Dark of Heart

1
Dark of Heart ~ Lynn Viehl
Dark of Heart Tales from the Lost Ledger by Lynn Viehl
For Elly
Copyright 2011 by Lynn Viehl
All Rights Reserved.
Authors note: this e-book is not intended for sale, and is not to be used in any form to generate profit. Readers do have the authors permission to copy and distribute it freely, or use the contents for non-profit educational purposes.
First Electronic Printing April 2011
Cover art credits: Cover art design by Lynn Viehl Male cover model: Yuri Arcurs | Dreamstime.com Female cover model: SCGStudio | BigSockPhoto.com
August
6 The Lost Ledger ~use it then lose it~
Back to School, New Lake Ghoul?
If heading back to class wasnt enough of a pain in the ass, now theres a reason to stay out of the water. Hear about the two local
fishermen who had to be hooked and reeled out of Lake Maud after their boat sank? No? Maybe you blinked while you were reading last weeks
issue of the Lost Lake Community News, and missed the tiny paragraph about their rescue. What the town paper wont report is that no one knows what sank their boat or caused the strange injuries to the hands, arms and faces of both victims. Lost Lakes sheriff claimed it was a sudden leak
caused by the hull colliding with a pier piling, but there was no mention of a fire or explosion on board. So why did my eye witness
say that when they were brought in to the E.R., both fishermen look as if theyd been burned? How does a fishing boat hit a piling when it sinks in the middle of a lake? How do you get burned while youre treading water? LL add
wants to hear your theories, Fellow Losers, so follow the drill: what you think or know to this story below, then pass it along to someone you know. And if you go fishing on Lake Maud, wear your
fireproof life jackets . . . . . . SeeK -30-
Chapter One
Why on earth are you wearing black on the first day of school, Karise Carson? I figured youd have pretty and pink covered, Mrs. H. Kari turned around to face her favorite teacher, who wore a pale rose-colored twinset and a double-stranded pearl necklace. Well, get out of town. Im psychic. Mrs. Hopkins lips pressed together as she glanced at the cup in Karis hand. Is that coffee? Nope. Tequila. Kari watched a freshman boy run past them, the seat of his new jeans sopping wet, before she held out the drink. Want some? No, thank you. The sound of laughter drew the teachers attention. Report to my office after school tomorrow. A detention, already? Kari glanced at the chunky mans watch strapped to her left wrist. Its not even seven-thirty yet. That has to be a new personal record. Its for the first meeting of the newsletter staff, Mrs. Hopkins corrected. Twothirty sharp. Dont forget. She started walking toward a group gathered at the far end of the hall away before she looked back over her shoulder. And Kari, whatever that is, get rid of it. Kari chugged a bit more of the coffee shed lifted from the Welcome Parents! hospitality table in the cafeteria before she tossed the cup in the trash and headed for homeroom. Along the way she collected a dozen startled looks, twenty or so contemptuous stares, and three finger-pointings, complete with giggly whispers. After four years of similar treatment she hardly noticed anymore; it was just another price she
paid while being forced to live in Lost Lake, the smallest, dullest and definitely the creepiest town in Central Florida. Mr. Gordon, Tanglewood Highs football coach and Karis homeroom teacher for sophomore year, looked up as soon as she came in. No. Not you. Yes. Me. She pulled an apple from her pocket and made a show of placing it on one corner of his blotter. As the kids behind her snickered, she learned over the desk to say in a stage whisper, Dont worry, Coach. I promise not to join cheerleading, or booster club, or key club. Then again, if youre going to sponsor something really interesting, like say a club for slasher flick fans, or Future Bikers of America He silenced her with a stop-hand, and then turned it to point at a front row seat directly in front of his desk. Park it right there, Ms. Carson. Aw, so close? See, you did miss me. Before Kari could sit down, the girls sitting around her seat abandoned theirs. A minute later the snotty comments commenced behind her, and she amused herself by pegging the voices. Look at how short her hair is. Euw. That came from Tammy Walters, who thought growing her thin, oily hair down to her waist completely disguised the forty extra pounds she had acquired since freshman year. Did she shave her head over the summer? That would be Tammys BFF, Suzie Broderman. She suffered from a moderately serious acne problem, which actually did distract most people from noticing how much Suze resembled a weasel.
She got her nose pierced last year during spring break, someone said in between rapid chews. Thats just so gross. So ruled Janet Phillips, whose gum addiction was only slightly less repulsive than the purging she did in the girls restroom immediately before homeroom and after lunch. Kari didnt particularly care for being discussed as if she were invisible, but shed set herself on fire before she even acknowledged it. I heard she has one, you know. Suze lowered her voice to a hissy whisper. Down there. Now and then Kari still felt a little twinge from her third and latest piercing, which was not as far south as Ferret Face seemed to think. She considered flashing it, but she hadnt yet told her mother about her navel ring. Any girl at school who saw it would tell their mother, who would then make a point of mentioning it to Gloria Carson the next time they went to the grocery store where she worked during the day. Kari had gotten plenty of grief for her other piercings, and after what had happened over the summer, she wouldnt tell her mother she had gotten pierced again even if someone had impaled her with a two-by-four. As the last bell rang and Mr. Gordon got up to shut the classroom door, one last student slipped inside. Although the boy was not in his seat, and therefore technically late, the teacher said only Morning, Devlin. Coach. The tall, muscular boy nodded to him before he scanned the room, his bright blue eyes passing over Kari as if she were invisible. To Connor Devlin, Kari thought, she probably was.
10
A glance back confirmed all the desks in the room were occupied now except the one to the right of Karis. As Connor hung his backpack over one corner of the chair back, she shifted slightly so she wouldnt have her retinas burned by the blinding whiteness of his immaculate, fitted polo shirt (she was tempted to put on her shades, but Gordon would view that as a personal insult and confiscate them.) Golden Boy almost had it all. Good looks ran in his family; his Dads handsome face smiled out from billboards all over the county, and his mother had been a famous beauty pageant winner who went all the way to runner-up for Miss Florida before she decided to turn in her tiara to teach special ed kids. Connor couldnt have purchased better parents. Golden Boy almost had it all. Good looks ran in his family; his Dads handsome face smiled out from billboards all over the county, and his mother had been a famous beauty pageant winner who went all the way to runner-up for Miss Florida before she decided to turn in her tiara to teach special ed kids. Connor couldnt have purchased better parents. No doubt AwesomeMom and Dad had inspired Connor to become WonderSon, because he played on both the football and baseball teams, and had been captain of the swim team since sixth grade. Add to that the pretty face and killer body, and it wasn't hard to see why Connor had become a card-carry member of the Universally Admired. He made straight As, scored off the grid on aptitude tests and never, ever forgot to do his homework. Teachers loved him like an undemanded pay raise. He wasnt the most popular boy at school Aaron Boone had held onto that title since fifth grade but he was definitely first runner up and would happily serve if
11
anything happened to Boone. Connor had been elected as class vice-president every year since sixth grade (without trying; no one dared run against him.) When he wasnt neck-deep in some project to infect other kids with school spirit, he volunteered as a batting coach for Little League. The only problem Connor Devlin supposedly had was girl shyness. Hed only ever dated one, a softball pitcher named Jackie Faber. Shed been two years older than him and had graduated last year, at which point she had promptly dumped Connor before moving to the other side of the country for college. From the way everyone had reacted to the news, Kari had wondered if Jackie had carved out one of Golden Boys kidneys to take with her. Kari noted the sun streaks in his brown hair, and his always-flawless tan, that had somehow grown deeper and more golden. Hed probably spent the entire summer sunning himself on some exotic Caribbean island while getting over Jackie. Connor caught her watching him and gave her a nod. He wasnt particularly friendly or social, but he never got into trouble and in alignment with his teacher asskissing he had a rep for being polite to everyone, no matter where they landed on the social importance scale. In return Kari gave him the shoulder. Golden boy probably didnt know her mother worked for his father cleaning houses before they went on the market, but even if he did, he shouldnt be shoving his dazzling niceness in her face. Hadnt his saintly mother taught him how to pretend trailer park trash like Kari Carson didnt exist? Technically Im not trailer park trash anymore, she corrected herself. Now mom and I are low-income apartment housing refuse.
12
Im Mr. Gordon, and this is Homeroom 7A, the coach said, silencing the students in the process. He scooped up a stack of forms and handed smaller piles to the first student in each row. These are your emergency contact forms and other papers you and your parents have to fill out for the front office. Theyre due back to me on Friday morning, so get them done, people. While Mr. Gordon went to turn up the PA speaker for morning announcements, Kari opened her backpack to retrieve a pen and start filling in the forms. Inside was a crumpled, rolled-up paper bag that had a mustard stain on one side; it smelled suspiciously of bologna. Gloria was trying to play Good Mommy again by making her lunch. Too bad she never remembers how much I despise processed meat. As soon as the bell for first period rang Kari balled up Glorias lunch and with an expert throw tossed it in the garbage can beside the door. Two points, Connor said as he got up from his desk and shouldered his backpack. He didnt walk out, but hovered between their desks. You should try out for girls basketball. Kari frowned. Golden Boy was talking to her. Actually speaking to her. Like she existed in his world. Which she never would, and they both knew it. She got a small amount of satisfaction from walking past him without a word. He didnt have to exist in her world, either. Karis next three classes were as boring as shed expected, and since shed been slotted for second lunch she skipped it to lurk outside Visual Arts until Mrs. Skyler came back from the cafeteria to prepare for class.
13
I would applaud you for being so early, Ms. Carson, the art teacher said as she unlocked the door, but youre not scheduled for any of my classes. A great personal loss for me, frankly, Kari said as she followed her inside. Its nice that you looked for my name on your rosters. Oh, we all look for it, dearie. Mrs. Skyler began unloading from her tote bag jars of primary-colored poster paint, which she placed in a neat row in her supply cabinet. Now what can I do for you that wont violate the terms of your parole? Kari put on her best woeful face. Well, since I didnt get Visual Arts this semester, its going to be a complete void for me. Im really worried that my art will suffer. She picked up a watercolor from a nearby desk that depicted a turkey-size, googly-eyed swallow that appeared to be dropping like a stone from a cartoon sky. And Ill end up painting things like this. Wow. Was this Picasso sitting a little too near the glue tubes, or what? As she turned to get more paint, the art teacher neatly removed the watercolor from her hands and returned it to the desk. Lets stick to whatever youre suffering from, shall we? Sure, absolutely. And you do know how important my art is to me. She leaned against the side of the supply cabinet. Being unable to express myself could inflict a huge amount of emotional damage. I may even need counseling or something. Mrs. Skyler closed the cabinet doors. All of my classes are full, and I cant transfer a student out to make room for you or your tortured muse.
14
Im not asking you to do that, Kari said quickly. But if I could borrow one of the classroom cameras, just for a couple months until I save up to buy my own, it would solve my problem and let me continue to explore my artist boundaries. Dearie, you have no boundaries whatsoever. That is your problem. The teacher faced her. What happened to the one you used to take all those candid portraits of the faculty last year? She tried to look innocent. I never took a shot of Mr. Deaver relieving himself of a wedgie, you know. That was just a really nasty rumor. Um-hmm. But where is your camera? Kari looked down at her boots. I, ah, lost it over the summer. Im sorry to hear that. Her voice became brisk. But the current policy prohibits teachers from lending school property to students for personal use. Ill be using it to take photos for the school newsletter, Kari assured her. Thats not personal. Please, I really need this. Maybe a little honesty would help. Without a camera, I feel . . . blind. Mrs. Skyler sighed. I wish could help, Karise. However, even if I could get approval from the front office, I dont have any cameras to lend out. That didnt make sense; Kari knew the art teacher had at least four. Who got here before me? Thieves, the art teacher said. Two were stolen over the summer and have yet to be recovered. The other two were signed out for the yearbook staff this morning before I got to school. Theyll be using them until at least February or March.
15
Principal Deaver is going to buy replacements for the two that were stolen, wont he? When the art teacher shook her head, Kari felt her stomach knot. Right, I forgot. Hes a cheapskate. Dont go blaming Mr. Deaver now, Mrs. Skyler chided. The school board cut our funding again this year, and he has more important things to buy, like textbooks for the classrooms, and food for the lunch programs. She hesitated before she added, Talk to Mrs. Hopkins. Im sure shell be happy to put a notice in the newsletter asking for the donation of a camera. It wasnt a bad suggestion, but Kari knew that Mrs. Hopkins wouldnt believe shed lost her camera over the summer. Its okay. Ill figure out something else. She managed a wan smile, genuine this time. Thanks. On her way out, she nearly blundered into someone walking in, and muttered an apology as she swerved to one side, banging into the door. A slim hand touched the underside of her forearm as she righted herself and looked up into heavenly blue eyes. Connor Devlin. Again. And this time he was touching her. Holding onto her. Looking at her with concern. Are you all right? Golden Boy probably had fifteen cameras at home, Kari thought. Expensive ones. All gathering dust on the shelves next to his thousands of trophies. Resentment boiled over inside her as she yanked her arm free. Get away from me. He lifted his hands, palms-out, and started to say something. I need to The bell rang, drowning him out, and Kari turned her back on him to head to her next class. Whatever Connor Devlin needed, hed have to get it from someone else.
16
Chapter Two
The only professional writer Connor Devlin had ever met had come to his middle school when he had been in seventh grade. The author, who had also attended public schools, had been passionate about creative ways for kids to improve their writing. If you want to know more about the characters in your story, shed said, make a list of their good and bad personality traits. Try to think up one trait for every letter of the alphabet. Connor had discovered it worked just as well with figuring out real people, too. Anti-social, bitter, caustic, disrespectful, enigmatic, he muttered under his breath, using the words as rep counts for the thirty-pound barbell he was curling with his right arm. Frustrating, gloomy, haughty, intelligent, jarring Kari. He set down the barbell and pulled the towel from around his neck to dry the sweat running down the sides of his face. He could alphabetize everything that was wrong with Karise Carson, everything he wished someone would change, and it still wouldnt make him feel better. It wasnt supposed to happen like this. Not this way. He finished the last of his reps in silence, putting the barbells back on the wall racks before walking out onto the screened-in deck and stripping down to his shorts. His parents never used the pool for anything but a centerpiece for one of their barbecues; Connor swam in it every day.
17
The coolness of the water closed over him as he dove in and began swimming laps from one side to the other. By the tenth his limbs felt comfortably loose, and by the twentieth his head had cleared. For five seconds. Get away from me. Connor lost count as the four contemptuous words took over his brain. Although theyd been going to the same schools for the last five years, before today Kari Carson had never once spoken directly to him. For a while that had been just fine with him, because even in elementary school hed been a lot happier pretending she didnt exist. But a guy with his kind of problem could only wait for so long, and last year Connor had made up his mind to stop being afraid of Kari and do something about her. Hed planned all summer for the first day of school; it would be the very first time he would ever speak to her. For weeks hed worked out exactly what to say, because the solution to his problem depended on how she reacted. Hed rehearsed everything over and over until hed come up with what he felt was the perfect, casual approach. The kind that couldnt fail. An approach hed forgotten the moment hed opened his mouth and instead made that idiot suggestion that she try out for girls basketball, which she hadnt even acknowledged. And then, that moment when shed bumped into him outside Art class, when hed touched her without thinking, without planning, and spent seven seconds frozen in horror. Until she had looked up at him, until at long last she had finally spoken to him. Get away from me.
18
His arms aching, Connor dove down to swim a final lap along the very bottom of the pool. Get away from me. Hed achieved his objective. Karise Carson had noticed him, had seen him, and had spoken to him. Get away from me. And she hadnt disliked him at first sight. Get away from me get away from me get away from me Shed hated him. Honey. The word reached his ears in a distant, blurry octave, and he kicked off the bottom to surface, where he shook his head before he peered up at his mother. What are you doing out here? Patricia Devlin asked as she held out a towel. Just some laps. Connor hoisted himself out onto the deck, careful not to drip on his mothers silk dress as she draped his shoulders with the towel. Outside the deck screens only a narrow margin of orange hemmed the deep purple sky. I guess I lost track of time. She used the ends of the towel to blot his face dry. Dinner is on the table, and your father is in a mood. His mom never named his fathers moods, but most of them didnt qualify as happy. Im not really hungry. Well, Im not eating alone with him. Patricia smoothed a hank of wet hair back from his forehead. Go on now and get changed. Skipping his normal post-swim shower allowed Connor to make it downstairs in a few minutes. Automatically he took the chair on his fathers left while his mother put a bowl heaped with a colorful salad in front of him. Beside it she placed a tiny cup with a thimble-size measure of fat-free salad dressing.
19
His father looked up from the thick porterhouse steak he was cutting. Youre late. Im sorry, Dad. Connor ignored the delicious smell of grilled beef as he drizzled the dressing over the greens. He hated salad, but the trainer his father had hired to supervise his workouts also insisted on dictating his diet, which barred all red meat, fried foods, sweets and carbs. This looks great, he lied to his mother. Its a recipe one of the girls at work gave to me. She took a sip from her water glass and cleared her throat. So, how was school? A disaster. Fine. Hed need to say more than that. I got all the classes I applied for, and my application for dual enrollment was approved. I already talked to Mrs. Hopkins about the schedule for newsletter meetings, and she said shell be happy to work around my practice schedule. His mother beamed. Thats wonderful, hon Whats this dual enrollment about? his father said without looking up from his plate. Connor picked at his salad. Im going to be taking a class over at Lost Lake Community for my sixth period. I get college credit for it. Now Richard looked up. Community college. The class is a prerequisite for my major, Connor told him. If I take it now- His father cut him off. Which class is this, exactly? He could lie, or he could tell the truth. He knew which one would get him in the most trouble. Broadcasting.
20
Richard made a show of replacing his utensils on either side of his plate before he sat back and regarded him for a long, silent moment. A community college class. In broadcasting. His mother twisted the napkin in her hands. Sweetheart, its just one class. It wont Richard spared her a glance. Ive talked to you about encouraging this idiocy of his. Its not stupid, Dad, Connor countered. Most professional athletes have something to fall back on when they get too injured to play anymore. Id like to plan for my future. You already have one. His father leaned forward. Ive spent most of my adult life building it for you, in real estate. Connor didnt know what he hated more: the family real estate business, or Richard always holding it over his head. He couldnt say that he didnt want to follow in his fathers footsteps; Richard would launch into one of his hour-long tirades on the success of his business, how it paid for everything in their lives and what an ungrateful brat Connor was not to appreciate it. His mother was giving him her pleading looks now, too; the one that silently begged: Dont upset your father. You know how he gets. Youre not one of his properties, a voice inside his head whispered. It sounded amused and contemptuous a lot like Kari Carson. Go on. Tell him to shove it. Its only an option, Dad, he heard himself say. I could have a chance to go into sports broadcasting after football.
21
Television. Richard seemed amused. Boy, by the time youve retired from your pro career the business will be a national chain. Youll be far too important and busy to waste your time sitting at a news desk and announcing final scores. He looked at his wife. You will call the school in the morning and cancel this dual enrollment nonsense. Dear, dont you think . . . Patricia trailed off as she wilted under his stare before she ducked her head and simply nodded. Richard turned to Connor. I suppose you want to be excused now so you can go and sulk in your room. No, sir. Connor picked up his fork and went back to work on the salad. When he had emptied the bowl, his mother brought a plate containing half a baked chicken and a mountain of steamed broccoli. If he thought hard enough, he could pretend the chicken was a cheeseburger, but no amount of concentration could make broccoli into anything else but broccoli. Kari was probably eating pizza or take-out right now, Connor thought as he chewed another tasteless mouthful. Or muching her way through a huge bag of chips. It never showed on her, either; shed always been skinny. He stopped chewing as he realized he never actually seen Kari eat anything. She usually sat alone during lunch period and worked on homework or read a book. She never got a sandwich from the bin they set out for the kids on the free lunch program or brought anything from home. No, that wasnt true; hed watched her wad up and throw away that brown bag in first period today. But why would she throw away her lunch? Was she too proud to let
22
the other kids see she couldnt afford to buy one? Or too embarrassed by what her mother had packed for her? The broccoli in Connors mouth turned to mush as he glanced down at his plate. He didnt like the diet his trainer kept him on, but he never skipped a meal and his mother saw to it that he always had plenty to eat. Kari went hungry every day at school. His mothers anxious voice fluttered across the table. Didnt I steam the broccoli long enough this time? His tight throat made it difficult to swallow, and for a moment he thought he might choke. No, its great, Mom. If youre sure. The lines around her mouth smoothed away. I meant to ask you, did Mrs. Hopkins say what youll be doing for the newsletter? He didnt feel like making polite conversation, but it was better than trying to fake his way through the rest of his vegetables. Ill be writing a column every week on school events and student achievements. I also have to review submissions from students and proof the newsletter before production. Double-check dates, facts, that kind of thing. She nodded. You shouldnt have a problem with that. Youve always been good at spelling. Yes, he was, so much so that theyre probably carve it on his tombstone. Here lies Connor Devlin. He was a good speller. The school runs ads in this newsletter thing, dont they? Richard asked.
23
He gave his father a wary look. They reserve the back page for a couple of local businesses. Do they have to pay for it? When Connor shook his head, his fathers expression turned shrewd. I could use some extra advertising space for the timeshares and vacation cottages that havent been reserved yet. Let your teacher know that Ill need a half-page ad to run every week. He couldnt believe his father expected him to get him free advertising space. Dad, its for business owners who donate office supplies and other stuff to the school for the newsletter. Well, Ive done much more than that, Richard said, unconcerned. Im donating your time. I really need to start my homework. Connor shoved his chair back and got to his feet. May I be excused? he asked his mother, waiting only long enough to see her nod before he headed for the stairs. An hour later a tap sounded on his bedroom door. Honey? May I come in for a minute? He closed the book in his hands and shoved it under his pillow before turning on the TV, which he kept set on a twenty-four hour sports channel. Sure. Patricia came in, a paper plate with a turkey sandwich in one hand and a small bottle of orange juice in the other. Ignore this. She set the plate and bottle on his nightstand. The orange juice is to ward off all the germs you were exposed to today. I made the sandwich because I threw out half your dinner, and I was convinced that if I didnt youd starve to death in your sleep.
24
Mom. Yes, its official, Im fussing too much. Again. She sat down on the edge of his bed. Motherhood was much easier when I could strap you in a high chair. Youd always believe me when I told you that the spoon was a choo-choo, even when all the train delivered was pureed squash. I wasnt hungry, thats all. The weight of her love and worry bore down on his shoulders, making them slump. Quit worrying about me. Im fine. No, youre angry with your dad. She paused, as if searching for the right words. Honey, your father only wants whats best for you. Sometimes he wants it so much that he forgets everything else, including tact, your feelings and mine. It may not seem like it, but he loves you very much. Hes a snob. Hes cautious, his mother corrected firmly. Connor, youre our only child. That makes you our one and only chance to do this right. If we fail you, we fail parenthood. You know your Dad only had Grandma when he was growing up, and I think thats why he tries too hard with you. He wants to be the father that he never had. Connor glanced at the television, which showed a coach chewing out a player. You know hes wrong about community college. I know. Just as I know something else has been bothering you lately. Patricia hesitated, and then asked, Is it Jackie? Jackie? He blinked. What about her? Well, now that shes gone off to college, I think you might be a little lonely. She settled her hand over his. I really liked Jackie, Connor, but shes not the only girl in the
25
world. In time youll get over her, and meet someone else, and I never imagine things past that point because Im your mother and Im not supposed to. He shook his head. Im not upset about Jackie leaving, Mom. I know how close you were, she reminded him. You two dated all last year. You even took her to Prom. Connor considered keeping up the illusion he and Jackie had worked so hard to project, but now that she had gotten away from her family it didnt really matter. I went to Prom with Jackie because she couldnt bring her girlfriend Melissa. Why would Jackie want to bring . . . oh. Oh. His mother drew back a little. When did you find this out? I knew back in middle school, Mom, he told her. Jackie wanted to go to all her senior year events, but she and Melissa hadnt come out to their parents yet. They knew I was cool with it, so they asked me to stand in. And have they? Come out, I mean? He nodded. Thats why Jackie and Mel are going to the University of Oregon. All this time, we thought . . . well, I suppose we thought what you wanted us to think. She gave him a sudden, startled look. Youre not like Jackie, are you? Were exactly the same, he teased. As her eyes rounded, he added, We both like girls. Oh, thank heavens. Not that I wouldnt love you if you were . . . if you liked, um . . . she stopped, giving him a narrow look. Youre enjoying this. He pinched the air with his thumb and forefinger.
26
At least now I know why Nina Faber gets that look on her face whenever I ask about Jackie. His mother shook her head and stood. Ill let you get back to watching the game. Just one more thing, honey. He pressed his hand over his heart. I promise to eat the sandwich so I dont starve to death in my sleep. Thats my boy. She smiled and touched her palm to his cheek. But what I wanted to ask is that you try not to butt heads with your dad over school. For now, let him have his way. It wont be long before youre off to college, and then I promise you things will different. Only if Richard dropped dead at his graduation. Okay. After his mother left, Connor switched off the television and laid back to stare at the ceiling fan over his bed. Being caught eavesdropping on Kari and Mrs. Skyler had been humiliating, but it also had provided him with a rare opportunity. He could help Kari with her problem. In fact, he could solve it immediately. The tricky part was making sure she didnt know he was the one who had done it. Connor picked up the phone and dialed the number for one of the guys he knew from the team, who answered after a couple rings. Pete? Its Connor. Hey, does your older brother still work over at Lake Marketplace? Once Pete confirmed that he did, Connor made up a quick story and explained what he needed. Yeah, sure, hell do it. He still owes me for mowing the lawn all summer. Pete sounded puzzled. But why dont you just give it to her yourself?
27
He thought fast. She works part-time for my Dad, so if she knew it came from me shed probably say something to him. And then youd have to explain, I get it. His teammate chuckled. Bring it to school tomorrow, and Ill take care of it. Thanks, Pete. I owe you one. Connor hung up the phone and began to lay back, only to sit up and pull the book out from under his pillow. He had turned to the same section so many times it now fell open to that page, which showed individual pictures of last years freshman. Karise Carsons photo was in the second row from the bottom, and from it she stared back at him, her eyes made impossibly light by the heavy dark makeup she wore, her mouth set in a Mona Lisa sneer. Shed kept her hair shoulder-length and dyed black last year, but even as short as it was now he liked it better. It reminded him of how shed looked the first time hed seen her in fifth grade. With the tip of his finger he traced the subtle V of her eyebrows, the line of her nose and the stubborn set of her chin. Get away from me. Connor closed his eyes and the yearbook.
28
Chapter Three
On Tuesday Kari came to school ready for battle. She was going to fight for the right to use one of the cameras filched by the yearbook staff, at least part time, and hopefully convince Mrs. Hopkins to back her up. It had to work, because if Kari didnt soon get her hands on a camera she was going to lose her mind. Yo, Kari. Dennis Lockhart caught up with her at the top of the stairs as she left her last period class. Skinny, short and practically blind without his thick-lensed horn rims, Denny had started crushing on her in middle school and had yet to stop, but he was more like a hopeful puppy than an annoyance. Where were you at lunch yesterday? Skipped it. I had to talk to someone. She thought of Connor Devlin, hopefully for the last time in her life, and then recalled something more important. Den, do you still have that one-shot you used for your Bio project last year? The Kodak? Nah. I was shooting some herons down by the lake, lost my grip on it, and . . . he broke into a long, descending whistle while making a swan-dive with his hand. My dad said Im not getting another one until I grow out of my awkward phase. Maybe when Im thirty. Denny didnt sound concerned, but he wasnt half the shutter junkie Kari was. Ever since she had used a cheapy throw-away 35mm to take some shots of Lost Lake to go with her first book report back in fifth, Kari had been hooked. The camera opened a whole new window on the world for her, one she could use to capture anything she
29
wanted. By the time she finished middle school, photography had evolved from a fun hobby to a consuming passion, and that was when she decided she was going to be a photojournalist. Shed begun focusing on writing as part of her plan. If she kept her GPA above 4.0 she knew she could get a scholarship to cover the tuition for a state university. But three years of experience writing and editing The Tanglewood Tribune might win her a full ride from a major newspaper or broadcasting company. That would come in handy now, for she could focus on her writing until she earned enough money babysitting to buy a new one. Until she did, Mrs. H. could list her as the newsletters senior editor instead of staff photographer. At least that much is in the bag. Denny was still talking to her. Youve got to start making it to lunch. Tiffany Beck is definitely going after the new girl for what she did to her. Kari had never heard of anyone doing anything to Queen LaTiffany. What happened? Some noob refuse to bow down in her presence? Even better. Dennys grin turned evil. She tripped and dumped an entire bottle of red juice down the front of Tiffanys new uniform. Kari tried to remember what the cheerleading uniforms looked like. The white one or the brown one? White. As a frowning teacher passed them, Denny coughed a laugh into his hand and then lowered his voice. Tiff had to go around all day looking like shed been stabbed in the chest.
30
Id have paid money to see that, Kari said, thinking of the great shot it would have made for her personal collection. I dont suppose anyone got pics. Youre the only one quick enough to capture these special moments. Someone at the other end of the hall called Dennys name in a high, annoyed voice. My little brothers a freshman this year, Denny explained. I may kill him before he makes it to tenth grade. Hey, sorry about the jock. Me, Id file a protest or something. What do you mean? she asked, but he was already trotting toward his brother. Denny, what jock? she called out to him, but he merely waved back at her. Mrs. Hopkins office, located in the back of the Administrative building, also served as a workspace shared by the yearbook staff, the computer club and the editor of the school newsletter. Kari couldnt wait to layout the first issue; shed already written up a draft announcement about her being named as senior editor. Mrs. Hopkins came around the corner just as Kari reached the door. Oh, good, Karise, youre here. Now shed have to explain why she wouldnt be taking photos for the newsletter, which had to convince Mrs. Hopkins to appropriate one from the yearbook grunts. Mrs. H., I need to talk to you about something. I have to run over to Guidance for a minute, but Ill be right back. She used her keys to unlock the door. Would you mind setting up the chairs around the table for me? Kari frowned. How many? Just three, dear. Be right back. The teacher hurried off.
31
Kari went inside and stowed her backpack in a corner. Three chairs meant someone else was coming to the meeting, but David Goldman, last years senior editor, had already graduated. She must have gotten some freshman to join to the staff, Kari thought as she arranged the chairs around the work desk. It was probably a good idea, too; last year in addition to taking all the photographs Kari had also handled most of the busy work of folding the newsletters and applying the mailing labels. As senior editor she wouldnt have time for any of that The door opened, and Connor Devlin looked inside. Mrs. Hopkins around? Shes over in Guidance. Kari turned her back on him as she arranged the books shed checked out in two neat stacks. When she went to get a notebook from her backpack, he was standing just inside the door. What? Ill wait. He folded his arms and nodded at her midsections gaze. You get that over the summer? Kari glanced down to see her T-shirt had ridden up enough to expose the crystalstudded gold ring in her navel, and jerked down the hem. Why do you care? His shoulders moved. Just making conversation. Make it somewhere else. She went over to the work table, laying out her notebook and pen with painstaking care before she sat down and opened up one of the journalism books. Too flustered to read, she stared at a page showing examples of headlines while she started writing a list of things she hated about high school:
Knives not permitted. Must learn math used only by high school math teachers.
32
No espresso bar. Guns not permitted. Must endure fumbling conversational attempts by deprived jerks. Explosives not permitted.
Deprived? A shadow fell over her notebook. Dont you mean depraved? Kari slammed her notebook shut. Do you mind? He came around the table, ignoring her as he examined her books. This one is good. He separated a volume on Pulitzer Prize-winning reporters and set it aside. I wouldnt waste your time on the Woodward and Burns, unless youre into seventies politics. Kari leaned back. Youve read these books. He cocked his head as he inspected the rest of the titles. Yeah, I have. Then here. Kari flipped some pages in her notebook and wrote an obscene suggestion in block letters. Read my first article for the newsletter. She showed him the page. His perfectly-shaped eyebrows arched up toward his perfectly-cut hair. Mrs. Hopkins will never print that. Print what, dear? the teacher asked as she came in and closed the door. Nothing. Kari gave Connor an ugly look before she closed her notebook. Mrs. H., I wont be able to handle the photography for the newsletter this year. My camera got trashed over the summer.
33
Oh, no. Her expression turned sympathetic. You took such wonderful pictures last year. Can you borrow another one? Maybe the yearbook staff Yeah, I was going to talk to you about that. She wasnt doing it in front of Connor Devlin, though, and stood up. Would you like me to step out into the hall for a few minutes while you have your student conference? Were not having a conference. Mrs. Hopkins frowned. Didnt Connor tell you? Tell me what? Kari said, at the same time Connor said No, maam, not yet. Well, then I can give you the good news myself. Mrs. Hopkins beamed at Golden Boy. Connor spoke to me last term about working for the newsletter, as long as his fall athletic commitments allowed time for our production schedule. Hes joining the newsletter staff. Kari said it, just to be sure. The teacher nodded. Connor has already taken some online courses in journalism at the community college, and hes also published several articles in the colleges student paper. His experience will be invaluable for our newsletter. What she meant was Connor was going to be senior editor of the newsletter. Not Kari, who had been Davids gopher for her entire freshman year, who had in silence put up with Davids clunky writing, clueless editing and oversize ego so that he would recommend her to take his place. Did David talk to you about this before graduation? Mrs. Hopkins nodded. I mentioned Connor to him, and David thought he was the obvious choice.
34
Somehow Kari got to her feet without uttering the scream of rage locked in her throat. She swallowed twice before she managed to say, Excuse me, but I have to go to the restroom. Hurry back, dear. We do need to get started. Kari didnt make it as far as the restroom; she had to duck behind a stairwell as her temper threatened to spill over in a cold, furious eruption. How could he do this to me? She paced around in a tight circle, her whole body shaking as she began making promises to herself. Ill hitchhike to Penn State. Ill hunt down David and beat him to death with a copy of Strunk and White. She kicked the wall. No, Ill steal a car and drive there and run him down. Then Ill back over his pointy little head a few times. She kicked the wall again, this time bruising her toes, not that she cared. That twofaced son of a Karise. Her throbbing foot made her wobble as she turned around to see Connor. Watching her. Again. What are you, stalking me? He shoved his hands in his pockets. I couldnt help overhearing, and . . . listen, I dont know David promised you, but he should have said something about this back in June. She gave him a mock surprised look. Oh, you think? If it helps, I asked Mrs. Hopkins to name you as junior editor, he continued, sounding perfectly reasonable. I think once we start working together well make a decent team. Youre a good writer.
35
Kari stared blankly at him. He shifted. What? I just realized something, she told him in her calmest voice. Youre the devil. Could be. His mouth curled. Another reason you should get to know me. So that was it. Hed talked to her and had followed her and had now stolen the job shed slaved for all last year as part of a campaign to get into her pants. Compared to him, David was a candidate for sainthood. Then youd better strap on your snowshoes, Satan, she said as she stalked past him. Cause thatll be a cold day in hell. As nauseating as being made junior editor was, Kari had no intentions of quitting the newsletter staff. Working with David during her freshman year had also taught her how to keep a cool head while in the company of idiots, so she had no problem listening to Connor talk about his plans. Kari even made a few suggestions of her own about rearranging the layout to better distribute their content. By the time the meeting ended, Mrs. Hopkins looked happy, Connor appeared slightly puzzled and Kari hadnt gotten herself suspended for beating the snot out of her new rival. No, getting rid of Connor Devlin was going to require much thought, careful planning, and an operation that left behind no evidence or witnesses. Staying after school for the meeting had forced Kari to miss her bus, but she didnt mind the long walk home. Plotting Devlins downfall would keep her occupied, and all that was waiting for her was an empty apartment and a list of whatever chores Gloria wanted done.
36
A Jeep drew up beside her as she crossed the almost-empty student parking lot, and Connor leaned out. Need a ride? No. Kari kept walking. Instead of taking off, he paced her. Youd rather walk ten miles than get in my car? Its six miles, and yes, Id rather walk, she informed him pleasantly. Come on, Kari. It was the chiding tone that stopped her. He spoke to her like they were already good pals. Like they hung together all the time. Like he had a right to question something shed decided. Everyone had a last straw. This, it seemed, was hers. Kari dropped her backpack and walked up to the drivers side door, grabbing the front of his pretty shirt and using it to jerk him close. I said, Id rather walk. But to be honest? Id rather crawl. All six miles. Over broken glass. Razor-sharp broken glass, doused with gasoline, and set on fire. She tightened her fist, causing a button to pop off. Now, do you get it, Satan? Or do I have to file a bullying report with the front office? Yeah. He tucked his chin in to look down at her fist. I get it. She released his shirt. Excellent. She smoothed out the wrinkles her grip had made in the fabric and patted his chest. Have a wonderful day. # Where have you been?
37
Kari closed the door behind her and dropped her backpack by the sofa where she always sat to do her homework. Fiji, she called out toward the open door of her mothers bedroom. Sorry Im late. Getting a cab at the airport was a nightmare. Gloria Carson appeared in the doorway, still wearing the pale green top of her grocery store uniform; shed already shed the matching slacks for a pair of old jeans. A lacquered helmet of light brown curls bobbled around her careworn face as she reapplied too-pink lipstick to her frowning mouth. You got a detention? Already? No, I had a newsletter meeting. Ill try for the detention tomorrow. Kari walked into the kitchen and opened the fridge to grab a can of soda and a bunch of grapes. The package of bologna sitting next to it made her feel a twinge of guilt. Dont keep packing a lunch for me. Its a waste of bad meat and stale bread. Gloria closed the door of the fridge. Barefoot she was a head shorter than Kari, but tilted her head in such a way that she always looked as if she were staring down at her. Youre losing weight again. Its just shifting around. My head feels like its five pounds heavier than it was last week. She tucked the soda under her arm and went to the sink to rinse the grapes. How late are you working tonight? Late. Judy and I have to do two units. Her mother tucked in the tails of the white blouse she wore to her second job. Theres some chicken and mashed potatoes in the fridge if you want. Kari nodded. Ive been craving leftovers all day.
38
Glorias too-pink lips flattened. Ill cook something next time. She pulled out a chair from the dinette table and sat down to put on her sneakers. So how did is it going at school? You like your teachers? Its horrible. I got every teacher I hate. Kari shook off the grapes and dumped them in a bowl. Maybe you should take all the knives with you. You know, just to be on the safe side. Gloria yanked on the bow shed made in her laces and put her foot down with an audible slap. Could you be serious for ten seconds? Absolutely. Kari sat across from her, folding her hands and resting her chin on them. One Mississippi. Two Mississippi. Three Enough, Karise. Gloria glanced at the wall clock. Ive got a few minutes before Judy comes. Before Kari could respond, her mothers expression turned resentful. Just look at you. Why are you wearing those clothes again? We talked about this. Technically speaking, you talked about it. Kari popped a grape in her mouth. I sat, listened, and then as usual did what I wanted. Besides she glanced down at her T-shirt didnt you hear? Black is the new black. So you dress like youre going to a funeral instead of school, her mother snapped. Kari nodded. From my perspective? Not much difference. Gloria rubbed her temple. I know youre still angry about your hair, but its done. Youre a very pretty girl, and you dont need to do this this she made a vague gesture.
39
Goth look, Kari supplied helpfully. None of the other girls in your school dress this way, Gloria continued without a hitch. If you want to have friends, you have to start acting normal, so you can fit in. Thats all I have to do? She rolled her eyes. I wish youd said something last year before I alienated everyone. She pretended to think. No, really, we should have had this talk before my first day of middle school. Maybe even earlier that that. Gloria was using her careful, lovingly concerned voice, the one reserved for the one subject Kari never wanted to discuss. Maybe we should have talked the day after he left us. The sweetness of the grapes suddenly turned sour on her tongue. Mom. I know making yourself look ugly and wearing these stupid clothes is how youre punishing me, Gloria said, but it wont bring him back, Karise. Nothing will. After five years, its time you accepted it. A honking car horn saved Kari from making a reply that probably would have gotten her grounded until Thanksgiving. Sounds like Judys here. Her mother got up and shouldered the strap of her purse, and then opened it to take out an oddly-shaped black zippered case. Here. Kari didnt touch it. Gee, I didnt get anything for you. Its used. Gloria waited for a minute, and when she didnt move she exhaled heavily and reached for it. Maybe this was a bad idea. Maybe it wasnt. Kari picked it up and unzipped the side, taking out a small but sleek digital camera. She stared at the expensive brand name before she regarded her mother. We cant afford this.
40
One of the assistant managers at the store got a better one for his birthday, so he sold it to me for a real good price. He said it still works fine. She watched Karis face, waiting for some reaction. I put all the cables and things that go with it by your laptop. Ill call you later to say good-night. Before Kari could reply she hurried out.
41
Chapter Four
Kari turned the camera over in her hands. Now that she knew it was used, she could see the little scratches and marks the previous owner had inflicted. There werent many, though. She popped open the battery door and was not surprised to find it empty Gloria inevitably forgot that gadgets needed batteries and got up to scrounge in the junk drawer for a couple of double-As. Once she slid the batteries inside, she switched it on, set it to auto-focus and zoomed in on the bowl of grapes, snapping a shot. Already she had a title for it: Death of an Afternoon Snack. Kari took a few more shots until she was satisfied that Gloria hadnt gotten ripped off, and then took the camera into her bedroom. The software proved compatible with her ancient laptop, and a few minutes later she had downloaded her pictures and created her first virtual photo album since early summer, when her mother in a fit of temper had destroyed her old camera. Kari didnt like to think about that day. Gloria had dragged her to the beauty salon on the pretense of getting her ends trimmed and her roots touched up. By the time Kari realized the hairdresser was cutting instead of trimming that had grown out since her last home dye job, it had been too late. That cheap dye is ruining your hair, her mother had said. Itll grow back fast. Shed shouted at Gloria, promising to take photos of the butchery and send them to Child Welfare as proof of her abuse. Her mothers temper had likewise exploded, and shed snatched Karis camera out of her hands and hurled it to the floor. The
42
senseless destruction of one of the few things Kari loved had shocked her into silent submission. Gloria had apologized to the hairdresser, not her daughter. Cut off the rest of it. I dont want to see any black at all. Karis throat hurt as she recalled how she had looked back as Gloria marched her out of the salon. All the women there staring at her while the hairdresser had been sweeping up the pieces of her camera along with her hair. Shed never felt so ashamed or humiliated. After her mother had calmed down she had tried to apologize, but Kari refused to discuss it. She hadnt said a kind or serious word to her mother ever since. Even used, the camera would have been expensive. Kari suddenly understood why her mother had been working extra shifts at the market all summer. It wasnt to avoid coming home; it had been to pay for the camera. Gloria probably thought of it as a peace offering. Kari glanced in the mirror hanging on the back of her bedroom door. Her hair had grown out a bit more since the scalping, giving her almost four inches, but it was so fine and the blonde color was so light she still looked almost bald. Gloria had forbidden her to dye it again, so shed have to go on looking like a newborn chick for at least another year. For a moment she considered taking the camera and heaving it across the room. See how Gloria felt when she saw her summer of extra shifts in pieces all over the floor. The allure of such poetic justice, however, faded as quickly as it had flared. Kari had missed her camera like an amputated limb. She could also acknowledge that for
43
once Gloria was actually trying to make amends in a substantial way. Accepting the camera would also allow Kari to tell Connor Devlin to take the pity position of junior editor and stick it where it belonged. You and I are going to be good pals, she told the camera as she shut it off and returned it to its case. She went out to the living room to retrieve her backpack to see if it would fit in the same spot where shed stowed her old camera When she brought it back into her room and unzipped the front pocket, she saw something inside the pocket. A playing card? Her heart pounded as she took out the King of Clubs and turned it over to the backside, where someone had clipped a five dollar bill and a short typed message:
Kari, LL needs a shooter. Pays $5 per assigned pic, first on retainer. Interested? Drop the King in Wise Guy by M.D. Usher at Media Center.
~SeeK~
Kari groped for the couch and sat down as she read the message a second time. Seek, the most outrageous, subversive, admired outlaw at Tanglewood, wanted to hire her to take pictures for the Lost Ledger. For a minute she thought she might faint. Seek had become a legend last year when hed started publishing and distributing the Lost Ledger, an underground newswire that tried to expose the truth about some of the weird things that happened in Lost Lake. His reports, which were stapled to the pages of ordinary spiral-bound notebooks, covered every spooky unexplained topic under the sun, from reported hauntings to mysterious accidents. Once he compiled a fresh set of stories, he would slip the notebooks into the backpacks
44
and lockers of other students, urging them to add any facts they knew to the edition before anonymously passing the notebook along to someone else. Whenever he sent a personal message to anyone, he used the King of Clubs as his calling card. No one knew who Seek was, or how he had uncovered so many creepy things about Lost Lake. A few brown-nosers had turned in copies of the Lost Ledger theyd received to the front office, and Kari had heard that Principal Deaver was prepared to expel Seek as soon as he discovered his real identity. But Seek worked alone, so no one knew who he was, and he was too smart to let any details about himself slip. During her freshman year Kari had gotten almost every edition of the LL, so she was pretty sure Seek was a boy in her class. Then again, the outlaw reporter was so wily he could just as easily be a girl. Not knowing was all that kept her from being flattened by a huge, hopeless crush on Seek. Whoever Seek was, hed paid Kari an enormous compliment by asking her to work as his shooter. She knew how good she was, but shed never joined the school photography club or worked on the yearbook staff. Maybe thats why he wants me. Im a rebel, just like him. Five bucks per shot wasnt much, but she loved the LL so much shed have done it for nothing. Seek offering to pay her was the first real sign of respect anyone had ever shown for her time and talent. Kari turned the card over to study the scowling face of the King of Clubs, and then glanced over at her new camera. If not for Glorias peace offering, she would have had to turn down Seeks job offer, and that sent a small pang of guilt through her.
45
All right, so I tell her thank you, and then were even. She returned the card and the five to the front pocket of her backpack and pulled out her homework, taking it with her into the kitchen so she could work while she ate dinner. A few hours later the phone rang. Almost finished reading the assigned chapter for her World history class, Kari absently picked up the receiver. I ate the leftovers, all the doors and windows are locked, and Im in bed alone and unmolested. Is this . . . Karise? a woman asked. Um. Yes. Yes, it is. The textbook slid to the floor as Kari sat straight up in bed. Sorry, I thought you were my mom. I shouldnt have called so late, the woman said. Your mother isnt home now? No, shes working late tonight. Kari frowned as she tried to place the voice, which sounded vaguely familiar. May I ask whos calling? Thats all right. Ill speak to her . . . another time. The line clicked. When she heard the dial tone a few seconds later, Kari hung up the receiver, puzzled. Her mother didnt have that many friends, so Kari knew all of their voices. And why wouldnt the woman tell her who she was? On impulse she picked up the receiver and dialed *69. The callback line rang several times before it connected. Youve reached the Devlin residence, a deep, stern voice said. Were unable to answer your call right now, but if youll leave your name, number and a brief Oh my God. Kari put down the receiver and stared at it in disbelief. He told his mother? #
46
Seek slipped inside garage, where two brawny, tattooed legs stuck out from beneath the front end of an ancient Chevy truck, which shook a little in time with the clanging of a tool being vigorously applied to metal. Tony? Hold your horses. The clanging increased in volume and speed until it suddenly stopped. A wrench flew out across the grease-spotted concrete floor and skittered to a stop at Seeks sneakers. Im gonna get my gun, a gravelly voice promised, grunting as more of the legs began to appear. And Im gonna put both of us outta our misery, you worthless junkyard heap. Two brawny arms appeared, along with a barrel-shaped torso, rounded, gunners shoulders and a thick, short neck. At last the bald, red-faced head attached to the body came into view, and flat black eyes inspected him. Well? Aint ya got the manners to help an old man up? Seek studied him. The manners, yeah. The muscle? He shook his head. Wimp. Tony groaned a little as he pushed himself into a sitting position and tugged a bandanna from the front pocket of his coveralls. After he mopped a layer of sweat and grease from his face he labored to his feet. Aint you supposed to turn into a pumpkin at midnight? No one knew Seek and Tony were friends. Theyd met after Seek had found a mostly-wrecked dirt bike at a salvage yard and was looking for a place to keep it while he worked on it. The old mechanic had agreed to let him sweep up and sort parts a couple nights a month to pay for the cost of fixing it up and storing it at the garage. That had led to the old man teaching the boy everything he knew about cars and
47
motorcycles, knowledge that over thirty years could have comfortably filled several sets of encyclopedias. Ive got something cant wait. Seek tucked his hands in the front pockets of his jacket. You locking up for the night? You betcha. Im going home and have me a truck wake. Tony went to a pegboard by his office and took down a set of keys. Remember to come in through the alley when you get done catting around. Yamahs put another deputy on night patrol. Seek or any other minor caught out after the towns mandatory eleven oclock curfew faced arrest and mandatory community service. Any special reason for the extra deputy? Yamahs a self-important jerk who thinks this town belongs to him, but thats nothing new. I dont know. Tony squinted at him. You been violating something besides the speed limit, boy? Seek shook his head. I just ride the horse trails and dirt roads. Yeah, well, stay sharp. Wont just be your butt in a sling if you get caught. The old mechanic scrubbed a hand over his scalp and yawned as he trundled toward the steel sink where he washed up. Seek took his helmet down from a hook on the wall and went back behind the shelves of parts, where he kept his canvas-shrouded dirt bike. It still had a slightlybattered look to it, buteverything worked, and the engine hed rebuilt with Tonys help was better than it had been new. Whoever had wrecked the bike wouldnt recognize it now. Seek had concealed the bodys original white, red and yellow racing colors with a matte black paint that didnt
48
reflect light. That combined with black neoprene mesh sleeves hand-sewn over the chrome and a manual kill-switch that shut off the head and back lights made the bike almost invisible in the dark. His helmet and the hooded jersey jacket he wore both flat black helped camouflage his body, and the mirrored face-shield Tony had scrounged from one of his old helmets masked his features. No one who saw him out riding at night could guess by looking who he was, which was his only protection against being arrested, or worse, exposed. Tonight he walked the bike out of the garage and part way through the woods before he started it up, the dense trees partially muffling the sounds of the engine. From there he rode along a footpath to the old cemetery, where he stopped long enough to retrieve a backpack he kept stashed under a moss-covered bench. The pack held several bottles of water, some bags of trail mix, a small roll of bills and a shabby leather case. Seek opened the case, taking out the binoculars inside and hanging them around his neck before he strapped the backpack on and rode around the old tombstones, heading for the dirt road that would take him to the far east side of town. Twenty minutes later he stopped the bike under an old oak at the summit of Lookout Hill, where he often spent many silent hours justifying its name. Once he shut off the engine he lowered the kickstand, took out his binoculars and adjusted them until the lenses focused on a particular window in the back of an old apartment building. Sometimes the drapes or the blinds were closed, but the room was rarely dark, so he could usually see at least a shadow of the occupant. Tonight shed tied back the curtains, rolled up the blinds and opened the window, and he could look directly into the
49
room. She was sitting at her computer but wasnt typing; she sat sideways and had something in her hands. He adjusted the binoculars, zooming in on her profile. When she was alone she didnt bother to keep her guard up, and her face appeared calm, almost serene. Her hair had grown out enough to curl against her temples and over the edges of her ears; a skull cap of white-gold scrolls. Shed removed her dark eye makeup, and he could almost count the long blonde lashes framing the piercing blue of her eyes. Seeing her like this made Seeks heart pound a little faster; without all her Goth armor Kari Carson looked more like an otherworldly princess, waiting to be rescued from her lonely ivory tower. He imagined walking down the hill, going to her window and tapping on it. Yeah, like shed go for a ride with a Peeping Tom on a dirt bike. He shifted the lenses down to her pretty mouth and stubborn chin, lingering there before he lowered the binoculars to see what she was holding. Her fingertips trailed over the image on the king of clubs, the card hed slipped into her backpack at school, before she turned it over and read his note. Hed never before tried to recruit anyone to work on the Lost Ledger, and the risk he was taking by asking Kari to be his shooter was substantial. Tanglewoods principal had made it clear that he intended to expel Seek as soon as he found out who he was; the latest rumor was that this year he was considering offering a cash reward to anyone who ratted out Seek. Kari also had to know how chancy it was for her to take the job as his shooter. If Deaver found out she was involved with the Ledger, he wouldnt hesitate to kick her out of school as well.
50
Still, if anyone could help him get the truth out about the bizarre things that happened in Lost Lake, it was Kari. Dont throw it away, he muttered. As she kept looking at the card, Seeks doubts began to multiply. He should have offered her more than five bucks a shot. She was probably insulted. Or amused. Maybe she hadnt heard that the king of clubs was his calling card. She might think the whole thing was a joke. Maybe she thought he was a joke. He shifted the binoculars up to her face, where he watched her lips curve. She wasnt laughing or sneering, she looked pleased. She got up and whooped loud enough for him to hear and then she began laughing and dancing around the room. He muffled his own laugh. Welcome to the dark side, Princess.
51
September
52 The Lost Ledger ~use it then lose it~
You Havent Seen a Ghost Fog . . . or Have You?
Halloween is still six weeks away, so you losers still have time to put together a costume for the school dance . . .and maybe get your scares extra early this year. So far your editor has collected these
two reports about a freaky fog thats been ghosting around the waterways: A junior out looking for her dog saw a fog bank come out of nowhere to swallow a huge black boat with no lights. A tourist reported to several shopkeepers that he saw two shadowy men who jumped off a pier and vanished into a fog. Your editor also has it on good authority that many other Lost Lakers have called the sheriff repeatedly about the ghost fog. To
date the sheriff has done nothing except to tell residents that the fog is a natural phenomenon. Sure it is. Are this ghost fog just another tall Or could this be the same Tell us whatever And hey, be
What do you think, losers?
tale to scare kids into obeying curfew?
ghoul that attacked those two fishermen last month? you know or think you know, and then pass it along. careful out there . . . .
SeeK -30-
53
Chapter Five
Kari had gone an entire month without getting one detention, only to be busted because of two other girls who had been smoking in a restroom shed used. Although shed been innocent shed even breathed in the school secretarys face to prove she hadnt taken a single puff one of the girls had slipped her pack of smokes into Karis backpack and then claimed the cigarettes belonged to Kari, who had bullied the girls into trying them. The other girl had backed her up, resulting in two lunch detentions for them and a week of morning and lunch detentions for Kari. She also had to tell Gloria her side of the story before the school called her, but her mother never came out of her room for breakfast. A check of the wall calendar Gloria used to keep track of her ever-changing work schedule showed a blank space for the day, but Kari still looked in on her before she left to catch the bus. Mom? Gloria lifted one corner of the pillow covering her head. Hmmm? She wondered how long it would take her mother to realize the phone cord had mysteriously popped out of its wall jack. With luck, maybe just after Deaver gave up trying to get in touch with her. You sleeping in? Um-hmmmm. Okay. Kari could always say she had unplugged the phone so her mother could rest undisturbed, too. Im going to school now. Dont get in trouble. The pillow dropped.
54
Kari had to walk three blocks to the bus stop, where as usual a small huddle of kids from her neighborhood had already gathered. Most were freshman whose parents went to work early or didnt own a car, but a few were in Karis grade. None of them acknowledged her existence, which was fine with her. When the bus arrived, she was the last to get on, and grinned at the big black man behind the wheel. Morning, Mr. James, she said. Where we headed today? The theme parks? The beach? How about the Keys? He chuckled. Sorry, sugar. Dont have the time or the money for that. Story of my life, dude. She patted his shoulder and walked to the very back of the bus, where she eyed a couple of boys who for some reason had decided to occupy the bench seat. The seat that was by unspoken, unanimous agreement, always hers. Freshman. Kari dropped her backpack on the empty side of the seat and waited. One of the boys looked up, gulped, and scrambled around her. His friend, who was playing a hand-held video game, hadnt yet noticed her. Kari propped a hip against a seat back. What level are you on? Six. The boy made an exasperated sound and thumped the device against his knee as he looked up. Geez, you made me . . . uh . . . . Relocate, Kari suggested pleasantly. Now. He jetted out of the seat, stumbling in his haste to escape her. Once she sat down, she stretched out, using her backpack as a pillow and curling her long legs to brace her feet against the opposite side. She saw Mr. James glance back at her through the rear view mirror and gave him a thumbs-up. He shook his head as he laughed and drove back onto the road to Tanglewood.
55
The bus reached school a few minutes before the first bell rang, but Kari had to hurry to make it to detention hall, which was on the opposite side of campus. She zipped through the door just as the homeroom bell rang and dropped into the first empty seat she saw. Welcome to morning detention, Mr. Hicks, the oldest and grouchiest shop teacher in the school, said as he thumped down his briefcase. Youve got thirty minutes to show me you can sit there, shut up and study something. You will not talk, sleep, or test my microscopic patience. If you do, youll be writing me a ten-page, single-spaced essay on the topic of my choice. Questions? He scanned the room from one side to the other. Good, youre already getting the hang of it. Now stand for the Pledge of Allegiance, which is the only thing I better hear out of your mouths. Once Kari had dutifully recited the pledge, she sat down and took out her Calculus homework. Shed done it last night, but shed been so ticked off about the restroom bust that she couldnt even remember what shed written. Out of the corner of her eye she saw the usual truants, troublemakers and ruletesters occupying the other chairs. All of them were going through the motions of studying; one slid on a pair of shades, probably so he could sleep sitting up. Behind her a pencil lead snapped, and a kid murmured something rude in Spanish. The school secretary began reading the morning announcements over the school P.A. system, and Mr. Hicks went over to adjust the volume on the speaker. Kari felt a tap on her shoulder and glanced back at a skinny Mexican kid in a work uniform sitting behind her. He held up the broken remains of a #2 stub, and then gave her a pathetic look.
56
Normally she would have told him she wasnt the school supply store, but she didnt feel like writing a ten-page essay. Another glance back revealed that the boy was actually working on a complicated-looking math paper. She dug out her spare pencil from her backpack and handed it over. In return she got a surprisingly infectious grin and a good look at his chipped front tooth. A redhead in a cheerleading uniform walked in with a note for Mr. Hicks. Kari knew who Tiffany Beck was, and avoided her like the rest of the rah-rahs, but for once the most popular girl at Tanglewood looked less than absolutely perfect. Her eyes appeared faintly bloodshot and her eyelids had a pink puffiness to them, as if shed recently indulged in a crying jag. Now what would Boones Beautiful Babe have to cry about? Ive been called up to the office, Mr. Hicks announced to the class. Miss Beck will be monitoring the class until Miss Flowers from the Attendance Office arrives to take over. Any of you try any monkey business in the mean time, and every one of you will get an extra week of detention working as my personal janitors. As soon as Mr. Hicks left books began thumping and voices started jabbering. Excuse me. Excuse me. Tiffany glared at the loudest boys. Didnt you hear what the teacher said? Be quiet and study. I think she means us, guys. One of the troublemakers leered back at her. It might be worth another week of detention to empty garbage cans with you on Saturday, sweetness. Tiffanys upper lip curled. Keep dreaming. Maybe Ill just come and watch, the troublemaker said.
57
The cheerleader sat down in Mr. Hickss chair, swiveling it to one side so she no longer had to look at the boy while she inspected the condition of her manicure. Kari almost groaned. Tiffany could get away with behaving like an entitled snot when she was on her turf and surrounded by her friends, but here she was all alone and outnumbered. Hey, cheerleader, the troublemaker said, Is it true what I heard about you and your boyfriend? Tiffany snapped her head around. Its none of your business, you moron. So he did break up with you. The boy whistled. Man. Did he suddenly go blind, or what? Now that was news to Kari. Boone dumped you? Really? she asked Tiffany. I thought you two were like welded at the hip or something. The cheerleaders cheeks pinked. Shut up. Kari winced. Tiffanys voice sounded more wounded than angry now, the kind of weakness one never displayed in detention hall. Predictably the jackals began closing in. Poor girl, the troublemaker said. Shes heartbroken. Or maybe she needs to loosen the push-up bra. Oh, Aaron, another boy piped up in a shrill falsetto. How could you dump me like this? Because, honey, the troublemaker said in a fairly impressive imitation of Aaron Boones lazy drawl, I finally grew a brain.
58
Boone not only dumped her, he got her in trouble for trashing one of the computers in the media center, another boy said. I saw the whole thing. I didnt do that, Tiffany said through gritted teeth. It was her. That Youngblood girl. She got someone to do it and then blamed it on me. Someone like . . . Boone? the troublemaker asked in a mock innocent voice. Kari saw how the cheerleader hunched over, and spotted a familiar gleam in the girls eyes. Hey. Guys. She looked over at the two boys. Drop it, okay? Why are you sticking up for her? the troublemaker demanded. She and her friends think youre a joke. The Mexican boy sitting behind Kari leaned forward. You better stay out of this. Yeah, I should, she muttered back. In a louder voice she said to the troublemaker, You do know what she and her friends say about you, right? What? Not a word. Kari heard the rapid tap of heels outside in the hall. Heads up. Its Flowers. A few seconds later a thin woman wearing a frilly blouse and a flounced skirt rushed in just as Tiffany stalked out. Thank you, Miss Beck. Good morning, everyone. Im so glad to see youve been behaving yourselves. Still fluttering, she began walking up and down the aisles, which put an end to any further discussion of what Boone had or hadnt done to Tiffany. #
59
Kari was sent to shelve books for her lunch detention, which wasnt much of a punishment at all, and would give her a chance to drop off her latest assignment pic for Seek. The media center was one of the few places at Tanglewood High where Kari liked to hang out. It currently occupied a row of three old classrooms that sometime in the nineties had been deemed too small for regular use. Instead, the school board had approved knocking down the walls between them to create a much larger space for Tanglewoods old library. It had continued to grow from there, and now housed several thousand books, reference materials and a small but useful bank of computers. All of the improvements had been the pet project of Joan Arter, a retired librarian who had gotten bored playing canasta with her girlfriends at her 55+ community and had decided to become a school volunteer. After taking one look at the old portable where the schools original library had been kept, she had made the creation of a proper media center her personal crusade. Kari knew all of this because Mrs. Arter had practically adopted her from the first time shed walked in the media center during her freshman year. She still remembered the way the little old librarian had cornered her in the back fiction shelves. What are you looking for, young lady? Kari had turned to see a tiny, white-haired elf dressed in a purple velour track suit glaring up at her. The M shelves, maam. Which author? the elf said as she lifted the reading glasses hanging by a ribbon around her neck and perched them on the bridge of her nose.
60
All of them. Feeling a little embarrassed, Kari admitted, Im reading everything in alphabetical order by author. Are you indeed. The elf peered at her over the rim of her glasses for a full minute. Why? Kari shrugged. I didnt want to miss anyone good. You dress like a mortician. The elf smiled. But you read like a writer. Mrs. Arter had steered her from there toward the M section, and helped her navigate through the titles with little, scalding comments that told Kari just how well-read the old lady was. Self-indulgent tripe, a decent mystery, a woman-hater, historically inaccurate, a man-hater, self-effacing tripe, ah, here. She pulled a wide volume from the shelf. Start with this one, and dont allow the opening narrative to defeat you. Once he gets over his story nerves hes wonderful. But dont begin reading it until Saturday morning. Kari was mesmerized. Why wait til Saturday? Mrs. Arter tapped the side of her nose. Its so you dont stay up all Friday night reading it. Mrs. Arter never worked on Tuesdays or Thursdays, which for once made Kari happy; whenever she stopped in she drew the old ladys attention like a first edition dropped on the floor. Instead Mrs. Schmidt, the official head media specialist, manned the front desk, where she was busy checking out dog-eared copies of To Kill a Mockingbird for a couple of girls. Keeping her expression at maximum boredom, Kari pushed her cart past the trio and wandered over to the Philosophy shelves. On the shelves she found Wise Guy
61
sandwiched between a couple of books on Plato, one of which she removed and opened. Using the book to cover her hand, she tucked the photo shed taken of Sheriff Yamah driving past the high school into Wise Guys pages, pressing it down until the edge disappeared from sight. Since she thought Plato was an elitist snot, she returned the book to the shelf, moved over one case, and found a slightly dusty copy of The Prophet, which Mrs. Arter had once recommended to her. She added it to her cart and when she returned to the front desk to pick up the next bunch of reshelves she asked if she could check it out. Mrs. Schmidt took her student ID card and eyed her selection. Is that for a Psychology class? No, maam. Im thinking of having part of it tattooed on my neck. She lifted her chin. How many lines do you think I could fit? Before or after your mother breaks it? Mrs. Schmidt returned without a hitch. Kari grinned. Good one, Mrs. S. As she went back to work, Kari glanced at the empty reading tables. Serving detention in the library also would give her a chance to watch for Seek to pick up the photo; shed only have to remember to keep a close eye on the Philosophy shelves. Unless Seek came in and saw her playing shelf grunt, at which point hed probably guess she was watching for him and would walk right back out. As much as she wanted to know who her new boss was, she didnt want him to know she was trying to unmask him.
62
One of the other detention regulars, Bryan, finished his cart and came over to help with Karis, and was more than happy to tell her all about the incident that had gotten Tanglewoods head cheerleader not one but two Saturday detentions. The cheerleader poured a can of soda on the keyboard of the computer that the new girl was using, and then told the teacher that new girl had spilled it. Bryan grinned. Everyone believed her. I mean, first day of school, the new girl dumped a bottle of juice on the cheerleader, so shes already got the rep as a klutz. Only then when the teacher asked who saw what happened, Boone stepped up and said the cheerleader did it. Said he even bought her the soda right before they went to the library. Kari tried to imagine Aaron Boone ratting out his girlfriend. Why would he pick this new girl over Tiffany? That just doesnt make any sense. A girl in my Calc class said this new girl has been chasing Boone since the beginning of school, he told her. Maybe Boone got tired of the cheerleader. I dont think so. Kari had gone through school with both Tiffany and Boone, and while they were as obnoxious as any of the rich, entitled kids, they had been completely devoted to each other. You dont dump a girl youve been going steady with for five years just for some new chick on the block. Shes not bad-looking, Bryan admitted. Shes got amazing eyes; kind of greenish-brown but really vivid, like shes wearing those fake contacts, you know? I heard shes a real witch but every time I see shes just . . . kinda quiet, you know? Doesnt really hang out with anyone, either. What about Boone?
63
The boy shrugged. Ive seen him following her out of class a couple times, but she doesnt pay any attention to him. Hey, maybe its like the dog and the manager thing. Dog in a manger, Kari corrected absently. Ive got to talk to this girl and find out whats really going on, but she isnt in any of my classes. Youve got the same lunch period, Bryan reminded her. Yeah, but Im stuck here for the next week. She shoved a book into place. Does she take the bus home? I never see her at the loop. Teacher, he added as someone came walking down the aisle. When she saw it was Mrs. Hopkins, Kari handed Bryan the rest of the books in her arms. These go over in the science section. No, they dont. She glared at him. They do for the next five minutes. She waited until he tromped off before turning to Mrs. Hopkins. Hey, Mrs. H. Need something to read? No, thank you, Karise. She glanced at the cart of returned books. Principal Deaver informed me that you and two other girls were caught smoking. Actually two girls got caught smoking. I happened to be in the same restroom, they said I gave them the cigarettes, and I got the blame. Kari folded her arms. Not that you have to believe me. He didnt. Mrs. Hopkins looked tired. What matters is that Principal Deaver told me to remove you from the newsletter staff.
64
Okay. Kari felt as if shed been kicked in the chest. So Im off the newsletter, too. No, youre not. Not yet, Mrs. Hopkins added. I persuaded Mr. Deaver into giving you another chance and have you work off the rest of your detentions by doing some extra assignments for me. Youll start by covering the tryouts for the football team after school. I expect you to write a 500-word piece about it for the next issue of the newsletter. Kari felt suspicious. Why are you doing this? Paul, my late husband, was a smoker his entire life. Mrs. Hopkinss expression turned wistful. I loved him dearly, but I hated what those cigarettes did to him. He died of lung cancer. Kari drew back a little. Then why are you helping me? Pauls fingers always had nicotine stains, and his clothes and breath perpetually smelled of tobacco. The teacher smiled at her. Yours never do.
65
Chapter Six
Connor stared at the page he was supposed to be reading in To Kill a Mockingbird, but he couldnt focus on the words. The empty chair next to his kept shouting at him without a sound. Scouts troubles, interesting as they were, couldnt compete. Connor. When he looked up, Coach Gordon held out a slip of paper. Youre wanted in Guidance. Yes, sir. He grabbed his backpack and went to the teachers desk. Whatever it is, dont be late today, Gordon said quietly as he passed him the slip. Im going to need you out there to herd the rookies. Tryouts. Connor had completely forgotten about them. Ill be there, sir. On the way to Guidance he ignored his feet and how they itched to go in another direction. Kari had to serve ten detentions this week; it wasnt any of his business. The girl had been sent to detention hall so many times they probably kept a seat reserved for her now. Shed gotten lucky this time, too; Principal Deaver usually gave any student caught smoking a three-day suspension. The only problem with the situation was that Kari didnt smoke. She didnt even like cigarettes. Connor had seen her a few times with kids in town whod been smoking. Shed never said anything, but she would move to a spot where the smoke didnt blow in her face. More than once someone had offered her a drag, but shed simply wrinkle her
66
nose or shake her head. Besides that, she didnt have the money to buy cigarettes. Deaver should have known that. Connor walked into the Guidance office, where the front desk secretary took his pass and gave him a sympathetic smile. Mrs. Hopkins would like to see you in her office. When he moved to sit down, she added, Right now, dear. It had to be his mother, Connor thought as he went down the hall. She sometimes called on the pretense of checking his GPA so she could talk to Mrs. Hopkins about how he was doing in school. His father preferred to make personal visits, and he was still out of town on business. Mrs. Hopkins smile seemed a little forced as she greeted him and asked him to sit down. She also got up to close the door before she returned to her desk. Im sorry to take you out of class, but theres a delicate situation that I need to discuss with you. He felt doom forming like a black cloud over his head. It has to be Dad. Sure. She shuffled aside some papers before she looked across the desk at him. You dont know Karise Carson very well, do you? No, maam. I dont. Connor wanted to believe he knew her better than anyone, but that was more wishful thinking that actual fact. Im sure youve noticed how unique Kari is, Mrs. Hopkins said slowly, as if she were carefully choosing her words. How she doesnt, ah, blend in very well. The way she tiptoed around the reality of Kari made Connor feel annoyed and grateful at the same time. You mean the Goth act she puts on. Her eyebrows arched. Do you believe shes acting? He shrugged. I think she likes the image more than the look.
67
Thats a very perceptive observation. The image she cultivates along with certain aspects of her demeanor regularly make an unfavorable first impression. Her tone changed, became softer. Under that fierce, defiant mask is a very intelligent, sensitive girl. Connor waited for the rest. Mrs. Hopkins folded her hands, leaning forward slightly. Im not at liberty to go into details, of course, but for some time Karise has been coping with many challenges, both here at school and at home. This is probably why she is so often . . . In trouble, he finished for her. She nodded. I do what I can, but while Kari is fond of me she still sees me as an adult and a teacher. I believe from her point of view that places me firmly behind enemy lines. What she most needs right now is someone to talk to, Connor. Someone her own age who can guide her and help her avoid unwanted behaviors. He knew what Kari needed, not that he would ever have the chance to give it to her. Like a mentor? She studied his face. Like you. He hadnt seen that coming, and for a moment felt a surge of panic, until logic kicked in. She doesnt know. No one knows. Kari doesnt like me, Mrs. Hopkins. She doesnt like anyone, she assured him. Its safer. But at our newsletter meetings shes been like a different person. Shes punctual, attentive, and even reasonable. Since Ive done nothing different, I attribute that to your influence.
68
He considered telling her that Karis behavior at their meetings was more of an act than the Goth faade. Its not surprising that she would respond to you, Mrs. Hopkins continued. Youre both ambitious, talented writers, and very focused individuals. Karise rarely takes anything seriously, but during our discussions she listens and offers some very useful ideas. I believe you bring out the best in her. Connor almost laughed out loud. Have you talked to Kari about any of this? She shook her head. Karise prides herself on being independent, and if you or I suggested she needed a mentor, well . . . . An image of a giant mushroom cloud forming over the blackened ruins of Tanglewood flashed in his head. She wouldnt like it. Agreed. Mrs. Hopkinss expression turned uneasy. Nor would Karise appreciate learning that you and I have discussed this and her. I wont say anything. But he might be able to take advantage of the situation. Ill need something that shows youve assigned me to mentor Kari. Mrs. Hopkins looked surprised. This is a request, Connor, not an assignment. I have to show Kari something official, Connor said. It cant be tutoring, either. Shes a straight-A student. Mrs. Hopkins tapped the end of her pen against her cheek. Karise does have excellent grades, but she did serve more detentions last year than any other freshman. Thirty-eight, Connor almost said. Plus three one-day suspensions. Did she?
69
Enough to suggest that she has a problem dealing with authority. Her lips curved. As it happens, we do have a program for students who habitually face disciplinary actions. Connor leaned forward. Whats it called? # Youre my what? Kari demanded. Your Better Behavior Buddy, Connor repeated, and held out a paper. Its a student peer counseling program. I know what it is. She swiped the form from him and read it. You got Mrs. Hopkins to do this? She shoved it back at him. Ill have her unassign you right now. Before she reached the end of the hall Connor caught up with her. Theres something you should know. I served more detentions than any other freshman last year. I know. She kept going. Im also a drop-out risk, a potential substance abuser, a teen pregnancy candidate, and oh, my personal favorite, the Girl Most Likely Not to be Granted Early Parole. It wasnt my idea, he said, Mrs. Hopkins asked me to do it. She skidded to a halt and inspected his face. I dont believe you. Talk to her about it. With that he turned and walked off. Better Behavior Buddy, my backside. Kari ignored the warning bell and headed for the administrative offices. I need to see Mrs. Hopkins, she told the skinny boy in the smiley-face T-shirt who was currently manning the front desk.
70
He didnt look up from the report he was writing, nor did he seem to notice that the pen he was using was leaking blue ink on the inside of his thumb and forefinger. Sorry, shes out for the rest of the day. Why? I dunno. His gaze skittered down the front of her shabby ash-colored plum sweater and bounced back up from her black leggings. Want to leave her a note? His ink-stained fingers pushed a While You Were Out message pad at her. No. She shoved it back. Who do I talk to about changing peer counseling assignments? His head snapped up, showing smudges of blue ink around his nostrils. Youre counseling someone? Nose-picker was going to be wearing her brains all over his happy shirt, because any minute now her head was going to explode. Who do I talk to when Mrs. Hopkins isnt here and I cant wait for her to get back? Uh, Principal Deaver, I guess. The boy glanced over his shoulder. Hes in a meeting right now, though. Ill wait. Kari went over and dropped into a chair by the door to Deavers office. Minutes ticked by, during which the skinny desk boy divided his time between watching her nervously and answering the phone. Kari took out her camera and fiddled with it, taking shots of her boots, the wall clock and one of the secretaries typing up a letter. Bored, she zoomed in on the letter and began reading it through the lens.
To: All Teachers, All Grades

71
From: John Deaver, Principal Re: Unauthorized Materials
It has come to my attention that during school hours certain notebooks containing unauthorized and inflammatory communications are being actively circulated among our students. Many of you will remember these so-called Lost Ledgers from last year, when a student using the pseudonym Seek began generating this inappropriate and libelous propaganda. Any Lost Ledger found in any students possession is to be confiscated immediately, and the student sent at once to my office for disciplinary review. Your diligence in this matter will help me put a stop to this
Who are you waiting to see, young lady? Kari changed angles and took a close-up shot of the large pores covering most of Principal Deavers nose before she lowered her camera to view the rest of his face. You, sir. I dont have any students scheduled for today, he snapped. Youll have to make an appointment with my secretary. Wait a minute. He peered at her again. Youre Karise Carson, photographer and junior editor of the school newsletter. She held up her camera. We thought we should get a new headshot of you.
72
Im not having my photo taken by a student. Deaver grabbed the camera out of her hands and examined it. Who signed out an expensive piece of equipment like this to you? No one. She resisted the urge to snatch it back. Its my personal property, sir. A gift from my mother, she added, before he could accuse her of stealing it. Would you like my home phone number so you can verify that? Oh, I already have your number, Carson, and a zero-tolerance policy for disrespectful students. Deaver handed the camera back to her. Now get back to class before I add another week of detentions to what youre already serving. She wondered what shed get for telling him that respect had to be earned. Right away, sir. Kari walked out of the office, waited around the corner for a minute, and then returned. Deaver was back in his office with the door shut, and as soon as the skinny desk boy saw her he jolted to his feet. Are you crazy? he whispered. Im late. She leaned over the desk, letting her eyelids droop and her lips pout. You dont want me to get a detention just for talking to Deaver, do you? Thats not why you came here. Details. She waved a hand. Come on. Give me a pass and I wont show anyone the beautiful shot I took of you picking your nose. He swiped the back of his hand across his nostrils. I dont pick my . . . he stopped as he glanced down at the blue smear on his skin. If you cant kick the habit, Kari advised him, at least wash your hands first.
73
He glanced back at the secretary before he pushed a pass at her. You better erase that photo, he whispered, furious. Kari grinned. Thatll cost you three more passes, she whispered back. Thirty seconds later she had four hall passes in her pocket. Nice doing business with you. You tell anyone you got the passes from me, he warned, and Ill say you stole them. Her smile faded. A little friendly blackmail was one thing, but hed crossed the line. You ever accuse me of stealing, you little twerp, and Ill make every shot Ive taken of you with your finger up your nose into posters and decorate the halls and the cafeteria with them. His eyes bulged. You said you only took one picture of me. Actually, no, I didnt. She left him with his jaw hanging open.
74
Chapter Seven
When Kari went to drop off her books in her locker after last period, she found inside the door a five dollar bill clipped to a note. She scanned the hall for teachers before she pocketed the card and the five and unfolded the note.
Need a night shot of cemetery. East side the Hargraves tomb. bonus for fog. ~SeeK
the of $5 ~
Give me the easy jobs, why dont you? she grumbled as she shoved the note in her backpack. As she unloaded her books, a group of jocks in Tanglewood football jerseys tromped toward her. Aaron Boone led the pack, but for once he wasnt running his mouth or looking for noobs to torment. If anything, he looked subdued; almost upset. Boone Still Pines for Beck, Kari thought as a caption, and reached into her jacket for her camera, only to come up empty. For a second she panicked, until she remembered shed never unhooked it last night after downloading the memory card. It was still at home, sitting next to her laptop. Oh, hell. She said it loud enough to catch Boones attention, and he swiveled around. You talking to me, Punk Girl?
75
Normally Kari would have come back with something insulting, but Boones expression suggested that he had a chip on his shoulder the size of Nevada, and was looking for any excuse to bludgeon someone with it. No, sorry. Number fourteen came up alongside Boone. She was just saying hello to me, Aaron. To Kari, Connor Devlin said, Isnt that right? She could agree with Satan, or incur the wrath of Boone. It wasnt a tough decision. Sure. Whatever. Boone kept going. Connor lagged behind, waiting until the other jocks were out of earshot before eyeing Kari. Swearing is against the conduct code. She shrugged. So report me. Youre welcome. He trotted off to catch up with the other players. Kari slammed her locker shut, pretending Connors head was behind it, but that didnt make her feel better. Deavers zillion zero-tolerance policies also included students swearing; if a teacher had heard her she would have scored another detention and kissed her place on the newsletter staff goodbye. So Satan was right that didnt mean she had to like it. And now she had to go and waste an hour watching him and all the other jock straps try out for the football team, then go home and write up a five hundred word article about the wonderful experience. Maybe hell get hurt. The prospect unlikely as it was made Kari feel instantly better. I could write five thousand words about that. Kari hiked across campus to the practice field behind the gymnasium, where she avoided the clutch of anxious mothers crowded together in the bleachers and wandered
76
toward a dark-haired girl sitting alone on the other side. Kari didnt recognize her, but even sitting down she seemed tall and willowy, and the long dark hair she wore in a ponytail reached down to her waist. That was almost enough reason for Kari to hate her on principle, until the other girl turned her head and Kari saw her vividly-colored hazel eyes. Catlyn Youngblood, I presume. What are you doing here? The new girl didnt look like the type to break up the most popular couple at Tanglewood. If anything, she seemed meek and shy, sitting the way she was with her head down and her shoulders hunched, as if she were trying to be less noticeable,. She also looked pale and a little sick. Kari went around and climbed up onto the seats behind her. She wasnt as sneaky as shed intended to be, and just as she was starting to sit down Catlyn turned around to give her the once-over. Looking into the other girls pretty eyes made Kari feel weirdly uneasy, not that she was going to show it. You mind if I sit here? She expected Catlyn to tell her to get lost, not shake her head and turn back to watch the tryouts. Kari sat back down slowly and frowned. According to Bryan Tiffany had been going around for weeks telling anyone who would listen how much of a conniving witch this girl was, how shed been trying since the first day of school to breakup her and Boone, yada yada yada. If that were true, why was the boyfriend thief watching some guy who looked like a blond behemoth on the football field instead of making goo-goo eyes at Boone, who was only standing a dozen yards away?
77
A thought suddenly struck Kari: what if Boone had been the one chasing the new girl, instead of the other way around? It might be worth braving the wrath of the could-be witch to find out. Never one to back away from excellent gossip, Kari climbed down, dropping her backpack on the ground before she sat beside the now startled girl. Youre Catlyn Youngblood, arent you? She waited for the nod. Im Karise Carson. Call me Kari, or hey, you. Now, please please dont rip my face off. Im Cat. Hey, you. She looked puzzled, not ready to pick a fight. Have we met before and Ive been rude and forgotten it? Unless I did the same, no. Im the junior editor for the school newsletter. Kari scanned the field until she spotted number fourteen. Yes, Satan was out there, all geared up and ready to earn his spot on the team. It made her want to spit, so she turned her attention back to Cat. Want to give me an exclusive about how it feels to be harassed by a jerk, excuse me, jock like Aaron Boone? Not that it would get printed, because our teacher sponsor isnt interested in the truth per se, but Id save it for the high school expose Im writing. Instead of looking outraged or launching a counterattack, Cat simply seemed amused. Did you come here just to talk to me? Why not tell her? She doesnt know me, doesnt know Satan and has no friends. Today Im stalking someone else. Kari gestured in Connors general direction. Im hoping one of them gets hurt. Aside from the sheer delight it would give me to write up the eye-witness account, I want his job as senior editor.
78
Youre ambitious. And bloodthirsty. Cats wry smile made it all the way to her spooky eyes. I like that in a Goth girl. Please. Kari felt unnerved again, this time by the other girls open friendliness. We prefer to think of ourselves as displaced tragedy addicts. Or we would, if I wasnt the only one residing in this Podunk sinkhole of a town. Things were starting to happen on the field, and both Kari and Cat watched as the coach tossed out a football and the boys formed two facing lines. Here we go. Kari made a show of crossing fingers. Is it too much to hope for two broken arms on the first play? Probably, Cat told her. No one was going to play yet, Kari saw, as Boone left the field to fuss at the coach. She couldnt hear what they were arguing about, but from the way Boone was gesturing it seemed like he had a problem with someone on the opposing side. Kari scanned the line and saw that the blond behemoth was in the quarterbacks position. Since that spot had belonged to Boone ever since hed started at Tanglewood, she assumed the big ape was complaining about being replaced. Number fourteen took off his helmet to adjust a strap, and then turned his head to look straight at Kari. Hello, Evil One. She enjoyed the way his eyes narrowed and went from her face to Cats and then back to hers. Look, Im fraternizing with another troublemaker. Maybe Ill ask her to be my best behavior buddy.
79
Eventually Boone went back on the field, but he didnt look happy. Kari leaned forward, watching Connor until he had no choice but to pull on his helmet and take his position. This is going to be bad, she heard Cat say. If only you knew, Kari thought. Stop teasing me. Kari lost sight of Connor as the overlarge guy Cat had been watching dropped back to catch the ball. She glanced across the line of scrimmage at Boone, who was rushing toward his rival. Cat was right; this was going to be bad, maybe even tragic. A few seconds before Boone smeared his replacement into the turf, the ball went off like a rocket down the field. Kari stared at the quarterback, who then took a step to the side, neatly avoiding Boones final lunge. Tanglewoods Crush-o-matic landed on his face, while a boy fifty yards away ran in the football for a touchdown. It had happened so fast Kari almost thought she was hallucinating. As all the mothers stood and clapped, she turned to Cat, whose jaw was still hanging open. Dude, close your mouth before you catch a bug. Now this was an interesting development; Cat looked like shed just gotten a pile of Christmas presents in July. You have a thing for the new QB? Please say yes. No. She laughed a little nervously. Hes my brother, Grayson. All the gears in Karis head started whirling. So the brother of the girl Boone used as an excuse to break up with Tiffany Beck is trying out for Boones position on the football team. She took out her notepad and started writing down names. This is getting really complicated. And interesting. She cupped her hand as if she were
80
holding a reporters mike and held it out to Cat. So tell our audience, Ms. Youngblood, who do you want to make the team? Big bro, or the not-so-secret heartthrob? Cat pretended to push away her pretend mike. No comment. Kari let out a heavy sigh. The good ones always say that. Boone didnt like eating turf, as he demonstrated as soon as he got to his feet. It only took him three seconds to get in Grayson Youngbloods face, and two more to give him a nasty shove. Kari caught her breath Cats brother was bigger than Boone, and a fight between the two of them would have been like two Sumo wrestlers going at it but the older Youngblood must have had ice water in his veins, because he just stood there and did nothing. The coach blew a whistle, which everyone ignored, and then bounced his clipboard off the ground before taking off toward the boys. A minute later Gray left the field and Boone took over as quarterback, which didnt surprise Kari. It made Cat angry, though. Hey. Thats not fair. Kari patted her shoulder. Welcome to the Matrix. The girl had no idea what her brother was up against, of course. Coach Gordon and his family lived in the same gated community as Boone and his parents, belonged to the same country club and often teed off together. No way would Gordon pick some farmers kid over the son of one of his golfing buddies. Kari saw the way Cat looked at the mothers, who were now eyeing them with varying degrees of smug satisfaction. Maybe shell find out faster than she wants. Karis sympathy quickly dissolved into jaded amusement as Boone began playing at quarterback. He didnt bother to really put his arm into it, and didnt seem upset when
81
his passes came up short. Nor did he seem to realize what a poor showing he was making in comparison to Cats brother. Things got silly when Boone ignored the coachs warning whistles and indulged in some playground antics with the football and his buddies on the team. Most of the other boys stood around looking disgusted as the idiots continued to goof off, until finally the coach waved Boone off the field at the same time the rest of the boys had lined up. Someone called a play and one of the other boys took off. In the confusion that followed Kari couldnt at first see who got tackled, hard enough to knock his helmet off. She caught a glimpse of number fourteen in the pile and shot to her feet. Yes. Then she saw that it was Boone, not Connor, at the bottom of the pile, and dropped back down. Rats. As Cat gave him a questioning look, she added, Wrong guy. Boone sat up, but that was as far as he got before he grabbed his leg. The coach helped him up, bracing him with an arm, but Boones face twisted with pain as he limped off the field. The coach barked something at Cats brother, who put on his helmet. Well, well. Kari smirked a little as Gray Youngblood rejoined the players on the field. Maybe for once fate took the right side. The next three plays left everyone in the stands speechless. Cats brother ran two plays and each time threw textbook perfect passes that moved the team toward the goal line. On the third play he rocketed the ball in for an easy touchdown. Come on, Grim, Kari heard Cat mutter. Show him what you can do.
82
Six players later, Cats brother had racked up three more touchdowns, the last he scored himself by plowing through the lineman and strolling into the end zone. Kari knew the grin on her face was of the foolish variety, but it matched the expressions of everyone else watching the tryouts. I hope you like living with a god, she told Cat. Because I think your brother just turned into one. The other girl looked as if shed been clubbed over the head. Hes never played football before today. She saw how Kari was looking at her. Im serious. We dont even own a football. Then hes either an indestructible cyborg created to ultimately destroy humanity, or a natural. Kari watched Cats eyes for a flicker of guilt, but the girl seemed genuinely pole-axed by her brothers performance. If he turns out to be the robot, I should get an exclusive. Just saying. As the coach called the boys off the field, Cat got up and moved to the very end of the stand seats to listen. Kari followed, although she kept her gaze from straying toward number fourteen. No way was she going to give Connor Devlin another excuse to stalk her. The coach read off positions and the names of the boys who would be starting in them. He only hesitated once, glancing at Boone where he was sitting on the bench before he said, Quarterback. Youngblood. Coach. Boone shot to his feet, paled, and grabbed one of his friends shoulders to keep from collapsing. I play quarterback for the team. You mean, you used to play quarterback, Kari thought.
83
Not with an injury, Gordon replied. If that ankle is broken, youre out for the season. Kari was riveted. God, this is so great, she murmured to Cat. Boone looks like hes gonna cry. Do you think he will? I knew I should have brought my camera. Her voice must have carried more than shed wanted, because Connor turned his head and gave her a very strange look. Its just a sprain, Boone was saying to the coach. Whats your problem now, Satan? Kari thought. And why do you look so worried? Gordons voice took on a softer, more compassionate tone. Well see what the doctor says, son. He turned his head as Sheriff Yamah approached him. Jim. Guessing what was about to happen, Kari hummed a few bars of Beethovens Fifth. Frank. Yamah scanned the wary faces of the boys around the two men. I think youre making a mistake here. Dont throw the season away on a rookie with beginners luck and no experience. Kari winced, and saw Cat go rigid, but Grayson Youngblood just took off his helmet and watched the sheriff. His expression was so blank Kari wondered for a moment if he even had feelings. Youngbloods completed every pass hes made, Gordon told Yamah. If Aarons not in a cast by the end of the day, hell be out of commission for at least three games.
84
While the two men talked, Kari felt the hair on the back of her neck prickle, and glanced over at a large, well-built man dressed in black sitting stop a beautiful old Harley. He dropped the kickstand and got off to walk toward Kari, and although a pair of black-lensed Wayfarers concealed his eyes, the only person he seemed interested in was the girl sitting next to her. Cat, I was wondering, Kari said. Do you know a big muscular bald guy who wears my favorite color and rides a Harley? Still watching the drama on the sidelines, Cat nodded absently. My oldest brother, Patrick. Why? Kari nodded toward the third Youngblood. Hes standing right behind you. Cat froze for an instant, and then whirled around to stare in horror at her other brother. Trick. Great nickname, Kari murmured. Its not what you think, Cat said quickly, almost babbling the words. Gray was just trying out. For fun. Thats all. For fun. The oldest Youngblood had a deep, gravelly voice that was so cold it made Kari involuntarily shiver. Is that what you think? He walked over to where the coach and the sheriff were still arguing. Kari imagined having to live with a guy that scary, and shuddered again. Suddenly Im very grateful that Im an only child. She wanted to hang around to see why Cats big bad brother was so ticked, but not enough to give her own personal demon another chance to corner her, so she grabbed her backpack and slung it over her shoulder. Now Ive got to go and write up
85
five hundred nauseatingly PC words to describe this event. Ill probably have to puke at least once. Cat looked so miserable she couldnt help adding, You okay, Youngblood? Im fine. She dragged her gaze away from her brothers to give Kari a grateful look. Thanks for talking to me. It was nice to meet you. Kari grinned. No, it wasnt. She walked around the stands, pausing for a few seconds to admire Patrick Youngbloods ride. Her father had loved shovelheads, so she knew a bit about Harleys and how they were customized for the riders needs. Cat Youngblood probably didnt realize it, but her brother Trick hadnt pimped out his like the usual weekend warrior. No, his Harley was sleek and streamlined and very ready for the road; exactly how a badass biker would want it. Kari turned around to take one last look at the mess the Youngbloods had gotten themselves into, but saw instead Satan walking toward the moms in the stands. Beside him, Peter Norris was talking and gesturing toward a guy talking to his aunt. Karis eyes shifted, and she recognized the guy as Ben, Petes older brother. The same brother who just happened to work as an assistant manager at her mothers store. Kari felt another cold sensation settle over her, this time in the same place her heart was beating like a kettle drum. She silently walked around the stands until she was behind the one where all the moms were sitting. She could hear Peter talking to his aunt, and crept forward until she caught the other, quieter conversation Satan was having with Ben.
86
fine, far as I know, Peters brother was saying. Gloria hasnt said a word about it to me. Next time you see her at work, ask her if the camera is still working, Connor said. I dont get what it is with you and the camera, man, Ben said. If you thought the Goth girl would trash it, why did you have me give it to her mother? Kari went still. She didnt trash it, Connor said flatly. And she cant know it was mine. I said I wouldnt tell her, and I wont. Peters brother sounded bored. So quit worrying about it. Shell never know.
87
Chapter Eight
Seek dropped the hood on the pickup truck and wiped his hands on a rag before he finished filling out the work order. This ones ready to go, Tony. The mechanic came over to take the clipboard and read his notes. Yeah, I thought the water pump was the problem. Good work, kid. Thanks. Seek took off the coveralls and shrugged into his jacket. I have to switch to weekends for a while. School stuff. That okay? Sure, thatll work, Tony said. He signed off on the work order before he regarded him with a frown. Tell me something, Zeke. How do you do it? Work weekends? I show up Saturday night. Nah, I mean your hands. Tony nodded at them. They look as dirty as mine now, but next time you come in theyll be so clean you could eat with them. Seek imagined what would happen if he ever went home with his hands covered in engine grease. Is that a problem? Nah, I was just gonna ask, you know, how you do it. The mechanic rubbed his hands on the sides of his trousers, leaving some new black streaks atop the old. You using some kind of extra-strength degreaser at your place, or what? Why, you got a date? The big man blew a raspberry, but under his whiskers his skin reddened. Whod go out with an old workhorse like me? Miss Ross has brought her Camry in five times in the last month, Seek reminded him. My moneys on her.
88
Aw, that aint nothing. Tony shuffled his feet. She keeps hearing a funny sound when she drives it. Like when she drives past the shop on the way home, every night of the week, even when its five blocks out of her way? Seek grinned. Man, the only sound inside that car is her heart going pitter-patter. Or maybe she hears yours while you watch her go by from the office window. How did you know I . . . never mind. Tony shook his head. Okay, so shes a nice lady, and I wouldnt mind asking her to have a cup of coffee sometime. No biggee. He regarded his grimy hands. But women like clean, and no matter how hard I scrub, I always look like Ive just torn down an engine. So come on, kid. Help out an old man here. What do you do to get all the crap off your mitts? After Im done for the night I wash my hands in the parts cleaning bin, Seek told him. What? Tonys jaw unhinged. Seek nodded. The mineral spirits take off everything. Just wash with soap and water after or youll burn your skin. I knew it. I knew you were doing something sneaky. Tony glared at him. What about the grease under your fingernails? Seek took the smallest straight-edge screwdriver down from the pegboard and tossed it to him. Use the corner and scrape side to side. Not up and down. Unless you like pain. I hate digging under my nails, the mechanic grumbled.
89
So do I. Seek held up his hand and wriggled his fingers. Thats why I cut them short. Less space for the gunk to get under that way. He tapped his cheek. You better shave, too. Unless you want to whisker-burn her skin when you kiss her goodnight. Smartass. Tony grinned and threw a rag at him. Get outta here. From the garage Seek rode out to Gilchrist Park, which gave him the best vantage point of Lost Lakes tiny public library and Lakeside Memorial Gardens, the towns only cemetery. If Kari didnt show tonight, hed have to assume she was bailing on her latest assignment. As he walked the bike out of sight behind some boxwood bushes, Seek wondered again if Kari was in some kind of trouble at home. Usually she took the bus into town, or had her mother drop her off at the library. Hed been watching for her every night for a week, but she hadnt shown up once. Hed even used a pay phone to call her apartment a few times, hanging up as soon as she answered. I could be out running down leads about the ghost fog now. Even as Seek thought that, he knew hed still wait in the park a few more nights. Aside from writing the ledger, watching over Kari Carson was his only hobby. The low roar of the midtown bus caught his ear, and he took out his binoculars to see who got off at the stop in front of the library, but only the night shift janitor climbed down. Once the bus roared off, he lowered the lenses. Come on, Kari, where are you? He heard car horns beeping and saw an ancient gray Impala holding up traffic. When he looked through the binoculars again he
90
saw the answer to his question getting out of the passenger side. About time, Princess. Kari ignored the irate drivers being blocked by the Impala as she shouldered her backpack and tucked a couple of books under her arm. She started toward the library, stopped and glanced back at the Impala and then kept walking. The car abruptly sped off. Seek followed the progress of the car until one of the streetlights illuminated the drivers face, which was tight and angry. Hello, Mrs. Carson. He turned back to the library, where Kari walked up to the night drop-off box, dumped the books she carried inside, and then cautiously looked down the street before changing direction and heading toward the cemetery. He stowed his binoculars and eyed his bike. Although he never liked leaving it anywhere but at Tonys, if he rode over to the cemetery Kari would definitely hear the motor. The sound might spook her into forgetting the whole thing. Hed have to break one of his cardinal rules and go on foot. A few tourists still walked around town at night, mainly because there was nothing else to do in Lost Lake after five p.m., so Seek made his way down the narrow alleys and small, empty parking lots behind the shops. He stopped only once by an intersection bear the sheriffs office, and then only to see if Yamahs patrol car was sitting by the curb, which it was. He checked his watch, which read nine-thirty p.m. The sheriff stayed at the station until ten-thirty, when he began curfew patrol. That gave Kari an hour to do the job.
91
Seek hadnt given her an impossible assignment. Getting into the cemetery was easy enough; all the local kids knew to do it you just had to climb one of the old black oaks at the back fence and shimmy across one of the low-hanging branches. Hed picked the Hargraves family tomb as a landmark because it was also well-known, and far out of sight of the groundskeepers shack by the front gate. Night mist was already rolling in off the lake; shed probably have to wait only a few minutes for it to creep in around the headstones. Easy as it was, going into the cemetery after dark wasnt without certain risks. After sunset no visitors were permitted inside; the night groundskeeper locked the front gate and stayed on watch from his shack until his shift ended at eleven p.m. From that point Yamah and his deputies regularly circled the cemetery as they patrolled the streets until sunrise. Officially they were on the lookout for curfew violators. Seek was convinced there was another, far more ominous reason behind it. His suspicions began when he realized that no one ever questioned the towns curfew, or why the sheriff felt it necessary to drive around town all night. The town had adopted the restrictions long before Seek had been born, back when Yamahs father had been the sheriff of Lost Lake. Whenever Seek asked any of the older locals about it, they clammed up instantly, as if someone had super-glued their lips together. If Tony had known the truth Seek was sure he would have told him, but the garage owner had moved down from New York in the nineties and was still treated as an outsider by the other local merchants. The one time Seek had discussed it with him,
92
Tony had launched into a lengthy conspiracy theory involving Big Foot, the military and Darwin. Theyve never proved the Neanderthals died out completely, so the swamps around here are probably full of them. I bet you the government has a breeding program going so they can make super soldiers or something out of them. Dont laugh. People have gotten these monsters on home video, you know. On his nightly rides Seek had never once caught a glimpse of Big Foot, but he had seen some other strange things. Lights flickering in the windows of empty houses, unmarked delivery trucks parked in empty fields, and the train that sometimes stopped at the depot after midnight but never dropped off any passengers or cargo. There was also the rider on the big black horse who appeared and disappeared in random places all over town. Like everyone who grew up in Lost Lake, hed also heard the legends about the circus people who had built the town, and how some of them were rumored to have been side-show freaks who would only work at night so no one would see their bizarre afflictions. It wasnt enough to want answers to all of the towns mysteries. By himself he could only do so much; what Seek needed most was a partner. Hed decided on Kari Carson the first time hed seen what she could do with a camera. When he reached the access road leading into the cemetery, Seek made his way behind the library, skirting a big Dumpster before taking up a position at the outmost corner. He checked every oak tree along the fence until he spotted one with leaves that were shaking. A moment later a slim, dark figure dropped down on the inside of the cemetery fence.
93
Good girl, he murmured. Now, get me the shot. # Thanks to Connor Devlin, Kari had spent a miserable week at home, driving herself crazy over the camera and what she should do about it. After overhearing Satan with Pete Norriss brother Ben, shed run from the practice field, not stopping until she was on the other side of campus, her breath sobbing in and out of her lungs and hot tears practically blinding her. The wonderful, expensive, way-too-good-for-her camera had come from Connor. Shed been duped into taking charity from the devil himself. Kari had pulled herself together, gotten off the curb and walked downtown to catch a bus. As soon as shed gotten home shed planned to hand the camera back to her mother and tell her to get her money back from Ben. No way would she ever willingly touch that camera again. Gloria had been sitting at the kitchen table sorting through the bills, and when Kari walked in she had turned away. Youre late again. Watching her mother surreptitiously trying to wipe away her tears made Kari even angrier. Whats wrong? Nothing. My allergies are bothering me, thats all. She took a napkin from the holder on the table and blew her nose. So, you got homework? Yeah, I have to write an article. Kari glanced down at the bills, some of which were stamped with PAST DUE, and then she knew why her mother had been crying. He didnt send the check, did he?
94
He will when he has the money. Gloria shuffled the bills together. Go do your homework. Kari reached into her backpack and took out the camera. I dont need this anymore. Get your money back. Ill get some extra shifts at the market. Her mother pushed the camera back at her. You keep this. I dont need or want it. Kari hesitated, and then took out the small bundle of five dollar bills shed earned from Seek. This isnt much, but maybe you could use it for groceries or something. She placed the money next to the camera before she went to her room. Kari had just unloaded her backpack on her bed when Gloria knocked and came in. She saw her mother was holding the money and the camera. I told you, I dont need I heard you the first time. Her mother held up the money. Where did you get this? Of course her mother would question the source of her newfound wealth. I sold some photographs. This is thirty dollars. I told you it wasnt much. She sat down on the end of her bed and looked around her room. Ill start putting in applications around town. Maybe I can get a parttime job in one of the shops on the weekends or after school. No, you wont. Gloria marched over and put the camera in her hands. Youll keep doing this thing with the pictures.
95
Do you know where this really came from? Kari was almost shouting, but it felt good to let out some of the rage. Your bosss son. Hes the one who gave it to Ben. Mr. Devlin doesnt know he did, either. So now would you take it back, please? Gloria looked confused. Its Connors camera? Why would he give it to you? I dont know, Mom, and I dont care. She held out the camera. Just help me out here and send it back to him. No. Gloria didnt take it from her. If you really dont want it, you give it back to him. Cant, Kari said. Im never speaking to him again. Why, because the boy did something nice for you? Her mother shook her head. Karise, you take pictures that are so good they should be in magazines. I dont know where you got it from, but its your gift. You need it. Not enough to accept charity from Connor Devlin. It wasnt charity. I paid thirty dollars for it. Gloria smiled as Kari stared at her. Yeah. The same as you just gave me. Is that a sign, or what? She turned the camera over in her hands. Mom, its worth ten times that. Okay. You sell more pictures, and when youve got two hundred and seventy dollars, you can give it to me. Gloria sat down beside her. Look, honey, I dont know why Mr. Devlins son wanted you to have this, but sounds to me like it was a kindness. Maybe you should see it that way, too. Why, so I can owe him? She made a contemptuous sound. So you can keep the camera and do what you love. Her mother kissed the side of her head. Think about it.
96
Kari had thought about it all week. At school, she avoided Connor Devlin like the personal plague he was, even telling Mrs. Hopkins she wasnt feeling well so she could skip the weekly newsletter meeting. Every time she picked up the camera the anger would come back and she had to set it aside. More than anything, she wanted to know why hed done it. Was she his latest charity case? Was he feeling guilty over swiping the senior editor job from her? Was he setting her up for some kind of complicated practical joke that would blow up in her face when she least expected it? What other possible reason could Satan have for cooking up the entire scheme? At last Kari couldnt stand it anymore, and settled on the only course of action she could live with. Shed keep the camera, go on working for Seek, and earn enough money to pay for a new one. Once she did, shed have Gloria give Connors camera to her boss. Then Satan could explain the whole thing to his father. That night shed convinced Gloria she needed to go to the library in town to do research for a paper. Her mother hadnt liked the idea of Kari catching the bus home, and theyd argued about it the whole way there. What if you miss the last one? Gloria had demanded. I wont know. You cant walk home. The sheriff will bust you for violating curfew. I wont miss the bus, Mom. You better not, Gloria said as she stopped in front of the library. After Kari got out, she yelled after her, Im calling the house at eleven-thirty. Be there. Now the carpet of dead leaves under the old oak crackled under Karis weight as she dropped to the ground inside the fence. Afraid shed made too much noise, she
97
peered across the cemetery at the front gate shack, but the groundskeeper didnt emerge. Carefully she stepped over more leaves to the mostly-dead grass and headed for the nearest big headstone. Once there she sank down behind it and unzipped her backpack. She didnt have to look for the Hargraves tomb, a white marble monstrosity old Julian Hargraves had commissioned when his parents had died thirty years ago. In his grief or maybe a show of his wealth the last living member of the Hargraves family had bought up twenty plots and brought an architect over from Europe to build the mausoleum. If that hadnt been enough, old Julian had also hired an artist to make death masks of his parents, which had been fixed to the doors above the lengthy inscriptions, and a sculptor to fashion four six-foot-tall angel statues, one to stand guard at each corner of the tomb. The angels were also the perfect size for Kari to hide behind while she framed her shots. She took another long look at the front gate shack before she stood and trotted over behind the wide trunk of a ficus tree, stepping carefully over the network of snarled roots spreading out at the base. From there she made a series of darting, crouching runs from headstone to headstone, always ducking and checking for trouble before she moved to the next. Finally she crossed the last ten yards, hopping over memorial plaques before she slipped behind the angel at the east corner of the tomb. While she adjusted the cameras settings for a landscape shot and low light, lake mist began creeping across the lawn and swirling in slow motion around the
98
headstones. Usually too thin and wispy to photograph, tonight the mist was thick enough to reflect the moonlight, which gave it an eerie, subtle glow. Time stopped mattering as Kari took a shot, panned right to frame more headstones, and took several more. She changed positions, trying to compose just the right combination of light and shadow. The headstones looked extra creepy with the foot-high layer of fog around them, but shed seen a million shots like that. She wanted something no one had ever captured. Like an answer to a prayer, a bird swoop down to land on a memorial urn filled with dead flowers a few rows away from Kari. The bird, a huge black crow, extended its wings. Her heart pounded in her chest as she zoomed in and waited as the encroaching mist began curling around the urns base, and then took the shot. Her cameras low-battery signal beeped and the crow uttered a rough caw as it took off and then swooped down, screeching angrily as it dove at Karis head. Hey. She flung up her arm to protect her face. Get off. The crow flew at her a few more times before it streaked away, which was when Kari heard heavy footsteps and an angry voice call out, Hold it right there, boy. Kari froze. Come on out here where I can see you, the groundskeeper demanded. Kari pocketed her camera and pulled her baseball cap low before she stepped out from behind the statue. In her gruffest voice she said, Im just looking for my dog, mister. He got loose Youre trespassing, is what youre doing. No, dont even think about running, he added when Kari shifted her weight. Im tired of you kids coming out here painting
99
graffiti and knocking over the headstones. Aint decent to do that to the dead. Whats the matter with you? Kari eyed the fence behind the Hargraves tomb, looking for a gap or a gate. She didnt see anything but black wrought iron rails topped with pointed spikes. Nor were there any trees close enough for her to use as an escape route. I didnt mess with anything. Sure you didnt. The old man uttered a bitter laugh. I called the sheriff, and hes on the way. You can explain yourself to him. Kari could live with Yamah busting her for violating curfew and picking up trash for a month, but the sheriff would also notify her mother and the school. Gloria would simply ground her; Deaver would kick her off the newsletter. Kari was pretty sure she could outrun the groundskeeper and make it out the same way shed gotten in. The old man was in his seventies; if he tried to chase her or climb a tree hed probably break a hip. But just as she got ready to take off she saw the sheriffs patrol car pulling to the curb outside the fence. Kari ducked her head and bit her lip. She could try to make it to one of the trees at the back of the cemetery, but it bordered the old Hargraves place; back there it was nothing but swamp. She could make a run for the front gate, but by the time she reached it Yamah would be there. The furious buzz of a small motor came out of nowhere, along with a boy dressed in black perched on top of a black-painted dirt bike. He stopped between her and the groundskeeper and held out a black-gloved hand. As moments went, this one was completely surreal. Seek?
100
He nodded and reached out, grabbing her arm and hauling her to the bike. She swung her leg over the back of the seat, and the moment she sat down he pulled her arm around his waist. He turned the bike, spraying grass and dirt into the air as he took off with her. Kari clapped one hand on the baseball cap covering her hair and huddled against Seeks back, keeping her face pressed into his jacket as he flew past the groundskeeper and then Yamah. She couldnt look back or the sheriff would see her face, but she could hear him shouting and running after them. Seek accelerated, and when Kari looked over his shoulder she saw one of Yamahs deputies rolling the entrance gate shut. Kari cringed, bracing herself for a crash, but Seek made it through the closing gap with a few inches to spare. She couldnt help glancing back as the gate clanged shut. Yamah stood on the other side, furiously shouting at the deputy and gesturing at Seek and Kari while the old groundskeeper simply shook his head. Kari didnt relax, but she stopped holding her breath as Seek took the back roads out of town and drove up Lookout Hill. He slowed as he wove around the trees and deadwood piles before he stopped beneath an old oak at the very top. Kari didnt realize how badly she was shaking until she tried to climb off and almost fell on her backside. Seek caught her, steadying her with a strong arm until she regained her balance. You dont pay me enough for this, she told him as she pulled off her cap and ran her fingers through her damp hair. I appreciate you coming to the rescue, but if this keeps up, dude, Im gonna need a raise.
101
She had never been this far up the hill, and took a moment to appreciate the view. From here she could see a dozen farms, three lakes and even the back of her apartment complex. You know I live right down there? She pointed, and saw the helmet covering his head move up and down. You should stop by sometime. We could make some popcorn and compare conspiracy theories. He still didnt say anything, but he did take off his helmet. A black hood attached to his jacket completely shrouded his face, and from the way he was sitting Kari couldnt see any of his features. He didnt want her to, she realized. You dont have to hide from me anymore, Seek, she assured him. I wont tell anyone who you are. He held out his gloved hand again, and when she took it he brought her hand to his face. She was so surprised that she didnt register the kiss he brushed across her knuckles until he let her go and revved up the bike. Wait, she said, and then whirled around, stumbling on the uneven ground as he took off down the hill. Seek, wait. I have to know . . . oh, come on. He was gone.
102
October
103
The Lost Ledger ~use it then lose it~
Special Report: Who Wants to Kill Cat Youngblood?
This week SeeK is adding a two-legged feline to LLs endangered species list: sophomore Catlyn Youngblood, who had an extreme
encounter with a cheetah during the schools annual Night at the Zoo field trip. According to the suspension report obtained by Yours
Truly, cheerleader Tiffany Beck is accused of opening the gate to the cheetah enclosure to let the animal loose in hopes that it would attack the other Cat (Ms. Beck was suspended for this as well as not fessing up to Sheriff Yamah.) Given how many times Tiff has publicly threatened the younger sister of Tanglewoods new star quarterback, it seems like an openand-shut case, but Im not hearing the fat lady sing, readers. All of
the zoo enclosure gates require a key to open them, and according to officials no one but their staff has access to those keys. Tiff open the gate? So how did
With a shake of her telekinetic pom-poms?
LL has also received reports from several students who insist they saw Tiffany on the other side of the zoo at the same time as the cheetah attack. They also back up Tiffanys claim that someone stole
her varsity jacket, the same jacket Cat Youngblood reported seeing on
104 the person who ran from the scene a few moments before the cheetah escaped. So I ask you, is cheerleader Tiffany Beck guilty of assault by wild predator, does she have a doppelganger or secret evil twin sister who has decided to deal with the Youngblood problem for her, or is she being framed for a crime she didnt commit? If you went on the field trip and saw anything that can help clarify the situation, add your facts to the LL before you pass it along. Every lead that checks out will be reported to Sheriff Yamah
via an anonymous call to his tip line . . . . .
SeeK -30-
105
Chapter Nine
Kari tuned out her English teacher as she studied a small map of the chain of lakes. Seek had given her two assignments for the ledger; a boat silhouette on the water, and a headshot of Catlyn Youngblood. She could probably snap a pic of the new girl during lunch period, but the boat was not going to be as easy. For one thing shed have to shoot a boat while she stood on the east side of the water right as the sun set in order to nail the silhouette. On Lost Lake the only public place where she could do that was just a block away from Lakeside Memorial Gardens. After what had happened at the cemetery last month, however, Kari didnt want to be seen anywhere near the place. Even now the rumors about the boy who had been caught trespassing were still flying around school. They almost busted Seek at the cemetery, but he jacked a car and got away. Seek rules, man. I bet that joker who tried to break into the Hargraves tomb was gonna steal their bones so he could use them for a prank. You think Seek and his best friend will be out there tipping tombstones again on Halloween? This time I bet the kid steals a Harley so he can do donuts on the graves. The consensus among the students was that the trespasser was Seek, Seeks best friend, or some boy. Even Principal Deaver had gotten involved; hed interrupted homeroom announcements the next morning to tell the entire school about it.
106
A serious incident has been brought to my attention, Deaver said over the P.A. A student was discovered vandalizing private property at the memorial gardens last night, but he fled the scene before he could be identified by law enforcement. Anyone who knows this student or who has any information about the incident should report to my office immediately. Kari wasnt worried about being turned in; only Seek knew it had been her. What had her seriously frustrated was that she still didnt know who he was, or how hed known shed needed rescuing. Every girl dreams of a prince riding up on a big white horse to carry her off into the sunset. Only my prince rides a dirt bike. The size of the crush she had for Seek was borderline ridiculous, of course, but Kari didnt care. She went over and over every detail of that night; the way hed held his hand out to her, how it felt riding with him, the sound of his voice. Her knuckles tingled as she remembered the soft brush of his mouth. That had been the most romantic moment of her teen years. The first line of the story describes the boy of the tribe as being swift of foot and keen of eye, Mrs. Newsom was saying, but it was her sharp tone that jolted Kari back to reality. Why do you think the author used those particular phrases, Ms. Carson? Before Kari could answer, a voice behind her spoke up. They sound more literary, Connor Devlin said. As opposed to describing him as speedy and nosy. The teacher smiled over Karis head. Thank you, Connor, thats
107
Wrong. No way was Kari letting Satan answer for her. What the author wanted was the tone of her narrative to echo the style of Native American storytellers. Thank God shed actually bothered to read the story last night and knew what Mrs. Newsom was talking about. That way it sounded more authentic. All right. Lets move on. Never one to waste praise on a troublesome student, Mrs. Newsom picked up a stack of index cards and began walking down the aisles, placing one card face-down on each desk. On these cards is the name of one of your fellow students. You have five minutes to describe a personal strength or asset that student has using the same phrase construction as the author of this story. Do not use inappropriate physical descriptions or bad language. And no veiled insults, Mss Carson. Kari lifted one corner of her index card, convinced she would end up with some loser. But no, the first three letters were CON. She couldnt believe it until she flipped the card over and saw the rest. Shed drawn Satans card. Kari slapped it back down and raised her hand. Can we trade cards, Mrs. Newsom? No. Four minutes, the teacher added as she returned to her desk. Kari took out her pencil while a quick succession of phrases popped into her head. Forked of tongue. Obnoxious of manner. Rich of parents. Pea of brain. She couldnt write any of that, and finally she scribbled down what would make the teacher happy and keep her out of trouble.
108
Once Mrs. Newsom collected the cards, she began reading them out loud. Rose Carter, long of hair. Terry Hampton, brown of eye. Bryan Michaels, sweet of smile. Everyone hooted as Bryan groaned and sank down in his seat. Some of the other cards were funny, most were true, and when Mrs. Newsom read the one Kari had written Connor Devlin, straight of As a few of the jocks in class booed. Quiet, the teacher called out before she read a few more cards. She stopped and frowned at one, and then looked up at Kari. Who had Karises card? No one lifted a finger. Of course she would get the worst one, Kari thought. What does it say? When the teacher looked uncomfortable, she added, Go ahead, read it, I dont care. Mrs. Newsom sighed. Karise Carson, dark of heart. As the other kids laughed, Kari sat back. The words might have been meant as an insult, but they were also true. In a strange way, they felt like a backhanded compliment. She turned around to look for a guilty face. The only one not smirking at her was Satan, who returned her stare and nodded once. Kari swiveled back around, furious. Settle down. When the class finally quieted, Mrs. Newsome said, The point of this exercise was not to make fun of one another. Recognizing another persons strengths is an important part of properly illustrating a story character. Karise, for example, has many fine qualities.
109
Name one, someone called out from the back of the room, which touched off another round of laughs. Kari waited as Mrs. Newsom sputtered, and then took pity on her. No big deal. Being dark of heart isnt as pathetic as lying and pretending to be someone Im not. As she left English class, Kari considered bailing on school for the rest of the day. She might be able to convince Miss Flowers that she didnt feel well enough to make it through the rest of her classes. The only problem was transportation; school policy stated that any student on administrative probation (as Kari was) who signed out sick had to be picked up by a parent or adult relative. Gloria was working a double shift today and would be supremely ticked off if she had to punch out to come and get Kari. She was also reluctant to annoy her mother. Over the last month theyd gradually stopped being mortal enemies, and not bickering with Gloria over every little thing made life at home a bit easier. Dodging Satan simply wasnt worth ruining that fragile peace. Kari was so preoccupied she turned a corner without looking, walking into another girl. Books and papers flew everywhere. Sorry, Catlyn Youngblood said as she stooped to begin the pick-up process. Kari couldnt help thinking this would make a funny shot for the ledger, but Catlyn would look foolish. Finally she dropped down to help. My bad; I wasnt paying attention. Hows it going? My brother grounded me forever, Cat said. You? At the moment Im trying not to get grounded. She handed her a stack of papers and stood up. Any advice?
110
Yeah, avoid grand theft auto. Cat gave her a tired smile and hurried off. Kari went to her locker, where she saw Connor waiting for her. Of course, he wants to apologize, or explain what he meant, and as soon as he says one word to me Im going to punch him in the mouth. Before Satan could say a word a glowering redhead got in Karis face. I saw you, Tiffany Beck said, as if Kari had been dancing naked down the hallways. Of course she could also vent a little on someone else, too. Sorry, I dont give out autographs. I saw you talking to that Youngblood girl, the cheerleader snapped. What are you, her new best friend? Why? Kari countered. Are you interested in the job? Are you crazy? Tiffany looked ready to explode. That girl deliberately distracted Aaron during tryouts so hed get hurt and her brother could be the new quarterback. Oh, come on. Kari couldnt believe it. I was there. Cat didnt do anything but watch her brother play. Your boyfriend only got hurt because he was goofing off. To impress her, the cheerleader insisted. Shes been trying to get her hooks in him since the first day of school. How can you be friends with a scheming little witch like her? Now Im confused. Kari leaned against the lockers. When, exactly, did I put you in charge of deciding who my friends are?
111
As the kids who were passing overheard this they snickered, and Tiffanys cheeks began to match her hair. If you know whats good for you, youll stay away from that girl. And if I dont, what are you going to do? Kari asked sweetly. Pom-pom me to death? Youre such a loser. Tiffany went off in a huff. Kari turned to open her locker, felt someone watching her and turned her head to see Connor still standing there. Do you have a death wish or something? Id really like to know. I wanted to apologize. He stepped closer and lowered his voice. I just wrote what I thought. I didnt do it to make everyone laugh at you. What did you think theyd so? She turned away to spin the dial of her combination lock. Applaud? You meant what you said to Mrs. Newsom, though, he continued. You think Im a liar and a phony. As I recall, I didnt mention you by name. She opened her locker to block out his face. But yes, for the record, you are a liar, and as phony as Deavers hairpiece. As soon as she stepped back to close the locker Connor slammed it for her. Why do you hate me so much? Kari knew why he was angry, but she wasnt ready yet to throw the camera back in his face. You mean, aside from the fact that youre rich, youre popular, youre a jock, all your friends are rich, popular jocks, you stole the job of senior editor away from
112
me, and yet for some God unknown reason you still think we should be pals and wont leave me alone? Isnt that enough? Is there a problem here? Connor looked past her, and Kari glanced over her shoulder at Principal Deaver. No, sir, she said, smiling as wide as she could without cracking her face in half. The tardy bell will ring in one minute. Get to class. He walked on to disperse a cluster of students loitering outside one of the restrooms. When Kari turned around she saw Connor was already retreating down the hall. She couldnt yell after him, not with Deaver right there. Go ahead, Satan, run away, she thought as she headed toward her next class. One day we will finish this. # Spending an hour in the exercise room after he got home from school helped work off some of Connors frustrations, and by the time he finished fifty laps in the pool he felt comfortably numb. Connor couldnt remember the last time someone had spoken to him the way Kari had. Hed never met a kid at school who didnt want to be his best friend after five minutes. His parents never raised their voices, and teachers always liked him. Even his coaches, who took pride in their toughness with players, rarely gave him anything other than shouts of encouragement or praise for his performance. But Kari hated him, and everything he did to try to change her mind about him only made things worse.
113
Connor went downstairs to retrieve his backpack from the Jeep, but his mother called him into the kitchen. Honey, your father just called. His battery is dead and theres no one left at the office. She waved at the pots cooking on the stove. Ive right in the middle of cooking dinner. Would you mind running over and giving him a jump? Sure, Mom. He took his keys from the bowl by the back door. Something smells good. Baked apples, which your trainer says are healthy and nutritious. She winked at him. Just dont say anything to him about the brown sugar, raisins and pastry I accidentally rolled them in. He kissed her cheek. Your secret is safe with me. Richard Devlin had once kept his real estate office in one of the little shops downtown, but as his business had grown hed started looking for land to buy where he could build more impressive accommodations. Unfortunately the Raven family owned nearly all of the land around Lost Lake as well as most of the town, and despite many generous offers from Richard had always refused to sell. Connor still remembered how often and loudly his father had complained to his mother about the stranglehold the Ravens had on undeveloped property. They behave like feudal lords, leaving their property from one generation to another, Richard had ranted one night after receiving another polite letter of refusal. What harm would it do to sell a few hundred acres to investors, or single-family home builders? How is this town ever going to grow?
114
In the end Richard had been forced to buy an existing property, a pretty ten-yearold summer home that had been foreclosed on by the bank. The only attraction for Richard had been the five acres on which it stood; hed had the house bulldozed and build his professional office in its place. Impressive as it was, Connor didnt like his fathers office building. Richard had chosen a vaguely Greek design for the big rectangular structure, with imposing stone facades, soaring columns and floor-to-ceiling glass windows. It would have looked right at home on Rodeo Drive, but among the old country-style houses of the surrounding neighborhood it all but shrieked snobbery. He saw his fathers BMW sitting in its usual spot, and pulled up next to it. Richard came out of the office, still talking on a cordless phone, and gestured for Connor to follow him inside. This cant wait, Henry, Richard said as he led Connor back to his office. There have been three burglaries of lakeside summer homes I manage, and Ill be damned if there is going to be a fourth. Change all the locks and deliver the keys to me by tomorrow morning, or Ill take my business elsewhere. Thank you. He switched off the phone and placed it on the charging unit. Where have you been? Working out at home. I told your mother an hour ago to send you over here. She must have forgotten. He glanced at the clock on his desk before he jotted down something on his calendar and scratched off something else. Have a seat. Watching his father work didnt interest Connor. Dad, just give me your keys and Ill go get the car started.
115
My battery isnt dead. I told your mother that to get you over here so we could talk in private. He pointed at the chair. Sit down. His father often withheld certain information from his mother, but Richard seldom lied outright to her. So it had to be about her. He wants to move to the city. He ruled that out; Richard liked being the real estate king of Lost Lake. He wants a divorce. Connor had long suspected his father had affairs now and then, but if he was stepping out on his mother Richard had been very discreet. Finally his father sat down and regarded him. I got a call from John Deaver today. He saw you arguing with Karise Carson, and he seemed to think it was over something other than schoolwork. Is that true? No. Connor pushed his hands into his pockets. I had a disagreement with her about an English class assignment, thats all. Richard didnt appear convinced. Are you involved with this girl? Deaver must have heard more than them arguing. Kari and I are in some of the same classes, and we work together on the school newsletter. Thats not what I asked. Im not dating her. He tried to sound bored. John also told me that some teacher assigned you to be the girls student mentor, Richard said. I told him you dont have the time for that, so as of tomorrow hell assign someone else to her. He stared at the pen holder on the desk. Its a peer counseling program, Dad. Im just available if she needs someone to talk to.
116
I dont care what it involves, youre done with it, Richard said flatly. That Carson girl is nothing but trouble. I dont want you associating with her. Connor clenched his jaw. Karise happens to be a straight-A student who dresses like a freak, is constantly in trouble, and will likely drop out before the end of the year, Richard said. If she doesnt end up in juvenile detention first. Oh, yes. John told me all about her. Mr. Deaver is over-exaggerating, Connor insisted. He doesnt like Kari, so he never has anything good to say about her. While youre defending her. His fathers expression darkened. You are involved with her. For Gods sake, Connor, her mother cleans houses for me. We dont meddle with the help. The last shred of Connors patience finally snapped. Kari and her mother are poor, but that doesnt make them inferior. Theyre no different from us. We just have more money and things. All of which you obviously dont appreciate. Very well, son. Richard seemed pleased. Lets discuss money and things.
117
Chapter Ten
That all you going to eat, girl? the lunch line lady asked as she rang up Karis chocolate milk and apple bran muffin. Uh-huh. Kari stifled a yawn before she scrounged a couple of dollars out of her pocket. Unless you want to give me a serious discount on the caviar and champagne special. The older woman shook her head as she handed over the change. All that sugar aint good for you. So stop putting all the sweet stuff where I can reach it. Kari winked at her before she headed for an empty table in one corner that would give her full view of all the other tables. A group of band kids had the same idea but didnt reach the table as soon as Kari. They stood for a moment studying her like a piece of sheet music theyd never tried to play. I wont touch your instruments, Kari promised. Two fair-haired flute players who were almost twins exchanged a look before putting their trays down on either side of Kari and tucking their cases under their seats. The other kids reluctantly did the same. My names Rose, the girl with green eyes said, and nodded at her blue-eyed friend. Thats Rebecca. Im Kari. She waited for some snide remark, but the girls only nodded and started talking to the other band kids about an after-school practice.
118
Kari didnt mind being ignored. The kids in Tanglewoods marching band were a small but tight group who never socialized outside their ranks. Besides, being left out of the conversation allowed her to do some cafeteria reconnaissance. She saw the usual clusters of jocks, geeks, slackers and rah-rahs, although they were outnumbered by the nameless and fameless, who sat in sad little pairs and threesomes or ate in silence at anonymous tables. No sign of Catlyn Youngblood, however. Was someone supposed to meet you? Rose asked. No, Im just nosy. Idly she began peeling the paper from the bottom of her muffin. So whats happening in band? You guys do anything interesting over the summer? Why do you want to know? Rebecca countered. Im going to be a journalist someday. She took a test nibble of one edge. Its good practice to interrogate the unsuspecting. We had two weeks of band camp over the summer, Rose said. We marched eight hours a day under the burning sun and through swarms of mosquitoes until our heels blistered. Yeah. Rebecca made a dreamy sound. It was so cool. Especially when the freshmen started throwing up and passing out. Okay. Kari glanced around the table to see if anyone was smirking. Why would you spend two weeks doing that? Were band, Rose said, as if that explained it all.
119
Right. She finally spotted Catlyn Youngblood, who was sitting with the Mexican kid Kari had lent a pencil to in detention hall. Kids walked past the empty seats at their table to join others that were overcrowded. You guys know that new girl over there? Rose glanced in the direction Kari pointed. The one with Ego? Shes not in band. Thats the girl who almost got killed at the zoo the other night, Rebecca said. Kari blinked. Excuse me? Didnt you go on the field trip? Rose asked. When Kari shook her head, she said, It was awful. Tiffany Beck let one of the cheetahs loose. Now Kari knew she was being hustled. No way. Way, Rose said calmly. She looked around at the other band kids, who nodded in agreement. Thats crazy. Its all because Tiffany and the new girl have been fighting over Aaron Boone since like the first day of school, Rose said. The cheerleader finally snapped. I dont know, Rebecca said. That new girl doesnt like Boone at all, and no one actually saw Tiffany let the cheetah loose. So the cheetah attack could be just a story someone made up. That made more sense to Kari. Oh, no, the cheetah really got loose. Rose mimed holding a rifle. They had to shoot it with one of those tranquilizer guns to keep it from eating Cat and a bunch of little kids. She fired her invisible rifle, and one of the boys on the other side of the table clutched his chest and slumped back in his chair.
120
As the other kids laughed, Rebecca said to Kari, Someone wants to hurt the new girl and blame Tiffany for it. She nodded. Or hurt Tiffany and blame the new girl for it. Or drive Boone crazy. Boone is crazy, Rebecca told her. She wouldnt argue with that. How do you know all this stuff? Were band. Rebecca gave her a superior smile. We know everything. After the band kids left en masse to spend the rest of lunch period practicing a new piece, Kari took out her camera and quickly framed a shot of Cats face. The image she snapped showed the new girl looking pale and worried; it was perfect. Unfortunately the Mexican kid chose that moment to glance in her direction. Oops. She lowered the camera and sent him a smile. Remember, I was nice to you. Dont tell her. Oh, damn. The Mexican kid was already pointing her out. She had two choices: she could leave the cafeteria and, if anyone asked, pretend she had only been checking some settings on the camera. Or she could face the music, defuse the situation and maybe find out more about the cheetah attack. Kari walked over to the exiles table. Since you caught me, I thought Id ward off a summons to the deans office and explain. I think you two make such a cute couple that I was overwhelmed by warm fuzzies and had to capture the moment for posterity. Try again, Cat suggested. Looking into the other girls eyes made Kari feel guilty enough to tell the truth. Im a hired gun. Im getting paid a pittance to take pics of you for the Lost Ledger. The Mexican boy laughed, but Cat only frowned. I beg your pardon?
121
The Ledgers kind of an underground subversive newswire thing, Kari said, and briefly explained Seeks method of publishing via anonymous notebook drop. You know who writes the Ledger? the Mexican boy wanted to know. Wish I did, Kari said honestly. I love the guy. Id have his babies. But no, I just get an envelope in my locker with the pittance and instructions. I leave the photos I take in a certain book at the media center. Its all very anonymous. But why have an underground notebook newswire or whatever it is? Cat asked. And why does it have to be anonymous? First, because a lot of creepy things happen in this town that dont make it into the official media sources, Kari told her. A strange look came over the other girls face, as if she understood. Second, Kari went on, our benevolent dictator, I mean, the school principal, has sworn that when he finds out whos writing the Ledger, theyre going to be expelled. And now shed said too much, and the teacher who monitored the lunch room was walking toward them, which was her cue to leave. Thanks for the warm fuzzies and all. On her way out of the cafeteria Kari passed the jocks table, where for once Aaron Boone was not holding court. Kari never went to the football games, but everyone had been talking about Grayson Youngbloods stellar performance as the new quarterback. Since hed gotten injured no one seemed to be paying much attention to Boone. But Connor was there, and Kari knew he went on all the school field trips, so she walked over to him.
122
Hey, she said. Did you know about Catlyn Youngblood being attacked at the zoo? Are you writing it up for the newsletter? I heard, and no, Im not. He got up and carried the lunch he hadnt eaten over to the trash cans, where he dumped it and then walked out of the cafeteria. Kari sighed and went after him, weaving around other students until she caught him at his next class. Hang on, Senior Editor. I cant write up the zoo thing. I wasnt there. Neither was I. He went inside. Annoyed, Kari followed him in. Come on. As her voice echoed around them, she lowered it. This has to be the best newsletter story of the year, and youre not writing it up? Connor turned around. Kari, this is the locker room. So? The boys locker room. Oh. She glanced around. Why is it bigger than the girls? You cant be in here. He turned her around to face the exit. Aaron Boone and two of his friends came in before Kari could get out, and as soon as they saw her they formed a human blockade. What are you doing in here, Punk Girl? His cold green eyes shifted past her face. Hey, Devlin, you got yourself a groupie? No, Connor and Kari said at the same time. After glaring at Connor, she said, I walked in here by mistake. If youll get out of the way, Ill leave.
123
Not so fast. Boone leaned back against the door. Ive seen the way you two are always looking at each other. You got a thing for Devlin, Punk Girl? Or is he sweet on you? Get out of my way, Boone, Kari said in her sweetest voice, and I wont put you back on crutches. Oh, now youre definitely not leaving. Boone looked her over, smirking a little. You know, Connor, I bet shes not half bad to look at under all this crap she wears. You ever try scrubbing her down and hosing her off? Cut it out. Connor stepped between them. Like she said, it was a mistake. Let her go. Boone glanced at the other players. What do you think, guys? One of his friends leaned over and murmured something that made Boone laugh. Perfect. To Kari, he said, If you want to leave, you gotta give Devlin a good-bye kiss. Kari turned to Connor. These are your friends, not mine. Cant you do something? Yeah. But as soon as he started toward Boone, the two friends flanked him, grabbing his arms and hauling him back to force him to sit on the end of the bench between the lockers. Kari felt a surge of panic. Stop it. Its okay, Punk Girl. Boone draped an arm over her shoulders. Theyre not gonna hurt him. Theyll just hold him down for you. Go on. When she wouldnt move on her own, he gave her a push toward Connor. Show the boy how they do it in the trailer park.
124
I live in an apartment, you moron. Kari eyed the other boys. Ill do it, but you have to turn him loose first. Connor went still. Kari, dont. Sounds good to me, Boone said, nodding to his friends, who backed away from Connor. She walked over to the bench, where she knelt down in front of him, and Boones friends let Connor go. She put her hands on his shoulders and leaned close. Its okay, she murmured. Just close your eyes and think of England. She tipped her head slightly to avoid bumping his nose with hers, and touched her lips to his mouth. Like her, he kept his eyes open, and she felt his hands on her waist and a whisper of his breath mixing with hers. She thought shed rub her mouth against his to imitate a kiss, but for some reason her lips were clinging to his. Is that the best youve got, Punk Girl? Boone sounded scathing. Connor pulled her forward, his hands tight, and then he kissed her with his mouth open, nudging her lips apart just enough to taste, and then she was doing the same to him, and things got entirely too hot for a first kiss, her first kiss, and she couldnt move or breathe, she could only feel Connors hand stroked over the back of her hair before he eased away. God, Kari, Im sorry. She wasnt. You really are the devil. Come on. He helped her up and put his arm around her as they faced Boone and the other boys, who were whistling and clapping. Move.
125
Boone and his boys shuffled aside, and Connor walked her outside. He didnt speak until the door closed behind them. Im going to kill Aaron. Then our little village will need a new idiot. She had to stop looking at his mouth and remembering how it felt on hers. I can do some interviews about the cheetah attack, find out what really happened. It would make a great piece for Halloween. Even if you could get it past Mrs. Hopkins, he said, Deaver will never sign off on it. How are we supposed to report school news when he censors everything? Kari demanded. Its just the way it is. He looked up as the bell rang. Youd better get to class. Are you going to tell everyone I kissed you? she couldnt help asking. He shook his head. Ill make sure Aaron and the guys dont, either. Kari felt oddly crushed. It was that bad, huh? No. He looked around before he bent his head and gave her a fast, hard kiss. It was that good. He was gorgeous, he kissed like a dream, and he was lying to her. Then why dont you want anyone to know about it? Its my Dad. You know what a snob he is, right? When she nodded, he said, If he hears that Ive been anywhere near you, hes going to sell my Jeep.
126
Chapter Eleven
Seek had been counting the days until Halloween, the one night he legitimately wear a mask in public, and safely go anywhere and talk to anyone. People were more inclined to share spooky stories about Lost Lake, too, as if October 31st provided some kind of immunity. This year he had another reason to cross the days off his calendar; hed bought two tickets to the school Halloween dance and dropped one in Kari Carsons locker, along with instructions to get some shots of the best costumes for the ledger. It was a lie, of course; he didnt care about the photographs. He was going to dance with Kari Carson tonight. All night, if he could manage it. And maybe, if everything went according to plan, shed be the one to finally unmask him. He finished typing his report for the special Halloween edition of the ledger, and scanned the photographs Kari had taken of different boats on the water. One came out too dark on his Photoshop program to show much detail in print, so he adjusted the exposure. On the screen the background sunset lightened to pink, gold and blue, but the big lake cruiser remained black. Seek zoomed in, and realized that the color wasnt a silhouette effect, but came from the boat, which had been painted black. He increased the magnification, which showed two men standing by the outboard motor. They were dressed in black, and had on heavy work gloves. Together they
127
were dumping blocks of something white into a large chest, which seemed to be smoking. He sat back in his chair. What is that? You gonna play on the computer all night, kid? The smell of aftershave made Seek turn his head, and he nearly fell out of Tonys chair. The mechanic had not only showered and shaved, but had put on a dark blue dress shirt, a slightly crooked striped tie, and perfectly pressed navy trousers. Im heading out. Tony held up his clean hands and turned around. What do you think? Who are you? Seek asked. His friend scowled. Do I look okay, or what? You look great. Seek got up and reached for Tonys tie to straighten it, and then grinned at him. I get it. You asked Miss Ross out. He used a finger to tug at his collar. The Chamber of Commerce is having a Halloween party over at Dockside Inn this afternoon. Her cars acting up again, so Im just giving her a ride. That inn is only three blocks away from the bank, Seek reminded him. She could walk there in two minutes. A lady shouldnt go anywhere by herself in this town, Tony said, and tapped Seeks shoulder. You should be careful, too, boy. Yamahs starting his kid buster patrol early. His eyes shifted to the computer monitor. What you got there? Im not sure. When Tony came over, he pointed to the cooler on the screen. What do you think these guys are putting in that chest?
128
Fish they shouldnt be eating? Tony squinted at the screen. No, not fish. That looks like blocks of dry ice. Seek studied it again. Why would you use dry ice on a boat? It doesnt melt fast, keeps things cold for a long time. Maybe they caught a bunch of fish. He straightened. Could be for a Halloween party, too. You drop dry ice in water, it turns into a mist. Seek thought back through several ledger stories, making connections between each one. You cant touch it, though, right? Sure you can, if you want to get a nasty burn. The mechanic scratched the back of his neck. Whats this about, kid? Three burglaries, two fishermen, and a ghost fog. Seek saved the picture and stood up. I need a map of the lakes. # Standing in front of her closet, Kari tried to decide what she would wear to the Halloween Dance. Almost everything she owned was eminently suitable to the occasion, but while shed be more comfortable in her version of normal clothes, shed also be easy to spot. Im too Halloween for Halloween, thats the problem. She flirted with the idea of dressing up like a boy, as she had for her visit to the cemetery, but the dance would be lousy with teachers and chaperons. If Deaver saw a boy in a baseball cap taking pictures hed probably call 911. Scratch cross-dressing.
129
She hadnt gone truck-or-treating since elementary school, so none of the old costumes Gloria had saved from those days would fit her. What she could borrow was one of her mothers work uniforms and wear that; plenty of kids who couldnt afford costumes dressed up as their parents. Kari went into Glorias bedroom and opened the door to her walk-in closet. She turned her back on the empty side where her fathers clothes had once hung and sorted through her mothers things. Before her parents had split up, Gloria had dressed up often, and while Kari didnt like the rainbow colors her mother loved, she realized she missed seeing her in them. These days all Kari ever saw Gloria wear was her uniform, grubby clothes for her cleaning job, or pajamas. When did you stop caring what you looked like, Mom? Some garment bags at the back of the rack caught her eye, and Kari moved aside some hangars to get to them. Instead of the work uniforms shed expected to find, the bags held several gowns and dresses. Most were covered with sequins and beading; they had to be some of the outfits her mother had worn when shed been a showgirl in Vegas. Kari took out one pale green and white sheath over which sequins in matching colors had been sewn in a fish-scale pattern. At the bottom of the bag she found a sequined green skullcap and a pair of stilettos that had sparkly fins attached to the sides. Her mother had started out dancing for an aquatic-themed show once; it was her mermaids costume. Kari brought it out to Glorias full-length mirror and held the dress up in front of her. Luckily the costume was long; if it had been short Kari couldnt have worn it without
130
flashing her butt at everyone. The costume was also in a smaller size than the others Gloria had worn later on in her career. It just might fit. Kari quickly stripped, and carefully stepped into the costume. The bodice was too large for her, but when she tied the halter straps tighter it eliminated most of the sagging fabric. A couple of safety pins would do the rest. Kari went to the bathroom to do something about her face. She was tempted to go au natural no one would expect that from her but the glitziness of the mermaid costume inspired her to try a different look. What you really want, she thought as she applied one of Glorias paler pink lipsticks to her mouth, is to look good for Satan. Which was ironic and ridiculous and kind of pathetic. One kiss did not change the dynamics of an entire relationship. Not that they had one. Oh, no. She eyed her reflection in the cabinet mirror. Im turning into a girl. Feeling completely disgusted with herself, Kari put down the lipstick and picked up some green eye shadow her mother sometimes wore to match her work uniform. Instead of applying it to her lids, Kari began dusting it along the contours of her face. Okay, so I want to kiss him again. Admitting she was powerless against the incredible feel of Connor Devlins lips would be her first step toward recovery. Maybe I could kiss someone else. Her heart voted for Seek. Her lips still wanted Connor. She put down the eye shadow, satisfied with how the hint of green here and there made her look more otherworldly than if shed covered her face in the stuff. She
131
still looked a mermaid version herself, however, and she also didnt have a mask to wear. Kari bent down and took out the bin with all her makeup in it. Thanks to her father, one thing she had tons of was black eyeliner. The first time hed painted her face, Kari remembered, she had been five years old. Shed gotten up early that morning, and her father had just been coming home from his latest show. As always, hed brought her a T-shirt with the name of the band that had played at his concert. That time hed also carried in a big case. As soon as her father saw her hed scooped her up in his arms. He smelled of whiskey and sweat, and staggered a little before he regained his balance. Baby, what are you doing out of bed? Cant sleep when youre at work, Daddy. She looked down at the case. Whats in there? Lots of stuff for Mommy. He set her down. Want to see? Hed open the case and shown Kari all the strange bottles, tubes and plastic cases filled with powders and creams he called stage makeup. All of them glittered, but most of the colors had been dark. Kari wanted to play with the makeup, but it wasnt for her. Then she got an idea. Daddy, Mommy likes pink. That she does. He yawned. These are mostly not pink. Can I have them? Her father chuckled and ruffled her hair with his hand. Youre too little to wear makeup.
132
No, Im not. She turned her face up to him. You put some on me. Make me a rock star, too. You probably wont like it, her father warned as he picked her up and sat her on the kitchen table. Okay, now hold still. Hed worked on her for a long time, but Kari had liked the strange, exotic smell of the makeup, and the way it felt on her skin. Above all she loved that her father was paying attention to her. Usually he was too tired. Finally he stepped back and grinned. Oh, baby. You look gorgeous. Kari jumped down from the table and ran into her parents bedroom to look at herself in her mothers vanity mirror. At first it almost scared her to see the way her father had painted her face, but then she turned her head and the sunlight made the dark colors sparkle, as if they were magic. Kari. Gloria stumbled out of bed and turned her around to face her. What on earth? Daddy made me a rock star, Mommy. Kari smiled hopefully at her. Arent I pretty now? Her mother had marched her into the bathroom. Little girls dont wear makeup, she told her as she took a washcloth and began scrubbing Karis face. Her father heard her howling and appeared in the doorway. For Christs sake, Gloria, do you have to spoil everything? Youre drunk, her mother snapped. Get out of here.
133
Her father had argued with her mother, until they had been shouting at each other. As Kari sobbed hed finally slammed out of the apartment. That time he hadnt called or come home for three days. That pattern was repeated a few thousand times over the following years as Karis parents marriage disintegrated. Her father had been unable to stop drinking or give up the roadie life to settle down and get a regular job. His absences grew longer and more frequent, until the year he had moved them to Lost Lake so he could work as part of an arena crew in Orlando; the closest thing to a regular job he could handle. Less than six months later he had quit the arena crew to join a new band going on a cross-country tour. Hed gone and had simply never come back. Since Gloria had divorced him Kari hadnt seen her father once, but he called a couple of times a year. When he remembered, he also sent Kari packages for her birthday and Christmas, always filled with castoffs and discards from the various Goth bands he crewed for. Gloria thought Kari wore it to annoy her, and maybe that was partly true. But the only time Kari felt good about herself was when she wore the clothes and the makeup her father sent. Now she picked up a bottle of eyeliner and rolled it between her fingers as she studied her face. Maybe its time I stopped trying to be your little rock star, Dad. She opened the bottle and started painting over her right eyebrow. Once she had finished, Kari went back into Glorias room to view the full results. The sequined skullcap covered her hair completely, and the pink lipstick turned her mouth from sulky to sultry. The cherry on the top was the solid swath of black eyeliner
134
she had painted over her eyes, eyelids and temples. It really looked like she was wearing a mask. What are you doing in here? She turned to see Gloria standing in the doorway, and the dj vu made her shiver a little. Im getting ready for the Halloween Dance. I borrowed one of your outfits. She looked down at the costume. Does it look okay? Take it off and put it back. Gloria stalked off. Kari went to the kitchen, where her mother was thumping pots on the stoves. I know I should have asked first, but you werent here and I didnt think youd care. She frowned. I thought you were working late tonight. Not anymore. Gloria peeled off the top of a soup can and dumped the contents into a pot. I got fired today, from both my jobs. All the air went out of her lungs. Why? I stole a camera from Ben Norris. You didnt steal it. Kari hesitated. Did you? No, Karise, I didnt, her mother snapped. But Ben told the manager at the market that someone stole it a couple weeks ago, and that his brother saw you using it. I told my boss that I paid for it, but since I gave Ben cash and didnt bother to get a receipt, I cant prove it. So he fired me. Hes lying. I know that, Karise. Do you want to know why they believed him? Gloria threw the spoon into the sink. It wasnt his camera. He just borrowed it from Richard Devlins kid.
135
Kari sat down. This cant be happening. This is a huge mistake. I thought the same thing, so I went to Mr. Devlins office to talk to him about it. I figured it was some kind of mix-up. She took a deep breath. You know what that man did? He called me a thief and liar. Right to my face. He fired me, too, and said hes gonna make damn sure nobody else in this town gives me a job. But you know what else hes doing? Kari cringed and shook her head. Hes evicting us. He gave me a week to pack and get out. Her mother came to stand over her. Did you have anything to do with this? Did you get fresh with him or something? Karis eyes widened. Mom, I swear, I havent done a thing. Ive never even met Mr. Devlin. Of course you havent. God Almighty. Gloria sank down into a chair and buried her face in her hands. I cant believe hes running me out of town like Im some kind of criminal. Kari thought of what Connor had said after hed kissed her. Its not you, she said slowly. Its me. Hes doing this because hes afraid of me. Her mother lifted her head. Why would he be afraid of you? Her expression changed. Its his boy, isnt it? I think so. Kari went over to the table, and put her arms around her mother. Listen, Connor will be at the dance. Ill talk to him.
136
You kids cant do anything now. Gloria wiped her eyes before she looked over Karis costume. You look pretty in that. You should wear a dress more often. She sat up and sniffed back the last of her tears. So you need money for this dance? Ive already got a ticket. Kari hugged her. And I will find a way to fix this. Have faith, Mom. Gloria sighed. Faith is all we got left, honey. The phone rang, and she got up to answer it. She listened and then held out the receiver to Kari. Its for you. Kari frowned as she took it. Hello? Its Seek, a low voice murmured. I need your help.
137
Chapter Twelve
I feel really bad about this, man, Pete Norris said after he finished telling Connor what his brother Ben had done to get Gloria Carson fired. I dont know how your dad made him do it, but Ive never seen my bro that scared. Not even when he had to get his wisdom teeth pulled. Forget about it. Connor had to step aside as two kids in Star Wars costumes came out of the gym to have a light-saber sword fight on the front lawn. Tell Ben its okay, and Im sorry about my Dad. As Pete went back into the gym, Connor watched the cars stopping out in the street to drop off more kids. Now that all of his plans for the night were blown he didnt know what to do. He went still as he saw Gloria Carsons Impala pull up to the curb, and the glittering mermaid who got out of the passenger door. Excuse me, a pale boy dressed like a highwayman said. Have you seen Catlyn Youngblood arrive? Connor didnt look away from Kari, who was walking carefully toward the gym. Yeah, shes inside with Aaron Boone. Shes in a red velvet gown; hes dressed like a vampire. How interesting. Thank you. The boy went inside. After hearing the news from Pete Connor didnt know what he was going to say to Kari. Hed never considered that his father would try to hurt Kari through her mother. Without a job and Richard would make sure she couldnt find another Gloria Carson
138
would be forced to move away from Lost Lake. Of course Kari would have to go with her. Connor pushed away from the wall and started down the steps to meet Kari, only to see her make an abrupt turn and walk in the opposite direction. Happy Halloween, handsome. Cindy, one of the cheerleaders, intercepted him. You look so great. Um, what are you supposed to be? A soccer player. Really? Cindy regarded his costume. Wait, Ive seen that jersey before. Youre supposed to be that English soccer player. Whats his name. David Buckham? Beckham, he corrected impatiently, trying to go around her. Yeah, him. Hey, dont run away. She countered his move. You have to guess who I am now. Connor glanced at her long blue skirt and the rhinestone tiara in her hair. Youre a princess. Thats right. She giggled and twirled around. But which one? Her gown was blue, which was . . . Sleeping Beauty. As she clapped her hands, he added, Cindy, excuse me, Ive got to dance with me. She smiled and tugged at his hand. Come on, Connor. Youre one of the few guys on the team who doesnt have two left feet. I cant. He looked over her head, but Kari was gone. Have a good time.
139
Connor ran down the sidewalk, checking the side streets before turning the corner and nearly running down a group of grade schoolers dressed like miniature ghosts, witches and superheroes. One of the mothers herding the kids grabbed a pint-size Superman just in time to yank him out of Connors path. Watch where youre going! Sorry. Seeing more trick-or-treaters ahead, Connor darted from the sidewalk into the street, where he had to immediately dodge an SUV and a pickup truck. The SUVs driver laid on his horn, while the guy behind the wheel of the pickup lowered his window and shouted his opinions about Connors IQ, his mothers marital status and where he was going after death. Connor made it across Main and was halfway to the park when he saw the faint glitter of white and green ahead. Kari was climbing onto the east side bus, and as soon as she was inside the driver closed the doors and pulled out onto the road. Hey, wait, Connor shouted, throwing up his arms and waving them as he ran in hopes of catching the drivers eye. As the bus kept going, he increased his pace, hoping to beat the bus to the next traffic light. When he didnt, he slowed to a stop and bent over to catch his breath. Something I can do for you, son? He turned his head to see Sheriff Yamah, and behind him, the sheriffs office. He closed his eyes briefly before he straightened. No, sir. I was just trying to catch the bus. The older man frowned. Havent I seen you driving around town in a Jeep?
140
Yes, sir. I thought I saw a friend of mine on the bus. His backpack, Connor remembered, was still in the Jeep, which hed parked in a public lot two blocks from here. Hope you have a Happy Halloween. Yamah looked down the street as someone in the distance shrieked. No such thing, son. # When the east side bus reached the last stop on its route, Kari was the only passenger left. I dont like leaving girls by themselves on dark roads, the driver said as she walked up to the front. You live around here, young lady? Right down there, sir. She pointed at the first house she saw. Well, you go straight home, now, you hear? He opened the doors. Kari climbed down and turned to give the driver a wave before she walked toward her fictitious home. As soon as the bus was gone she crossed the street and started up the long dirt road leading to the top of Haunted Hill. She didnt like dark roads any more than the driver, but when Seek had called earlier he had promised to meet her on the hill. I know whos behind the ghost fog, and why theyre doing it, hed told her. I need pictures, though, to prove it. Can you meet me at old Julians place at midnight? Why there? Shed asked. Ill explain when you get there. Dont tell anyone where youre going. Near the top of the hill Kari stopped to take off her mothers heels, which were making her feet ache. How did she dance in these things?
141
Something rustled in the bushes a few feet from Kari. She shivered. Suddenly the thought of turning around and running back to the bus stop seemed almost sensible. Im not afraid, Im cautious. And cold. Kari stood on tiptoe, but the only party of Hargraves mansion she could see from here was the Spanish-moss draped roof peak. Shed been listening for the sound of Seeks dirt bike, but nothing interrupted the silence on Haunted Hill. The bushes rustled again. Except whatever is hiding over there and watching me. To spare her feet, Kari walked the rest of the way on the grass growing by the side of the road. As she made it to the top of the hill it ended at the edge of a drive paved with old brick in a strange pattern of circles and crescents. One of the creepy stories about the Hargraves was that they had built their mansion almost entirely out of materials salvaged from some buildings in town that had been destroyed by a fire. That one might be true, Kari, thought, eyeing some of the bricks she walked over, which had black streaks and patches on them. No strange lights flickered in the windows of Hargraves mansion tonight, however, and she could see no sign of Seek, the ghost fog or any living thing. If this was Seeks idea of a Halloween prank . . . Kari walked up to the corner of the front porch, where a couple of old rocking chairs had been turned around to face the windows. Next to them were rows of big red plastic containers with curved spouts. As soon as she went up the steps she could smell what was in the containers. Gasoline?
142
Kari counted twenty five-gallon containers, and when she tried to pick up one she found it was full. A quick check confirmed all the others were, too. No way the lawn maintenance people need a hundred gallons of gas for their equipment. Kari backed away, and glanced inside one of the dusty windows. She couldnt see anything except the black cloth covering it from the inside. Old Julian had never left the mansion until theyd carted him off to a nursing home, so the gas couldnt be for a car. Hed also had plenty of money, so he wouldnt hire someone to burn down his house as some kind of insurance scam. Maybe someone else wants to burn down the place. Kari gave the containers an uneasy look. She went to the front door, which was locked, as were all the windows. She glanced down at the welcome mat in front of the door, which looked out of place because it was cheap and brand-new. It couldnt be that easy. She crouched down and lifted up the mat, revealing a spare key. Or maybe it could. She picked up the key and bit her lip as she eyed the door. If someone caught her outside the house she could make several thousand excuses to explain her presence. Everyone knew the house was abandoned, so if she were caught inside even with the key and a good story she wouldnt be able to dodge charges of breaking and entering. No one had ever been allowed inside Hargraves mansion, though, and Kari wanted one last coup for the ledger before she and Gloria left town. She slipped the key in the lock and let herself inside. The cold, dark air smelled musty and stale, as if the windows had been kept shut for years. She reached in her
143
backpack for her camera and Seeks flashlight, and after hanging her camera strap around her neck she clicked on the light. All the antique furniture in the front room had been dragged back and shoved up against the walls; she could still see the marks on the faded carpet left by the heaviest pieces. One table by the door held several lanterns and some mounds of black fabric. When she picked up one, it stretched out into an oval with two holes. Ski masks. She counted five before she put down the one in her hand. The beam from the flashlight illuminated some muddy footprints, which Kari followed down a hall and into an enormous kitchen. The unlovely smell of garbage made her nose wrinkle, and as she turned the flashlight from side to side she saw several take-out pizza boxes, crumpled burger wrappers and empty soda cups with the straws still in the lids. A mound of black plastic garbage bags formed a heap by one door; some of the bags had ragged holes in them. Kari went to the humming refrigerator to open the door. Inside were several sixpacks of beer, sandwich meat, bread and various condiments. All of them had been bought recently, judging by the expiration dates. Someone is living here, she thought as she closed the door. And theyre a pig who doesnt like to take out the garbage. Kari. She whirled around, her flashlights beam illuminated Connor Devlins face. God, you scared me. What are you doing here? A hand reached out and switched on the kitchen light, but it wasnt Connors. It belonged to the man holding a gun to his head.
144
Trick or treat, Ugly said. # Connor threw himself against the doors a few times before he shuffled back and clutched his shoulder. Were not getting out this way. He looked over at Kari. What about the phone? Disconnected. She dropped the receiver back onto the cradle and scanned the room. No windows. No other doors. She glanced up. We could try the air conditioning vent, if we were twenty feet taller and a lot thinner. Ugly had forced them at gunpoint into Old Julians library, where hed locked them inside. Not a sound, he warned them. Or you both get to be mermaids. Forever. Connor began to pace. Did you tell anyone you were coming here? Oh, sure. She folded her arms. The first thing I did was inform my social secretary that Id be breaking into Julian Hargravess mansion tonight. Just in case I was late getting back and the other servants got worried. He stopped in front of her. Where does your mother think you are? Same place your mother thinks you are, at the dance. She wrapped her arms around herself and shivered. When we dont come home tonight theyll call the sheriff. I took the bus here. You drove your Jeep, right? Maybe hell figure it out. I didnt drive the Jeep here. He went to his backpack and unzipped it. Then how did you get here? When he didnt answer, she wandered over to the book shelves. Well, at least theres plenty to read while we die slowly of dehydration and starvation.
145
Were not going to die. She turned around. I dont see a fridge or a water fountain in here, do you? She frowned as she saw him coming toward her with a neatly-folded bundle of black fabric. Whats that? A stash of Mamas homemade brownies? My jacket. Youre shivering. He held it out. Put it on. Ill never be that cold. She turned her back on him, and stiffened as he draped the fleece jacket around her. Soft and warm, it smelled of him, but as she reached up to push it off she felt a string and then the fold of the hood. Slowly she brought up her other hand and pulled the hood up over her head. It covered her face completely, just as it had Seeks. I should have told you a long time ago, Connor said in Seeks low murmur. I didnt think youd believe me. No. Kari bent forward, pressing her head against the book spines and closing her eyes. I wouldnt have. Why Seek? Its not Seek, not really. Its C-K. Anger and something else roiled up in her, and she tried to hold it off by wrapping the end of the hoodie string around her thumb. Your initials are C.D. So why use K? To throw everyone off? The K was for you. C-K, Connor and Kari. So was the King of Clubs. K-C, Kari and Connor. He put his hands on her shoulders. I used it as my handle, carved it on trees, wrote it in notebooks and showed it to everyone at school, but only I knew what it really meant. She straightened. Why?
146
I thought it was the only way we could be together. He took a deep breath. There was never anyone else, Kari. Its always been you. I knew that the minute I saw you, that first day you came to school, back in the fifth grade. I took one look and that was it. What about Jackie? Jackies been in love with her girlfriend Melissa since middle school, he told her bluntly. She just used me as an acceptable escort. I used her to get the other girls at school off my back. He turned her around to face him. Why arent you laughing? She stared at his chest. I dont think its funny. Ive been dreading this moment since fifth grade. He tipped up her chin. Come on, dont disappoint me now. Whenever Ive ever looked at you, Ive seen someone gorgeous and rich and smart and kind and everything I wasnt. And now youre telling me . . . all this time . . . She bit her lip to stop it from trembling. Yeah. All this time. He smiled down at her. So. You really think Im gorgeous? You dont own a mirror? She couldnt think, not with him looking at her like that. If this is a practical joke He cradled her face between his hands. Its not. or youve got a video camera hidden in here somewhere He kissed her forehead. I dont. Okay. Feeling as if she were teetering on the edge of an abyss, she grabbed his lapels. You know the drill. Close your eyes and think of England.
147
When I close my eyes, he murmured against her lips, I think of you. How sweet, a rough voice said. It was Ugly, along with two other men. He made a motion with the gun in his hand. Lets go, you two.
148
Chapter Thirteen
Kari had tried to bolt as soon as they left the library, and when the men grabbed her had shrieked and fought them until Connor stepped in. Kari, stop. He looked at Ugly. Let us go and we wont say anything. No can do, kid. Youre taking the blame for us. He glanced at his gun. Id make it quick, but it needs to look like you two got trapped in here. Take us with you, Connor told him. My parents are Richard and Patricia Devlin, and theyre very wealthy. Theyll pay you whatever you want. Youre Devlins kid. Ugly laughed. Perfect. Please. Connor threw himself at the man. You cant leave us to die like this. Sure I can. Ugly shoved him away, and said to the other men, Lock them in the basement. Now sitting with Kari in the frigid darkness, Connor tried to concentrate on what he would do when the men came back. Beside him Kari drew up her knees and hugged them with her arms. Youre freezing. He pulled her over onto his lap. Dont wriggle. Well both be warmer this way. Kari resisted for another moment before she parked her cheek on his shoulder. How did you know what these guys were doing? Your picture of the boat. Connor told her what he had discovered when hed photo shopped the image, and added, My friend Tony he keeps my bike in his garage, and lets me use his computer he said the stuff they had was dry ice. If you
149
drop it in water, it turns into a thick mist. One that also disappears as soon as the dry ice dissolves completely. So they were making the ghost fog. He nodded. The mist was probably as much to scare people as to cover up the stolen goods they were loading onto the boat Painting the boat black and keeping the lights off also made it harder to spot at night. Running the boats without lights must have caused the collision with the fishermens boat back in August, she guessed. Yeah, and the dry ice theyd dumped in the lake caused their burns. He sighed. I didnt put it all together until I looked at a map of the lakes. All the houses theyve burglarized are on the water, and have private docks. She sat up. Old Julian doesnt have a dock. So how did you know theyd be here tonight? I didnt, he admitted. I came because I knew you were meeting me Seek here. This is the only spot in town where you can see most of the surrounding lakes. I was hoping wed be able to spot the black boat from here, and then take my bike down to wherever they docked to get pictures of them. Instead I walked straight into their hideout. Kari sounded disgusted. This is definitely the last time I break and enter. She hesitated before she said, I need to ask you something else. He took off the sequined skullcap and rubbed his hand over her damp, short hair. My favorite food is apple pie, Im a Taurus and my favorite color is not black.
150
Shut up. She fell silent for a long time, and then finally said, Youve heard all those rumors about me sleeping with half the guys in school, right? He smiled a little. I dont listen to rumors. Yes, you do. Everyone does. She sighed. Its not true. I havent slept with everyone at school. I havent slept with anyone at school. He tightened his arms around her. Good. She took a deep breath. I havent slept with anyone at all. Its not because Im a prude. Im not a prude. In fact, Ive been banned for life from all the prude clubs. He rested his chin against the top of her head. I never thought you were. I was waiting for the right time and the right place and . . . Im picky, okay? She hated analyzing herself. But I want to. I mean, Ive always wanted to know if its everything they say it is in all the songs and the poems and the books and stuff. Now Ill never have a chance, unless . . . She looked up at him. You like me, right? Yeah, I like you. He tilted his head. Karise Carson, are you asking me to have sex with you? She wrinkled her nose. Would it be so awful? I think it would be anything but that, he assured her. Okay. She cuddled against him. Do you think we can keep our clothes on while we do it, though? Just to hold off the frostbite a little longer. Were not having sex in Julian Hargraves basement. What else are we going to do? She sat up. Were not getting out of here. They left us to starve to death.
151
They havent left yet, and theyre not going anywhere. He stuck his hand in his pocket and took out a heavy ring of keys. Not without these. Connor Devlin. She sounded shocked. Youre a pickpocket. We need to break that light up there, and find something I can use as a club. He pulled her up from the floor. Whatever happens, you stay behind me. Two clubs are better than one, and Im not using you as a body shield, she told him. Theyre going to have to shoot both of us. Someone kicked open the basement door, spilling light down the stairs. Connor shoved Kari behind her and looked all around for anything he could use as a weapon. A man walked halfway down the stairs holding a gun out in front of him as he swept a flashlight beam from side to side. Connor braced himself as it glared in his eyes. I love you, Karise. Federal agent, the man called out. You two, walk forward slowly, and show me your hands. # Securing the crime scene and getting statements from Kari and Connor took the rest of the night. The sun had just begun to rise as the FBI agents led the handcuffed burglars out of the mansion. Agent Dolan, the man who had rescued them from the basement, eyed Connors dirt bike. Id feel better taking you two kids back to town myself. Your parents are going to want to know where youve been. Before Kari could say anything, Connor held up the business card the federal agent had given him. If they have any questions, sir, well just have them call you.
152
One of the other agents handling the burglars called to Agent Dolan, who wavered for a moment and then nodded. All right, son. You just make sure you get this young lady home safe and sound. He nodded to Kari before he went to join the other men. How did they know the burglars were working out of old Julians place? Kari murmured. I heard one of the agents say they got an anonymous tip. Someone else must have seen them up here. Connor took her hand in his. Come on. You cant take me home, Kari said as she climbed on the dirt bike behind him and placed her hands on his hips. Gloria is so mad at your father shell kill you. Then shell stomp over your dead body to kill me. He squeezed her hand. Well figure something out when we get to Tonys. The ten-minute ride back to town was not nearly long enough for Kari to think up a reasonable excuse for staying out all night. She wasnt going to tell Gloria about Ugly and his burglary ring, the FBI or that she had been locked in Old Julians basement with Connor, either. Being fired from her jobs and run out of town was bad enough; her mother didnt need any more worry or stress. Connor drove into the alley behind Tonys garage, where Kari climbed off and tried the side door, only to find it locked. Theres a key in the breaker box, Connor told her, and once shed unlocked the door walked the motorcycle inside. Kari followed him in, stopping as Connor paused to switch on the lights.
153
Hes usually opened the shop by now. He put the motorcycle behind some storage shelves and draped it with an old tarp before walking out into the dark workshop. Tony? You in here? The echo of his voice made Kari tug at his sleeve. We should go. Its better that he doesnt see us together. He nodded. Well have to walk over to the gym and get the Jeep. No, Ill catch the downtown bus by the park. It goes right by my apartment complex. She hooked a finger in his pocket. Just lend me the money for the fare. His expression turned stubborn. Im not letting you go on the bus. Look, were probably not going to see each other until I graduate and get out of here and find you again. So it doesnt matter. When she would have argued, he kissed her hard on the mouth. Shut up. Im taking you home. Kari touched her tingling lips with her fingers. Okay, but you have to do that at least one more time. Ive had five years to think about kissing you, girl. He grinned. Trust me, itll be more than once. Kari was the first to notice how deserted the streets were as they walked through town, and stopped now and then to peer in the shop windows. Everythings still closed. Is November first a holiday? I dont think so. He nodded at the street ahead that ran past the school. Look at all the cars parked outside the gym. Yamahs standing by the doors. Kari pulled Connor out of sight behind a tree as a small group of parents came out of the gym, followed by four teenagers still
154
wearing their Halloween costumes. All of them had oddly blank expressions on their faces. What are they still doing there? I dont know. The dance was supposed to be over at midnight. He peered around the tree trunk. Lets go around the back way. My thought exactly. They doubled back, taking a side road that curved around behind the gymnasium. Connor took her hand and ran across the empty lawn to the rear windows of the building. All of the blinds had been shut, but Kari spotted one with a missing slat, and tugged Connor over to it. He peered through the gap. Youre not going to believe us. Theyre all in there. Who? The kids from school and their parents. Most of the shopkeepers, too. He turned to lean against the brick. This isnt good. It cant be all of them. Kari took a look, frowning as she saw the number of kids and adults occupying the bleachers. It is all of them. The only person standing on the floor of the gym was a bald man dressed in black, who was working his way down the front row and clasping hands with each person seated. I know that guy. Hes Cat Youngbloods brother. Whats his name? Patrick. She squinted. What is he doing? Introducing himself to the town? Watch the faces, Connor told her. Patrick Youngblood held the womans hand only for a few seconds, but whatever he said to her made her expression go blank, and then she started smiling. After he
155
had spoken to her husband and her son, who reacted in the exact same fashion as the woman, the three stood and walked slowly out of the gym. Kari turned away from the window. Connor, tell me what that man is doing. Please. I dont know, he admitted, but wed better find out. Kari wasnt sure she wanted to know. Maybe we should just go home. We cant. He nodded toward the window. Your mother is in there. So are my parents. That made Kari want to run inside and punch out Patrick Youngblood. Then we tell the sheriff and have him arrested. Connor took her hand in his. Lets find out what hes doing first. He led her around the side of the building to a hedge, where he motioned for her to crouch down beside him. Carefully he parted the branches so they had a clear view of the front of the gym. Molly, Stan, Bobby, Sheriff Yamah greeted the couple and their son as they came out. To the parents, he said, Folks, were closing the school until this flu thats going around is over. You should keep Bobby home for a few days. Yes, we dont want him to get the flu, Molly said, her expression serenely blank. Thank you, Jim. Kari and Connor watched as the sheriff repeated his advice to every parent who left the gym, until a shopkeeper came striding up across the front lawn. Sheriff, am I glad to see you. The older woman appeared highly agitated. I thought something terrible had happened. Do you know, theres not a soul left in town?
156
Its all right, Martha, the sheriff said, taking her arm. We called everyone to come down here to tell them about this new flu thats going around. But I havent heard of anyone catching the flu, Martha protested. Theres a man inside the gym who will explain everything. He gave her a gentle push. Go on. You really need to hear this. Connor led Kari away from the gym to the parking lot, but as they walked to his Jeep a well-dressed couple approached them. Kari recognized Richard Devlin from his billboards. Hello, Mr. Devlin. He smiled a little at her. Good morning, young lady. What a lovely costume. He turned to Connor. Son, we didnt see you inside the gym. Did Mr. Youngblood tell you about the flu epidemic, honey? Patricia asked. Yes. He told me and Kari all about it. Connor gave her a warning look. Dad, I need to talk to you about Kari and me. Kari? His father looked puzzled. Im sorry, I dont know any Kari. Is she a friend of yours from school? # Connor had just finished changing the spark plugs that didnt need changing on Miss Rosss Camry when he heard the bell above the office door ring. Hey, Zeke, Tony called from the office. Youve got a visitor. Kari waited until they had left the garage and were walking toward the lake before she told him. My mom still has her job at the market, and she just went out to clean two houses for your Dad.
157
Tony doesnt remember his date with Miss Ross, he told her. My mother said the school is going to be closed until next Monday to keep the flu from spreading. There is no flu. I know. He stopped by a bench near the public dock and drew her down beside him. Aarons in the hospital with a broken arm and a shoulder injury. I went to see him this afternoon. He thinks he got hurt during practice, but he hasnt been to practice in weeks. Tiffany was there, too. Shes acting like they never broke up. Its like Halloween never happened. Kari looked out at the lake. How do you give an entire town amnesia? Did he drug them? Was it some kind of mass hypnosis? Whatever he did, it worked. Connor gave her a troubled look. I think something terrible must have happened, and Youngblood wants everyone to forget it. And if they find out you and I still remember that night, hell make us forget, too. She curled her hand around his. Then we dont tell anyone. Not even in the ledger. We cant let him get away with this. He frowned. We could call that FBI agent Who would never believe us, but would definitely call our parents. Theyd call the sheriff. How long do you think it would take Patrick Youngblood to show up at your house? My apartment? She squeezed his hand. Im not letting him take you or Seek away from me. Its not worth it. All right. He brought her hand to his mouth and brushed a kiss across her knuckles. Itll be our secret.
158
One more thing. She grinned as she took out a photo of Principal Deaver tugging at the seat of his trousers. You owe me five bucks.
159
Who is Catlyn Youngblood? Why did she and her brothers move to Lost Lake? What does the mysterious Jesse Raven want from her? What happened in Lost Lake on Halloween night? Keep reading for an excerpt from her story . . .
160
An Excerpt from After Midnight A Youngbloods Novel by Lynn Viehl
Being alone in my room made it okay to think about him; there was no one around to see me turn red. Touching him had felt like scary and thrilling and magical, like nothing Id ever done. Not that I had a huge amount of experience with putting my hand on a boys chest. I didnt exactly go around touching strangers. And then, when Id toppled over and he caught me in his arms . . . Like that will ever happen again. I turned onto my side and tried to find a cool spot on my pillow. Jesse Raven lives on an island. Hes seriously rich. His parents dont even let him go to school. If he is the dark boy, youll never see him again. Id never see him again. I sat straight up, pushing the covers off me as I climbed out of bed. I didnt know why I had to see him again, but I didnt really care. Not knowing who or where he was felt worse than any trouble I might get into trying to find him. I had to go back to where wed met. There had to be something else there to help me find him. I pulled on a pair of jeans and a T-shirt, but I felt too hot to put on a jacket. I wanted to run to the stables, but I forced myself to slow down and make no sound as I crept downstairs. The last thing I needed was for Trick to catch me sneaking out of the house. At the barn Sali stood quietly as I got her ready.
161
I wish you had wings, I told her as I led her out of her stall. Then you could fly me out to that island. I ran my hand down her long neck, letting her warmth and strength soothe me. Lets go back out there. Maybe he dropped something else. I walked Sali from the barn out to the back of it, where I jumped up on her. Id never mounted her without using a step-up, so finding myself straddling her made me go still and look down at the ground. I didnt know how Id done it. It was as if my legs had grown invisible springs, and Id simply bounced up onto her. The night air felt good against my hot face, and cooled some of the sweat on my scalp. Sali shuffled under me, and I saw that I had the reins in a white-knuckled grip. Sorry, girl. I eased off and patted her side. Its not you. I rode her along the same path Id followed that first night, and the closer I came to the spot where Id seen the dark boy fall, the calmer I became. I slowed Sali to a walk so I could check the ground, but I didnt see anything else he might have dropped. By the time we reached the back fence I was beginning to feel a little foolish. No wallet, no ID, no helpful note inscribed with his phone number. I guided her over to the fence where I dismounted and tethered her to one of the boards before I moved to the spot where Id found the ring in the grass. Nothing else was there. Looks like were out of luck, girl. Two little shadows padded over to me, flanking me as the moon reflected in their slanted eyes. One was the kitten with the soul patch; the other an older, tough-looking tabby that Id also fed a few times who Id nicknamed Terrible. They flanked me and meowed as they tried to get their heads under my hands.
162
What are you guys doing out here so late? Hunting for something interesting? I ran my hands over their arching backs before I stood and looked around. The cats both sat down on their haunches and gazed up at me. I think all the mice were smarter than us and went to bed. Terrible turned his head, hissed at something and then scampered off. Soul Patch stood his ground for a minute before uttering a short yowl and following his friend. Go ahead, abandon me. I watched them disappear into the trees before I felt something, and turned to see a much larger shadow vault over the fence. It was him. My heart skipped a beat as I watched him land. Hed jumped a five-foot fence like it was parking curb. He walked toward me, and I almost reached out to him before I caught myself. Behind him, I saw the big black hed been riding the other night stood tethered on the opposite side of the fence. Hed come back here, like me. It didnt seem real. I wondered if Id just gotten an enormous compliment. Or I needed my head examined. The moon appeared to get brighter, and painted him with its silvery-white light. Id been so sure he wouldnt be as stunning as I remembered; no teenager I knew had flawless skin and hair like polished black silk and gleaming gemstone eyes. But this close, I could see that he looked exactly as I remembered, just as tall and pale and perfect as before. The only difference this time was that his long black hair had been pulled away from his face. Seeing those dark marcasite eyes and the sheer beauty of his features made my throat tight. He must have been riding the stallion, and yet he didnt have a single strand of hair out of place.
163
Compared to him I was a hot, sweaty, rumpled mess. Catlyn. Hi. Hearing his voice made me smile. Which was silly, but it was better than giggling. I didnt expect to see you out here again. I hadnt planned to return. He took a step closer. You are well? Im okay. From what I could see, he didnt have any visible bumps or bruises on him, especially on his forearms, which I recalled the wire had been slashed in several places. How about you? That fall you took was pretty bad. He smiled a little. Im not hurt. Good. I was worried. I mean, I thought maybe your folks caught you coming back, and saw how your clothes were torn up, and theyd grounded you for life or something. I waited for him to confirm or deny that, but he only watched my face. So, is your name Jesse? I mean, are you Jesse Raven? I am. He inclined his head. How did you learn my name? I didnt tell anyone about what happened, I said quickly. I just described you to some friends at school. Why did you come back here, Catlyn? I felt like taking a ride. He wasnt smiling anymore, and I felt anxious and annoyed at the same time. I had wanted to see him and talk to him so badly; didnt he feel the same? This is our property, you know. I am allowed to ride on it. You are? He looked skeptical. By yourself, in the middle of the night? No, I had to admit, but I couldnt sleep, and, well, it doesnt matter. Why did you come back?
164
I lost something. You shouldnt come here again. He turned his back on me. Its dangerous to ride in the dark. For me, he meant, not him. Youre the one who got bucked off into a fence. He didnt look at me. I should go. But he didnt move, either. Maybe you should. Theres just one thing I want to know. I walked around him to face him. What happened after I passed out that night, Jesse?
165
To read more of Catlyn and Jesses story pick up a copy of After Midnight A Youngbloods novel by Lynn Viehl published by Flux Books. Available in bookstores nationwide on May 1, 2011
166
About the Author
Since 2000, Lynn Viehl has published forty-seven novels in six genres. On the internet, she hosts Paperback Writer, a popular publishing industry weblog which she has updated daily since 2004, along with a virtual library of more than thirty free e-books and online stories that have been available for anyone in the world to read since 2001. Lynns first dark fantasy series, the Darkyn novels, debuted on the USA Today bestseller list and went on to make her a New York Times top twenty bestselling author. Readers are always welcome to send feedback on this free e-book to LynnViehl@aol.com.
167
Note to Readers
If youve enjoyed this free e-book, please let other people know about it, as word of mouth is the best advertising a writer cant buy. Also, if youre interested in reading other books Ive written, heres my public bibliography: Science Fiction (writing as S.L. Viehl) The Complete StarDoc SF series: StarDoc January 2000 Roc SF/F ISBN# 0451457730 Beyond Varallan July 2000 Roc SF/F ISBN# 0451457935 Endurance January 2001 Roc SF/F ISBN# 0451458141 Shockball August 2001 Roc SF/F ISBN# 0451458559 Eternity Row September 2002 Roc SF/F ISBN# 0451458915 Rebel Ice January 2006 Roc SF/F ISBN# 0451460626 Plague of Memory January 2007 Roc SF/F ISBN#9780451461230 Omega Games August 2008 Roc SF/F ISBN#9780451462244 Crystal Healer August 2009 Roc SF/F ISBN# 9780451462855 Dream Called Time August 2010 Roc SF/F ISBN#978045146346 Other SF novels: Blade Dancer August 2003 Roc SF/F ISBN# 0451459261 Ring of Fire (Anthology; short story: A Matter of Consultation) January 2004 BAEN ISBN# 074347175X Bio Rescue August 2004 Roc SF/F ISBN# 0451459784 Afterburn August 5, 2005 Roc SF/F ISBN# 0451460294 Romance (writing as Gena Hale) Paradise Island April 2001 ONYX ISBN# 0451409825 Dream Mountain August 2001 ONYX ISBN# 0451410033 Sun Valley June 2002 ONYX ISBN# 0451410394 Romance (writing as Jessica Hall) The Deepest Edge February 2003 ONYX ISBN# 0451207963 The Steel Caress May 2003 ONYX ISBN# 0451208528 The Kissing Blades August 2003 ONYX ISBN# 045120946X Into the Fire March 2004 ONYX ISBN# 0451411307 Heat of the Moment October 2004 ONYX ISBN# 0451411587 Dark Fantasy (writing as Lynn Viehl) The Kyndred series: Shadowlight October 2009 ISBN#9780451412782 Onyx Dreamveil June 2010 ISBN#9780451412881 Onyx Frostfire November 2010 ISBN# 9780451413024 Signet Select Nightshine to be published November 2011 Signet Select
168
Note to Readers (cont.)

Dark Fantasy (writing as Lynn Viehl) The Complete Darkyn series: If Angels Burn April 2005 Signet Eclipse ISBN#0451214773 Private Demon October 2005 Signet Eclipse ISBN# 0451217055 Dark Need June 2006 Signet Eclipse ISBN# 0451218663 Night Lost May 2007 Signet Eclipse ISBN#9780451221025 Evermore January 2008 Signet Eclipse ISBN#9780451222848 Twilight Fall July 2008 Onyx ISBN#9780451412591 Master of Shadows December 2008 Onyx eSpecial release Stay the Night January 2009 Onyx ISBN#9780451412669 Young Adult (writing as Lynn Viehl) After Midnight May 2011 Flux ISBN#9780738726328 Christian Adult Fiction Series (writing as Rebecca Kelly) Grace Chapel Inn Series/GUIDEPOSTS Going to the Chapel Home for the Holidays Midsummer Melody Promises to Keep Portraits of the Past Life is a Three-Ring Circus Free e-books: All of my free e-books can be read online or downloaded at my free reads pages Fiction: A Diversity of Houses ~ Deimos ~ The Devil's Publishing Dictionary ~ The Devil's Writing Dictionary ~ Do or Die ~ Familiar (also available on the stories blog here) ~ Have Mercy ~ Illumination ~ Incarnatio ~ Lunar Marshall ~ Midnight Blues ~ Near Dawn ~ Night of the Chameleon ~ Now or Never ~ Rain Lashed ~ Ravelin ~ Red Branch ~ Roomies ~ Sink or Swim ~ Sink or Swim 2009 Reissue ~ Untouchable ~ Walking in Savannah ~ Wanted (Juliana #3) ~ Willing (Juliana #2) ~ Worthy (Juliana #1) At the Baen Free Library: A Matter of Consultation Nonfiction: Blank Novel Wiring Diagram ~ Novel Wiring Diagram (Filled Out) ~ John and Marcia ~ The Novel Crash Test Dummies ~ John and Marcia, Together Again ~ The Novel Crash Test Dummies II ~ Left Behind and Loving It Virtual Workshops 2007 ~ Left Behind and Loving It Virtual Workshops 2008 ~ Left Behind and Loving It Virtual Workshops 2009 ~ The Novel Notebook ~ Scene On-Call Worksheet ~ Ten Point Novel Plot Template
Happy reading! ~ Lynn Viehl

Dark of Heart

Încărcat de

Informații document

Drepturi de autor

Formate disponibile

Partajați acest document

Partajați sau inserați document

Opțiuni de partajare

Vi se pare util acest document?

Este necorespunzător acest conținut?

Drepturi de autor:

Formate disponibile

Dark of Heart

Încărcat de

Drepturi de autor:

Formate disponibile

1

Dark of Heart ~ Lynn Viehl

Dark of Heart Tales from the Lost Ledger by Lynn Viehl

Dark of Heart ~ Lynn Viehl

Dark of Heart ~ Lynn Viehl

Copyright 2011 by Lynn Viehl

All Rights Reserved.

First Electronic Printing April 2011

Dark of Heart ~ Lynn Viehl

Dark of Heart ~ Lynn Viehl

6 The Lost Ledger ~use it then lose it~

Back to School, New Lake Ghoul?

fireproof life jackets . . . . . . SeeK -30-

Dark of Heart ~ Lynn Viehl

Dark of Heart ~ Lynn Viehl

Dark of Heart ~ Lynn Viehl

Dark of Heart ~ Lynn Viehl

Dark of Heart ~ Lynn Viehl

Dark of Heart ~ Lynn Viehl

Dark of Heart ~ Lynn Viehl

Dark of Heart ~ Lynn Viehl

Dark of Heart ~ Lynn Viehl

Dark of Heart ~ Lynn Viehl

Dark of Heart ~ Lynn Viehl

Dark of Heart ~ Lynn Viehl

Dark of Heart ~ Lynn Viehl

Dark of Heart ~ Lynn Viehl

Dark of Heart ~ Lynn Viehl

Dark of Heart ~ Lynn Viehl

Dark of Heart ~ Lynn Viehl

Dark of Heart ~ Lynn Viehl

Dark of Heart ~ Lynn Viehl

Dark of Heart ~ Lynn Viehl

Dark of Heart ~ Lynn Viehl

Dark of Heart ~ Lynn Viehl

Dark of Heart ~ Lynn Viehl

Dark of Heart ~ Lynn Viehl

Dark of Heart ~ Lynn Viehl

Dark of Heart ~ Lynn Viehl

Dark of Heart ~ Lynn Viehl

Dark of Heart ~ Lynn Viehl

Dark of Heart ~ Lynn Viehl

Dark of Heart ~ Lynn Viehl

Dark of Heart ~ Lynn Viehl

Dark of Heart ~ Lynn Viehl

Dark of Heart ~ Lynn Viehl

Dark of Heart ~ Lynn Viehl

Dark of Heart ~ Lynn Viehl

Dark of Heart ~ Lynn Viehl

Dark of Heart ~ Lynn Viehl

Dark of Heart ~ Lynn Viehl

Dark of Heart ~ Lynn Viehl

Dark of Heart ~ Lynn Viehl

Dark of Heart ~ Lynn Viehl

Dark of Heart ~ Lynn Viehl

Dark of Heart ~ Lynn Viehl

52 The Lost Ledger ~use it then lose it~

You Havent Seen a Ghost Fog . . . or Have You?

What do you think, losers?

tale to scare kids into obeying curfew?

Dark of Heart ~ Lynn Viehl

Dark of Heart ~ Lynn Viehl

Dark of Heart ~ Lynn Viehl

Dark of Heart ~ Lynn Viehl