The Great Barrier

Chapter

: General Management

“Is there a problem here, General...?” “General Richards,” he answered.

Owen and Ophelia were stopped on the highway by a military car. Owen was slightly shaking, took a gulp, and tried to keep eye contact. “You see, Owen, we’ve had word that you and your friend here might have seen something... weird while at Miss Roger’s Academy for Gifted Children,” Richards said. “What do you mean, General?” asked Owen General Richards bent down to eye-level with Owen and spoke in a threatening tone. “I mean that I think you have seen a mermaid, and if you don’t tell me the truth, I will be forced to arrest you.” Owen was taken aback. How did they know about Ophelia’s story? he glanced in the rear-view mirror and saw Ophelia calmly slip the paintbrush back in her shoe. “A mermaid, General? I’m sorry, I’m confused,” he chuckled nervously. “Mermaids aren’t real! If you don’t mind, sir, I have to get my daughter home quickly, she isn’t very well.” Ophelia coughed in affirmation. General Richards thought Owen was lying, but he had no proof of his suspicions. After a second of suspicion, he let out a nervous, conciliatory laugh. “Of course, Owen. I apologise for stopping you, have a good afternoon.” Owen took a breath of relief as he drove away from the parked car. That was too close . What Owen did not know, however, was that General Richards would not give up that easy.