After.., Part 3: "Wuh-ho!" Ellen stared at the little cash-calf, who was sobbing not far from where a community group was handing out free

hot dogs.  From the appearance of the child, she was probably from tent-ville.  An older boy, maybe around seven or eight, had already eaten the hot-dog he'd taken from her.  

Ellen had to move quickly, but carefully.  The little girl, wasn't just any kid.  Nuh-uh!  A pre-tween plain-brown fetched the best price.  Oh yeah, enough to pay up this year's club dues PLUS some extra toward having the dragon redone.  

"Aw darling," Ellen approached the dusty child.  "See that stand over there?"  The little girl looked over to where chicken and fries were being sold.  The girl's expression turned downcast - at five or six, she knew that the two dollars and change in her pocket wouldn't even get her a small boat.  "I'll get us a dinner, it's too much food for just me.  The child began to smile, just a bit.  "Would you like to help me eat it? "  

Ellen took the little girl's hand.  Together they walked over to the vendor.  A few moments later, the two two sat at a table, eating, smiling and laughing together.   A few minutes later, a toy vendor happened along.  The little girl kissed the little bear, and put it just inside the the collar of her shirt.  "Dare, you stay nice and warm."   

The two walked along, passing some vendors stationed near the edge of this temporary venue.  They crossed the street and just when they were about to walk between two buildings - both in need of a paint-job, for starters, The little girl looked up at the woman then, as if sensing something wasn't right, let go of Ellen's hand and turned about face to RUN in the opposite direction.

But not soon enough.

A week or so later:  a little girl's plain brown body was found by two college boys who had been canoeing on the river.  The one, a pre-med student, had given his report, but was politely, yet point blank told, to keep his yap shut... or else.