Page 46 of The Curse Breaker

Vivian adjusted the lapel on her sweater set. “Grace will deal with him. He is none of your concern.”

Saving Kimble was part of Evelyn’s plea. Benny felt like she might get sick.

“This is an excellent deal, Everly,” Vivian said. “You must know that.”

Benny did know. But Kimble. Gil. Aggy. Evelyn wanted her friends’ immortality broken. That couldn’t happen if the Rudds and Grace got the treasure. What did Vivian need with it? She was already wealthy. “What are you and Grace going to do with the treasure?”

“That is not your concern.” Vivian’s smile was tight. A crack of thunder made them both look up. Vivian started the golf cart again. “If your answer is yes, I’ll expect the missing treasure to be found by tomorrow evening. My grandson Ryan can help you search again. He said you made a good team.”

Benny clenched her teeth. Some team.

“Do we have a deal, dear?” Vivian asked.

Dear. Both Vivian and Grace used the term. It was meant to sound familiar and warm, but Benny found it condescending. They looked down on her. They were polished, and clearly wealth was no issue, but they wanted more. They wanted a treasure that people would kill for. And they were used to getting what they want.

It was so tempting to say yes.

But even now, if Benny looked out of the corner of her eye, she could imagine the island where a group of people were counting on her to end this. And a pirate, alone on his ship, waiting to finally be freed. Finding the treasure would free them, but giving it up could save her and her mom.

Benny hesitated for a split second, but then she remembered Grams. Don’t let anyone push you around, Guppy. It was true. Grams didn’t like threats either. And Benny knew Vivian was not someone who could be bargained with. Benny looked at Vivian. She may have only been twelve, but she knew things about the world many others her age didn’t.

Benny knew she had to gamble. On herself. On a way to win it all. Her friends and family were depending on her not to lose. So she did the only thing she could think of. She held out her hand and smiled. “Mrs. Rudd, you have a deal.”

Seventeen

Benny

Grace, Gil, and Zara were waiting for Benny and Vivian when they returned. So was Ryan.

“Hello, Grandmother,” Ryan said offering his hand to help Vivian out of the golf cart.

Benny stiffened at the sight of him. Ryan looked right at home in this country club. Now that the world knew he was Serena Rudd’s son and Vivian Rudd’s grandson, he was royalty. Gone was the Hawaiian shirt and/or the pun tees he favored. Today he was wearing a white polo and khaki shorts like the other members. He wants this world, she realized, and I do not.

“Thank you, Ryan,” Vivian said cordially, taking his hand.

Zara sidled up next to her. “Are you okay?”

Benny nodded. “You?”

“Yes.” Zara cut a glance at Grace, who was waiting with her hands on her hips, her long fingernails tapping her waist. Her nails were painted pale green.

“Everyone is fine, dear,” Grace said calmly. “And they will remain so if you all do what you’re told and help us find the missing treasure. Now, do you need some assistance?”

“I work alone,” Benny said flatly, and Grace’s nostrils flared. “Mrs. Rudd said I have till tomorrow night to figure it out, and my friends and I have things covered.” Benny gave Ryan a look. ‘Friends’ doesn’t include you.

“Benny is good at deciphering Evelyn’s riddles and clues,” Ryan jumped in, glancing anxiously her way. “If I had to guess, if she got one clue two days ago, she’s either on the second or the third clue of the new game now, which means something was buried here.” He sounded excited. “Otherwise, she wouldn’t have come.”

Zip it, Ryan, she wanted to yell. And where is Axel? she wondered.

“So where is this new clue you just found?” Grace asked, stepping closer.

“We got the clue wrong. We found nothing. Sorry,” Zara said, not sounding sorry at all.

“Empty your pockets. And take off your coats,” Grace said quietly.

“The monument is public property. We don’t have to—” Zara was getting fired up and Benny had to stop her. She had an idea.

“It’s alright,” she told Zara, hoping her friend understood. “We aren’t going to get this past them.” She turned to Grace. “The truth is, we did find something at the monument, but it wasn’t helpful.” She revealed the box under her jacket. “This box had blank paper in it as if someone had found the clue before us and replaced it.”