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Chapter 21
Some animals are more equal than others.
“I’m here!” Ashlyn declares when I give in and open the door after her insistent knocking.
I’m surprised she didn’t break in the way she usually does. Of course, there’s a small chance – slight really – I told her I still have my snake and I don’t know where Slinky is. A little white lie never hurt anyone.
“Why are you here?”
“Duh. To continue our pursuit of the Mystery of the Black Hat Bandit’s Missing Loot.”
I should probably kick her out. The last thing I want to be doing is scampering around town chasing some imaginary treasure. But what other option do I have? Spending the day moping around my home analyzing every single thing Mav has ever done while trying to figure out if I can play second fiddle in his life?
True to his word, he’s given me space. Oh, he hasn’t ignored me completely. He sent me a text before I went to bed last night and another one wishing me a good day this morning. Talk about mixed messages! Acting all sweet after ignoring me? My head is spinning.
“The last time we pursued the mystery we ended up committing burglary,” I remind her.
She bounces on her toes. “I know. Wasn’t it a blast?”
My baby sister is the only person in the world who gets excited about breaking into someone’s house. But I do admit I could use something to think about besides Mav and his fans. See what I mean? I’m obsessing. Too bad realizing I’m obsessing can’t get me to actually stop with the obsessing.
“Did you figure out the clue?”
Her nose scrunches. “No. But I have an idea.”
I open the door further and motion her in. “Come in.”
Her eyes scan the floor as she tiptoes into my living room. I bite my tongue to stop myself from bursting out laughing at her obvious fear.
“Have a seat and we can discuss our next step.”
“Um. I don’t need to sit. I already know our next step.”
“Which is?”
“We should go talk to Old Man Mercury.”
I rear back. “Old Man Mercury? He’s a hermit who’d rather shoot first than ask you questions. Never mind let you in his house.”
Slight exaggeration as no one in Winter Falls would dare own a weapon. The fighting when the police force started to carry weapons is the stuff of legends.
“Poor Mercury. He’s misunderstood.”
“And his house is haunted. Or did you forget the séance we did in his front yard when we were in high school?”
She rolls her eyes. “We didn’t manage to connect with any ghosts.”
I plop down on my chair, and she screeches. “Be careful!”
“Careful of what?” I dig into the cushions as if I’m searching for something.
“Slinky! He could be anywhere. I’ll wait for you outside.” She runs out the door, and I burst into laughter. I’m so not telling her the snake is gone.
I give my fur babies some treats before I follow her out of the house and climb into her golf cart.
“What makes you think Old Man Mercury can help us?” I ask as she switches on the engine.
“He knows everything there is to know about Winter Falls.”
