Part 6 (1/2)

She then raced to Seth's room and filled him in on everything she had discussed with Grandpa Sorenson.

So Errol was using us, Seth said. And if we'd gone with him tonight... I never learn my lesson, do I?

This wasn't your fault, Kendra said. Errol had me fooled too. You were just being brave. That isn't always a bad thing.

The compliment seemed to buoy him up. I bet Errol thought he had us in the bag. I wonder what he would have done with us. I wish I could see his face when we don't show up tonight.

Hopefully by then we'll already be on the road.64 Dad entered the room. He clapped his hands togetherand rubbed them. We need to get you guys packed, he said.

You two must have really done a number on your grandparents last summer. Dad falls off the roof, and he wants you there to help him. I hope he knows what he's getting himself into.

We'll be good, Seth said.

Are those firecrackers? Dad asked.

Just little ones. Seth stuffed them into his emergency kit.

Kendra paced in her room, watching the clock. She peeked out between her blinds every few minutes, hoping to see Vanessa pull up. The closer the time got to ten-thirty, the more anxious she became.

Her suitcase and her duffel bag were on her bed. She tried to distract herself by putting on her earphones and listening to music. She sat on the floor, closed her eyes, and leaned against the bed. Any minute Vanessa would pull up, and she and Seth would be on their way.

She heard a voice calling her name from far away. She opened her eyes and took off her earphones. Dad was standing over her. She's here? Kendra asked, standing up.

No, I said you have a phone call. Katie's dad, he's wondering if you know where Katie might be.

Kendra accepted the phone. Katie Clark? Kendra barely knew her. h.e.l.lo?65 You disappointed me, Kendra. It was Errol. Dad leftthe room.

Kendra spoke quietly. Sorry, we decided tonight wouldn't work. How did you get our number?

The phone book, Errol said, sounding hurt by the accusation in her tone. Sorry about pretending to be the parent of a schoolmate. I didn't want to startle your parents.

Good thinking, Kendra said.

I was wondering if I might persuade you to join me after all. I'm down the street from your home, right where I dropped you off the other night. You see, tonight is the last night the houseboat will be unoccupied, and that amulet could cause great harm to your grandparents and their preserve.

I'm sure it could, Kendra said sincerely. Her mind was racing. Errol could not possibly know she and Seth planned to escape to Fablehaven tonight. She had to pretend she still thought of him as a friend. Isn't there some other way? I was so scared the other night.

If I knew of another solution, I would not trouble you.

My predicament is dire. The amulet could cause tremendous harm in the wrong hands. Please, Kendra, I helped you. I need you to return the favor.

Kendra heard a vehicle pulling to a stop outside. The engine quit. Parting the blinds, she saw a woman climbing out of a sleek sports car. I don't think I can, Kendra said.

I'm really sorry.

Looks like you have a visitor, Errol said, a trace of66 suspicion entering his voice. That's quite a car. Friend ofthe family?

I'm not sure, Kendra said. Look, I need to go.

Very well. The line went dead.

Dad poked his head in. Everything okay?

Kendra put the phone down, trying not to let her anxiety show. Katie's dad was just freaking out a little, she said.

I don't hang out with Katie much, so I couldn't really help him. I'm sure she's fine.

There was a knock at the door.

That must be your ride. Dad grabbed the suitcase the duffel bag off the bed. Kendra followed him to the living room, where Mom stood chatting with a statuesque woman.

Tall and slender, the woman had a l.u.s.trous cascade of black hair and an olive complexion. She looked Spanish or Italian, with generous lips and a playful arch to her eyebrows.

Her cosmetics were applied with an expertise Kendra had never seen outside of fas.h.i.+on magazines. She wore trendy jeans, brown boots, and a snug, stylish leather jacket.

As Kendra entered the room, the woman smiled, her expressive eyes lighting up. You must be Kendra, the woman said warmly. I'm Vanessa Santoro. She had the faint remnant of an accent.

Kendra extended her hand. Vanessa clasped only her fingers. Dad introduced himself and Vanessa offered him a similar handshake. Despite her polished looks and demeanor, her fingernails were incongruously short. Seth came into the room and stopped in his tracks. Kendra felt67 embarra.s.sed for him-he was so unable to disguise hisamazement at Vanessa's striking appearance.

I've looked forward to finally meeting the famous Seth Sorenson, Vanessa said.

Me? Seth replied inanely.

Vanessa smiled tenderly. She seemed accustomed to making boys tongue-tied. Kendra was starting not to like her.

Vanessa glanced at her small, fas.h.i.+onable watch. I hate to be in a rush, but we have a lot of ground to cover before the night ends.

You're welcome to stay the night here and get a fresh start in the morning, Mom said. We could make up the spare bed.

Kendra experienced an acute moment of distress. They had to get out of there. Errol was waiting outside, and he had acted suspicious of Vanessa. Who knew what he might try during the night?

Vanessa shook her head with a regretful smile. I have an appointment tomorrow, she said. No worries, I'm a night owl. I slept in late. We'll get to Stan's in one piece.

Can I get you some refreshments? Mom pursued.

Vanessa held up a hand. I have goodies in the car, she said. We should get on the road.

Dad had pulled out his wallet. At least let us chip in on gas.

I wouldn't think of it, Vanessa insisted.

You're saving us a long drive, Dad persisted. It's the least-68 I was going there anyhow, Vanessa said, picking upSeth's suitcase, the largest of the bunch. Giving your children a lift is my pleasure. Dad s.n.a.t.c.hed Kendra's suitcase before Vanessa could grab it as well. Instead Vanessa seized Seth's duffel bag.

Mom opened the door, and Vanessa walked out, followed by Dad. I can get my bags, Seth said from behind.

I'm quite capable, Vanessa a.s.sured him, striding easily toward her car.

Whoa! Seth said when he got a look at her dark blue sports car.