Part 9 (2/2)

Frankie's expression turned grim. ”We have to find the Reef Hag before it happens again. Oceana's the top tribe. They're favored to win. If she takes out one of their novices, it could change everything.”

”Maybe she'll lead us to whoever's behind all of this-the black market spells?”

”It's an interesting coincidence that you received a Wave Wire the night after she appeared on the beach.”

”What do you mean?” Her heart sank. She realized now, deep down, she'd hoped it was from one of her parents, not some cruel trick of the Swamp Hags. ”I thought you said it was old?”

”It is,” he said hastily, as though sensing her disappointment. ”But it's hard to say how old. The only real way to find out is to do what it says.”

”Count the coins in Cutthroat Cove.” Evelina gazed around at the tourists, throwing coins in the fountain. Others tramped past toward the wharf to tour the pirate s.h.i.+p. ”The only coins are in the fountain.” She peered down at the thousands of coins. It couldn't mean that.

Frankie circled the fountain clockwise, appearing to examine every inch of it.

Evelina circled counter clockwise to do the same. She'd had a good look before Frankie showed up, but maybe she'd missed something. After coming full circle, she planted her bottom on the edge for a closer look.

Frankie did another pa.s.s, searching under the lip of the fountain, jumping up on top to walk around the edge.

Evelina watched him, absently running her hand through the water, scattering the silver and copper.

Then...

Her fingers. .h.i.t a lump.

She swished the coins aside to get a better look. It appeared to be some kind of large medallion, or, a large sculpture of an old coin. Her blood bubbled with excitement. She leaned closer. It had a s.h.i.+p on it.

”Frankie!” She wriggled further around the edge of the fountain, swis.h.i.+ng away coins until she found another one. ”Look at this.”

Frankie joined her, leaning close, until they were shoulder to shoulder. ”Coins! Spanish Doubloons. Way to go! Are there any more?”

”Three,” she said, uncovering another.

”Four!” Frankie moved ahead, dispersing coins with both hands. ”That's the outside.”

They looked at each other and grinned, kicked off their sandals, then hopped in.

Frankie took one side and she took the other.

s.h.i.+fting coins with her feet Evelina discovered another. ”Five!”

”Six!” Frankie splashed around the fountain to join her.

”Six Doubloons.” Evelina stared up at him. ”What does it mean?”

”There's a restaurant in the Old City called The Six Doubloons. I think it used to be a tavern.”

”Come on!”

They jumped out, slid into their sandals, then sped off.

The Old City was teaming with tourists. Horse and buggies clopped down the cobblestone streets. The sweet smell of fudge and roasted pecans made Evelina's belly rumble.

Lively chatter swirled around them.

The hum of the crowd seemed to carry them along.

Then, all of a sudden she was alone.

A throng of boy scouts exiting the ice cream shop separated her from Frankie. Evelina hopped in the air, but couldn't spot him. Then, she felt his warm hand clasp hers.

”Thought I lost you,” he breathed against her ear.

A delicious s.h.i.+ver rattled through her.

”There it is!”

She gazed up to discover the red tavern sign swinging above their heads, scrawled in gold-The Six Doubloons.' It occupied the entire corner of the next street. Coquina walls rose two storeys high, s.h.i.+ning like a mountain of crushed pearls. Laughter and music floated from the balcony above.

But what caught and held her attention most was the tattoo parlor on the opposite corner of the street, or rather the woman sitting on a bench before it. There was something oddly familiar about her.

Something about the way the woman puffed on the thin cigar wedged between her boney fingers. Or, the dramatic flourish of her hand after, as the smoke curled round her dark cropped hair. She had the look of a Roaring Twenties film star in her black fringed dress-all beads and bangles and sultry looks. Her skin glowed as pale as a fish's belly, except for her ruby lips and the heart and arrow tattooed around her ankle.

Evelina hastened her pace.

But Frankie grabbed her by the arm to stall her.

The red tourist train rattled by, clanging its bell.

Evelina sucked in a sharp gasp. She'd been so intent on the woman, she'd almost been flattened like a taco. ”Thanks.”

”No problem.” His hand fell away.

Her hand tingled where he'd touched it. She made a fist to release the effect, but his proximity negated all efforts. Her blood rushed fast when he was near. There was no use fighting it. Her heart wouldn't obey her head.

The Six Doubloons appeared fresh and airy-if it had been an ancient tavern, little remained of its former character. The colorful mosaic floor tiles appeared old, but beyond that the place shone like new silver, from the crisp white tablecloths to the rows of crystal gla.s.ses stacked behind the bar.

The maitre d' led them to a seat by the window, with a perfect vantage of the intersection and the tattoo parlor beyond.

Evelina gazed around, hoping Frankie had some plan up his sleeve. Time Keepers were sort of time traveling detectives. He must have some angle. Finally she said, ”Okay, what are we looking for?”

He leaned back in his chair, folding his arms across his broad chest. ”I don't know.”

Evelina's gaze strayed once again to the woman across the street. ”I feel like I've seen her before.”

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