waved for the group to follow her behind the garbage bins and out of sight.
“That was creepy,” said Carter.
“He said it’s not safe,” said Leila. “What did he mean?”
“Just what he said,” Ridley answered. “He’s got a secret that he’s scared to share.”
“Now I’m scared,” Izzy whispered, shivering.
“Are you sure you’re not just cold?” Olly asked.
As Izzy considered that, Ridley went on, “It doesn’t sound like the answer of someone who’s been mesmerized. He knows something. Maybe even what Kalagan actually looks like.” She glanced toward the store’s entrance. “I wish there was some way we could get the cashier to talk.”
“And the librarian,” said Carter.
“If not them,” said Theo, “we still have a couple others who might.”
“Is the arts center open right now?” asked Leila.
“No,” said Theo. “But I can call them later this evening to ask about the usher.”
“So we head up to the resort,” said Ridley.
“We question Quinn, the concierge,” said Leila. “See if she knows the name of the guest who heckled us and his room number.”
“See you all at the Grand Oak lobby?” Ridley said.
“Be sure to blend in when you get there,” Izzy suggested.
“But don’t blend too much,” Olly quipped. “Otherwise, people might think you’re making milkshakes.” His eyes went wide. “Mm. Milkshakes… Leila, do you think your poppa will blend us some—”
“Clock’s ticking!” Ridley reminded him before scooting out from behind the garbage bins.
They split up. Carter, Theo, and Leila went off on their own. Ridley, Olly, and Izzy took the resort’s trolley.
Once situated in the carriage, Ridley glanced out at the passing storefronts, keeping her face partially hidden by her hand. Olly and Izzy sat in the rear, pretending to not know each other. Thankfully, they were the only ones riding. As the trolley puttered up Main Street, Ridley heard the twins gasp.
Olly whispered, “Is that…?”
Izzy answered, “I think so!”
Ridley saw who they were talking about. The greasy ponytail gave it away. Carter’s uncle Sly was peering through the window of the empty shop where Meridian’s Music used to be.
“Shh,” said Ridley. “Don’t make a scene.” But to Ridley’s horror, the trolley’s driver suddenly rang the bell, and Uncle Sly turned toward them. Before she could cover her face or look away, he noticed her and smiled.
His lips were cracked, and his teeth had a grayish tinge. As the trolley turned the corner, he lifted his hand in a small salute.
TWELVE
At the hotel, Dean, the bellhop, held the door open for Ridley and the twins.
Dean had been working at the Grand Oak for as long as Ridley could remember. His eyes were darkened with tired circles, and his hair was almost entirely gray, but he always managed to greet the guests politely and had even assisted the Misfits with their plots and plans over the past few months. “Afternoon, Miss Larsen,” he said, tipping his hat to her. He even tried to straighten his stooped spine in acknowledgment. He smiled at the twins. “Olly. Izzy.”
“You’re not supposed to recognize us, Dean!” said Izzy, entering the resort’s lobby.
“Why not?” he asked, confused.
“We’re in disguise,” said Olly. Ridley turned her wheels so fast that her footrests smacked into Olly’s calves. He yelped and then realized what he’d said. “I mean… costume!”
“You should know by now that we LOVE costumes, Dean,” said Izzy, pulling her brother away from the bellhop.
Ridley untied the wrap from her head. If Dean recognized her, so would everyone else up here. The best she could do to protect the Misfits at this point would be to move far from the twins and pretend she wanted nothing to do with them.
“What brings you to the Grand Oak today?” Dean asked her.
“Research,” Ridley answered without hesitation. “I’m doing a project with my new teacher about the local economy. And since the Grand Oak is one of the biggest employers in the area, I thought I’d start here. Have you seen the manager? I was hoping to interview him.”
“Oh, Mr. Arnold is always running around,” said Dean. “But I’ll keep an eye out and let you know.”
“Thanks!” Ridley answered, trying to sound nonchalant.
Passing by the sofa where the twins were sitting, she noticed them talking to a man and a woman who were both dressed in Grand Oak uniforms. She’d never seen them before. Ridley overheard the man ask, “Why are you two festooned like a couple’a bird-watchers?”
Ridley navigated toward the large fireplace at the far wall. She slipped the burlap cloth off the back of her chair and folded it onto her