite getaway places! Within two weeks after Elizabeth received the letter, Uncle Dan had helped Kate’s youth minister make all the arrangements. And now, the youth group from Kate’s church would be here any minute! She watched out the front windows of the lobby, looking for a church van from Philadelphia.
    â€œA watched pot never boils,” said a voice from behind her. “Hi, Uncle Dan. I can’t help it! I can’t wait to see Kate!” Elizabeth told him.
    â€œI heard you had an exciting morning at the Riverwalk,” he said.
    â€œYeah, it was the strangest thing! We were puttering along listening to the captain tell stories and point out the sights when the motor just died!”
    Uncle Dan looked concerned. “The owner of that riverboat company is a friend of mine. That’s been happening a lot lately, and it’s not good for his business.”
    â€œI sure hope they fix the problem so—They’re here!” Elizabeth jumped up as she saw the blue church van pull into the parking lot. Rushing through the ornate doors, she stopped herself before running into the flow of traffic.
    â€œMaybe you should wait here for her,” said Uncle Dan, following her.
    Soon, the van doors opened, and teenaged boys and girls climbed out. One by one, Elizabeth watched each new person.
No Kate. No Kate. Where is Kate?
The group of teens approached the lobby, laughing and talking. Some of them smiled politely at Elizabeth.
    Suddenly, like the parting of the Red Sea, they started moving to either side as a blond wisp of a girl with black-framed glasses pushed through. “Excuse me! Pardon me, coming through! I’ve got to find my friend…Elizabeth!”
    Kate dropped her bags and dashed to Elizabeth. “Oh, am I ever glad to see you! That was one long trip. But I’m finally here! And you’re here!”
    Suddenly, Kate’s backpack began barking.
    â€œBiscuit!” shouted Elizabeth. “Wow, Kate, I can’t believe you’re both here at last! We are going to have so much fun!” She hugged her