Page 49 of The Curse Breaker

“What about Kimble?” Gil asked. “He could pose as your parent.”

Zara started to chuckle. “Can you imagine?”

“There is no way he’s going to want to do that,” Benny said, feeling weird even asking.

“He wants us to find the treasure, doesn’t he? He’ll do it,” Zara decided. “You make the appointment and change, and Gil and I will bike to Kimble and tell him what’s going on.”

“I just remembered,” Benny snapped her fingers. “I met a school trustee at the vineyard last night. He wanted me to apply, so I can say I need an appointment this afternoon.”

Gil cleared his throat. “Perhaps I should go back to the island and tell the others what we’ve learned. Aggy might know something about Grace that would be beneficial.”

Gil was right, but the idea made her nervous. Benny reached in her pocket for the coin Evelyn had given her. “Take this and don’t lose it. I think you’ll need it to get on and off again.”

“I will be his lookout at Hooked,” Zara said, gathering her things. “He’s going to need help if Harris has contractors working on the water damage.” She bit her lip. “You need protection too. If Grace figures out the riddle and shows up when you’re with Kimble…”

Benny shuddered to think of what the woman would do. “I’m not sure what kind of protection would work against someone who is immortal.”

Zara thought for a moment. “Oh!” She reached into her bag and pulled out a black box, no bigger than her phone. There were orange letters on the side and a small ring on top. “It’s a smoke bomb grenade. My dad put it in my Christmas stocking. He gave me several of them. Cool, huh?”

“Your family gives odd gifts,” Benny said, amused.

“My dad said you never know when it might come in handy. Like if I want to do a big entrance or something. Anyway…” Zara pointed to the ring. “If you need to get away, pull the ring and voilà! Instant cover.” She looked at the box and frowned. “This might be orange smoke, but who cares? It will be dazzling.”

Benny took it and shoved it in her backpack. “Thanks. Hopefully I won’t need it.”

This was getting dangerous, and Benny still had no clue if Kimble had found whatever treasure he was looking for.

“We’ve got this,” Zara said, as if she could sense what Benny was thinking. “Text me when you have the appointment, and I’ll tell Kimble to be ready.” She cracked herself up. “I can’t wait to see his face.”

Benny’s mind was buzzing with all she had to remember, but then she thought of one more thing. “When you see Kimble, tell him to wear a tie.”

Entry 16

From Evelyn Terry’s Private Journal, Dated June 11, 1825

My parents watched me like hawks after the incident with Mr. Rudd. Mama was beside herself, worried that the Terry name was mud after my outburst.

Papa advised me to stay out of Mama’s way. I was happy to oblige. I had much to do to get ready to meet Charlotte again. If that even was her name.

Standing on the porch of our farmhouse, I looked out at the clouds, moving at a breakneck speed. The weather was changing. The island would be gone soon. Am I doing the right thing? I wondered as I fiddled with the rolled paper in my hands.

Meow.

Winks was suddenly sitting at the edge of the steps, blinking at me with her one good eye. I smiled. “I was hoping you’d come.”

Around the cat’s neck, I saw a silver coin hanging from red cord. It looked like the treasure and yet also like the nickel Papa had given me. I’d been practicing the sleight-of-hand trick Papa taught me repeatedly. I slipped the note inside the cord, which held it securely against Winks’s neck. Then I said a silent prayer I was right about Winks being a messenger.

“Tell her I miss her,” I whispered to the cat, who blinked and scattered when she heard the porch door. I stood up fast and froze. “Mama.”

My mother held her sewing basket. “What are you up to?”

“Nothing,” I said automatically.

She hoisted the basket higher. “We both know you have been up to mischief, despite what you and your father claim.” I opened my mouth to protest, and she cut me off. “I don’t want to know more.” Her eyes held so much worry, I almost felt bad we were keeping her in the dark. “Just promise me you understand—actions have consequences.”

“I know, Mama,” I agreed.

“You’re getting older, and I can’t protect you from all the ills of this world. How people view our name matters. Take care of ours. We want the Terry name to last for generations.”