HIDDEN MICKEY ADVENTURES 5 Read online

  HIDDEN MICKEY ADVENTURES 5

  When You Wish

  Fifth volume in a series of adventure mysteries about Walt Disney and Disneyland written for Adults, Teens, & Tweens (age 9 & up).

  Flesch-Kincaid Grade 4.1 - Flesch Reading Ease 83.6

  A FAMILY IN CRISIS

  When tragedy strikes, Adam and Beth find it more and more difficult to believe in miracles. Will their family ever be whole again?

  CAN A MAN FROM THE PAST REALLY HELP A BOY IN THE FUTURE?

  Peter, still hurt and angry by the treatment he received at the hands of Nimue, is handed a special message. It is from Walt Disney himself. Can Peter get back his love for Disneyland and fulfill his special Hidden Mickey quest? Or will the absence of his partner be too much for him?

  EXTORTION. BLACKMAIL. A FORBIDDEN GLIMPSE INTO THE FUTURE.

  Walt exacts a promise from Wolf in exchange for his help. Wolf vowed never to take him on such a dangerous journey. Who will win this ultimate battle of wills?

  NOW IS THE TIME TO WISH!

  Disneyland—now and in the future—is the backdrop for this exciting tale of hopes, dreams, and discovery. When You Wish unites families and friends as they work together to keep the Disney magic alive—both for themselves and for Walt’s legacy.

  Another "E-Ticket" ride through Disney's history.

  HIDDEN MICKEY ADVENTURES 5

  WHEN YOU WISH

  FIFTH NOVEL IN THE HIDDEN MICKEY ADVENTURES SERIES

  FIRST EDITION eBOOK, VOLUME 5, APRIL 1, 2016

  ISBN 13: 978-1-9383191-1-2

  COPYRIGHT © 2016 NANCY RODRIGUE

  Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data on File

  www.HIDDENMICKEYBOOK.com

  Flesch-Kincaid Grade 4.1 - Flesch Reading Ease 83.6

  1st EDITION eBOOK - APRIL 2016 - ISBN 13: 978-1-9383190-8-2

  1st EDITION PAPERBACK - APRIL 2016 - ISBN 13: 978-1-9383191-2-9

  1st EDITION HARDBACK - APRIL 2016 - ISBN 13: 978-1-9383192-2-8

  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

  NO PART OF THIS BOOK BE USED OR REPRODUCED IN ANY MANNER WHATSOEVER, ELECTRONIC, MECHANICAL,

  PHOTOCOPYING, RECORDING, OR OTHERWISE WITHOUT THE PRIOR WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE PUBLISHER

  Double R Books Publishing

  740 N. H Street, Suite # 170

  Lompoc, California, 93436

  www.DOUBLERBOOKS.com

  COVER CONCEPT BY NANCY RODRIGUE

  www.NANCY.RODRIGUE.org

  COVER ARTWORK & COLOR BY CHRISNA RIBEIRO

  www.JUHANI.DEVIANTART.com

  COVER COPYRIGHT © 2016 BY DOUBLE R BOOKS

  www.DOUBLERBOOKS.com

  EPUBLISHED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

  Dedication

  To my husband Russ Rodrigue.

  He has read every word I have written,

  offered support every step of the way,

  and has been there for almost every

  book signing and appearance I have made.

  His behind-the-scenes work has been invaluable to me.

  Thank you!

  Nancy Temple Rodrigue

  Disclaimer

  Walt Disney Company Trademarks: Hidden Mickey Adventures 5: When You Wish is in no way authorized by, endorsed by or affiliated with the Walt Disney Company, Inc., Disneyland Park, or WED. Disneyland Park is a registered trademark of the Walt Disney Company. Other trademarks include but are not limited to Adventureland, Columbia, Disneyland Paris, Disneyland Railroad, Edison Square, Fantasyland, Finding Nemo Submarines, Fort Wilderness, Frontierland, Golden Oak Ranch, Haunted Mansion, It’s a Small World, Jungle Cruise, Liberty Square, Main Street, Market House, Mark Twain, Mr. Toad, MouseAdventure, New Orleans Square, Opera House, Phantom Manor, Pinocchio, Pirates of the Caribbean, Sleeping Beauty Castle, Space Mountain, Swiss Family Robinson, Tarzan’s Treehouse, Tomorrowland, Tom Sawyer Island, Walt Disney Studio, When You Wish Upon a Star, and Walt Disney. All references to such trademarked properties are used in accordance with the Fair Use Doctrine and are not meant to imply this book is a Disney product for advertising or other commercial purposes.

  While some of the events and persons contained herein are historical facts and figures; other persons named and the events described are purely fictional and a product of the Author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual people is purely coincidental.

  The actions depicted within the book are a result of fiction and imagination and are not to be attempted, reproduced or duplicated by the readers of this book. The Publisher and Author assume no responsibility or liability for damages resulting, or alleged to result, directly or indirectly from the use of the information contained herein.

  ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

  I would like to thank a few of the people

  who have helped this novel come to life:

  Dave Smith – Disney Historian

  for his help with the Disney Studio

  Michael Smyth

  for his help with the Disney Studio Ink and Paint Shop

  Rebecca Cline – Disney Archives

  for her help with the Columbia Sailing Ship

  Carolyn Hoagland

  for her help with the Columbia Sailing Ship

  Todd Regan – MiceChat

  for his help with Disneyland Paris

  David Koenig – author Mouse Tales

  for his help with Jungle Cruise

  David W. Smith – co-author Hidden Mickey 1 & 2

  for his part in the Epilogue

  Laura O’Lacy

  for her Disneyland knowledge

  James D. Keeline

  for his help with the Disneyland Railroad

  THANKS and ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS also go to

  our proofreaders and editors:

  ALYSSA COLODNY

  Dear Readers,

  In his dedication of Fantasyland, Walt Disney said: "Here is the world of imagination, hopes and dreams. In this timeless land of enchantment, the age of chivalry, magic and make believe are reborn—and fairy tales come true. Fantasyland is dedicated to the young and the young-at-heart—to those who believe that when you wish upon a star, your dreams do come true.”

  In this special, heart-touching story, we are taken back to the clue-driven storyline of the very first Hidden Mickey novels: Hidden Mickey 1: Sometimes Dead Men Do Tell Tales and Hidden Mickey 2: It All Started… With his partner in peril, Peter must work by himself to solve the riddles that Walt Disney set in place especially for him. As he strives to fulfill his destiny, Peter must learn what is really important—for himself, for his future, and for Walt’s Legacy.

  Wolf and Omah are on hand, blackmailed by Walt to get what he wants: A glimpse into the future. Will they allow what was never done before—to take Walt with them through time itself?

  In Hidden Mickey Adventures 5: When You Wish, long-held secrets are divulged as three families try to move forward in the face of extreme distress.

  I hope you enjoy this exciting new Adventure.

  Nancy Temple Rodrigue

  Disney Studio, Burbank — 1966

  A man stood at a window overlooking the eastern side of the Studio. Reminiscent of an anthill being disturbed, a colorful mass of people flowed in every direction. The Process Lab could be seen, as well as one end of the ever-busy Ink and Paint Building. In the distance, a huge smile painted on his welcoming face, Mickey Mouse watched the goings-on from his perch high overhead on the water tower.

  The man, though, hadn’t gone to that particular window that day for the view. Truth be told, he hadn’t even glanced down. Or up. He just stared outward. Arms folded, head tucked into his chest, he was deep in thought. If someone had dared to interrupt and ask, he probably would have rat
tled off the latest movie in production, The Jungle Book, or the newest attraction that opened at Disneyland, It’s a Small World. He might have mentioned the opening of New Orleans Square last month or the exciting new ride, Pirates of the Caribbean, which was being built.

  His mind, actually, was focused on more internal matters. Ones he didn’t care to share with the anthill of people who moved below.

  Dressed for a day at the office, he was in a non-descript brown suit and a striped tie, one of his favorite fedoras perched and ready on a side table. He looked as if he was ready for an on-camera interview or a stroll around the Studio with a visiting dignitary. But there were no interviews and no one scheduled to visit that day. Always the businessman, he could be ready at a moment’s notice. An honest, welcoming smile would transform his tired face as he showed off his thriving Studio.

  When he had arrived earlier that day, there was no need to tell his secretary not to disturb him. The frown on his face and the slump of his shoulders had been enough to alert her to his present state of mind. Only the direst of emergencies would get her to push the button on her intercom.

  “Walt? Do you have a minute?”

  Still facing the window, a small smile turned up one corner of his gray mustache. Only one man would have the temerity to do that. “Wolf. I didn’t hear the door.”

  “I didn’t use the door.”

  Instantly intrigued, Walt Disney turned to face his visitor as the smile spread across his face. “Then that would explain why you weren’t announced.” His arms were still crossed, but the tired shoulders no longer sagged. This might prove to be interesting. As he leaned back against the windowsill, he took a moment to look over his long-time friend and right-hand-man. It was obvious Wolf wasn’t dressed as the security guards of that time period. His uniform had a sharper edge to it, a more ‘modern’ feel to it.

  As his boss’s scrutiny continued, Wolf took the opportunity to do his own observation. Before he had announced his presence, he had seen Walt’s dejected stance. It didn’t take a mind-reader to see it was something serious that bothered him. Wolf also noticed Walt’s hair was a bit grayer and more lines creased that well-known face. “Did I come at a bad time?”

  At the question, Walt let out an amused huff of air as he turned back to the window. He knew he wouldn’t be able to throw Wolf off the scent by reciting the latest news of the Studio. “Yes. Well, no, not for you. I’m always glad to see you. Especially when you’re dressed like that.”

  “Like that” meant from the future. It was obvious Wolf had made a trip back in time to see him—even though he still didn’t completely understand the how and why of it all. What Wolf and Omah were able to do fascinated him. He just wished one of them would break their hard-fast rule of never taking him along on a trip. Unseen by Wolf, his eyes suddenly narrowed and a small, conspiratorial smile passed over his lips. The look was replaced by a customary frown before he turned to reclaim his seat behind the desk. He threw in a wheezing cough for good measure.

  Unaware of the theatrics, Wolf accepted the gesture of Walt’s outstretched hand and sat on one of the nearby chairs. “You look tired today, Walt.”

  That earned an honest, yet wry chuckle. “Today. Yesterday. Probably tomorrow, too. Not that I would admit it to anyone else, of course.”

  “Of course.” A friendly smile settled on Wolf’s face. Sympathy and pity weren’t wanted. “The opening of New Orleans Square went well. Everyone loves the addition.”

  Walt let out a snort. “Glad it’s going over well. It cost me as much as the original Louisiana Purchase.”

  “Worth every penny.”

  “Lots and lots of pennies.” He didn’t want to talk about money. Walt rubbed a lined hand over his face and put his head back against his chair. “I am tired, Wolf. I thought the vacation in Vancouver would snap me back, but it didn’t.” His eyes drifted over to the window again, but, once he settled into the chair, he really didn’t feel like getting up to resume his place. “I must be getting old.”

  A pang surged through Wolf. Walt didn’t know yet what would happen in just a few months. He might have an idea in the back of his mind, but he didn’t know anything for sure. Wolf knew he couldn’t give any hint of the near future and kept things light. “Hey, I’m over 200 years old. Look at me!”

  Walt recognized and appreciated the attempt. “You still look 30 and you know it. I know you didn’t come to discuss my health, fascinating subject that it is.” A cough, a real one this time, suddenly rattled Walt’s chest. “Bad timing, that.”

  “Hey, I thought you only coughed like that to let the animators know you were in the hallway.” Wolf noticed the returned sag in the shoulders. The cough took more out of Walt than he would admit, so Wolf changed the subject. “The reason I came was to see about the quest I asked you to make for Peter. I wondered how you were doing with it.”

  Walt’s hand dropped to one of the drawers in his desk. The gesture stopped short and his arm returned to his desk. “Thought that might be the reason for your visit. How is Peter? You had said he was losing his spark toward Disneyland.”

  “Still the same. I had hoped things would return to normal by now, but they haven’t.”

  “That pendant seems to be more trouble than its worth.”

  Wolf knew Walt’s mumble wasn’t meant to be heard and didn’t respond to it.

  Walt suddenly chuckled as he looked back at Wolf. “It’s so odd to talk about someone who hasn’t even been born and is the grandson of our good friend who isn’t even married yet! And, yet, thanks to you, I’ve actually met this boy and his mother. Amazing.”

  Wolf was glad to see some of Walt’s customary sparkle come back into his eyes. “And, thanks to Omah, I can now travel without all the bells and whistles.”

  “Bells and whistles.” Walt shook his head and laughed. “That’s a pretty poor way to describe thunder and lightning and whatever else you churned up! Omah, huh? So, how’s that going?”

  Never could pull anything over on Walt. “It’s going well. Very well.”

  Walt waited, but there was no more. Not that that surprised him. Wolf usually kept his cards pretty close to his chest. “So, you want to know about the quest. Well, it’s done.”

  Impressed, Wolf’s eyebrows shot up. “Really? That’s great. The way you were stalling, I thought you might need more time.”

  “More time.” The phrase seemed to take the spark out of Walt. He wilted in front of Wolf’s eyes. “More time. I always need more time, Wolf.” With an impatient shove, he pushed his chair away from the desk and returned to the window. Hands on the sill, he leaned forward until his forehead touched the cool glass. “Is there enough time? Have I done enough?” When he felt a warm hand on his shoulder, he lifted his face from the window. “I know I’m not immortal, Wolf. No one is. Well…no one except possibly you and Omah… You know what I mean. I have so many plans, so many ideas all in there,” as his finger tapped his temple. “They keep me awake at night. I write them down and file them away for a later day when the time will be right for them.” Another cough shook his frame. “Have I done enough?”

  “I could tell you yes, but you wouldn’t believe me.”

  Walt looked over his shoulder at the concerned face next to him. “Probably not. I need to see things for myself. Always have. I need to touch them and tinker with them and fix them until they’re perfect.”

  “What can I say that’ll help?”

  Walt took a deep breath and returned to his desk. Now’s the time. His hand hovered near the same desk drawer, but he didn’t open it. Wolf’s question was ignored. “I told you I have Peter’s quest finished. Well, I want something from you before I hand it over.”

  “Anything, Walt.” The accommodating look in Wolf’s eyes turned cautious when a small smile of victory came over Walt’s face. At Walt’s next words, Wolf knew he was right to be wary.

  “I was hoping you’d say that.” His eyes narrowed as he leaned forward and placed his pal
ms flat on his desk. “Before you get what you want, I want you to take me to see the future. I want to see my Park in your time. I want to see for myself that everything’s all right. I want to see the changes I saw in my visions.” One of his hands shot up when he saw Wolf was going to speak. “No, don’t say anything yet, Wolf. This is non-negotiable. I have to see that I’ve done enough. I know you can do it. And, I know I’ll be safe, so don’t use that old chestnut.” He sank back against his chair, his energy suddenly depleted from his strong emotions. “I have to see, Wolf. You have to take me.”

  “That’s blackmail.”

  “That’s unconditional.”

  Wolf didn’t answer immediately. He spent the time studying the man sitting in front of him as he silently went over what it would take out of Walt—both physically and mentally—to do what he demanded. Knowing how much time was really left for Walt, he knew, if he did agree, that they would have to go now.

  As the silence stretched, Walt began to think Wolf would tell him what he always told him—no. And he hated to be told no. Before he could make another pitch, Wolf stood from his chair, and Walt’s hope crushed. “You’re leaving.” It was a flat, emotionless statement, one muttered with an unwelcome finality.

  “Do you have a warm coat?”

  Wolf’s seemingly out-of-the-blue question confused Walt. “It’s the middle of August.”

  “You have one in the closet, don’t you?”

  “I think so. Why?”