Chapter 19
“Good visit?” Aunt Grace asks as we ride home.
I nod.
She’s been trying to talk to me the whole way, but I’m just not in the mood. I don’t know what to think of Mom’s early release. I should be happy, but I’m not. I like my life with Aunt Grace. I like having my own room. I like not living out of a suitcase. I like school.
Do I have to go with Mom? Will she make me? I don’t want to hurt her feelings.
With a sigh, I watch the intra-coastal water zoom by as Aunt Grace takes the bridge over from the mainland back onto Piper Island. I like living on an island named after my grandparents.
Is this the news that was in the envelope from Mom’s lawyer? Why didn’t Aunt Grace tell me?
She hangs a right on the coastal highway and I keep silent the remaining minutes home. When she pulls into our carport, I stay right where I am, looking at the colorful stones lining our walkway. At the pinwheels rotating slowly in the breeze. At Lolli propped against the shed.
I like Lolli. I don’t want to say goodbye to her either.
“What is it?” Aunt Grace asks.
“What did Principal Berger want?” I ask instead of answering her question.
She pauses, much like he did, taking a moment to put her sunglasses in her purse and to slip on her regular red-framed ones. Then she looks at me. “Someone sent an anonymous email with your mom’s mug shot attached.”
My heart falters a beat. “What?” I whisper. “Why?”
“Alluding that since your mom is a criminal, you may be as well.” Aunt Grace reaches over the gear stick and takes my hand. “Principal Berger puts no stock in it. You know that, right?”
I nod, but my face heats with embarrassed tears that are about to come. Very few people know about my mom. Or at least I thought so, but obviously, I’m kidding myself. I’ve been here three years, thinking everyone believed my lie that Mom was away on business. They were all probably just taking pity on me. Poor Penny-Ann and her incarcerated mother.
Sliding my hand from Aunt Grace’s grip, I grab my phone and climb out. With the news of Mom’s early release, this time capsule could be the last thing I do for Piper Island, but why even bother now? It’s probably a good thing Mom wants to hit the road. Piper Island will be rid of both of us.
I’m walking inside when I get a text from Diamond: DIDN’T GET TO ALL THE HOUSES, BUT THE ONES I DID DO WERE A DEAD END.
OK, I simply respond.
Another text comes in: I HAVE TO GO HOME FOR A FEW HOURS, BUT I SAW EAN AT THE SKATE PARK AND HE HAD THE BACKPACK WITH HIM.
This makes me pause. THE BLUE AND BLACK ONE? I type back.
YES!
The same backpack Rocco had at his aunt’s house. The same backpack I saw in the office at The Pit. A new wave of determination rolls through me. I’m not giving up. I’m finding this thing, and if it’s the last thing I do, I’m proving everyone wrong.
Chapter 20
The skate park sits at the entrance to Piper Island’s state park and across the road from where Aunt Grace always parks her Airstream Juice Truck. Three years ago, we didn’t have a skate park. It’s the first project I threw myself into when I arrived. I wanted to make a big splash. I wanted everyone to know I was a Piper. I wanted to make my own mark on this place.
Aunt Grace helped me. We got the whole island in on it, just like with the time capsule. It took nearly a year, but here it is in all its swooping, multi-layered, colorful glory.
It’s early-afternoon and several kids and teenagers are spinning up and down the slopes. I park Lolli just outside the fence and stand for a few seconds, watching everyone. I spy Ean sitting on the miniature bleachers, fixing one of the wheels on his skateboard. Below his feet sits the blue and black backpack.
I pick Clover up out of her basket and let her sniff around as I slide in beside him. “Hey, Ean.”
Tucking his long brown hair behind his ear, he glances over at me, and his eyes widen a bit in surprise. Interesting.
“Hey,” he says. “What’s up?”
Nonchalantly, I shrug, playing it cool. “Not much.” He goes back to fixing his wheel, and I look straight down at the backpack. “I’m assuming you’ve heard the time capsule is missing?”
“Yep.”
I clear my throat. “Any idea who took it?”
“I heard Rocco was on campus that night running away with something under his arm. I also heard his bracelet was found at the scene of the crime.”
For being Rocco’s best friend, Ean sure is ratting on him. “Where’d you hear all of that?”
He shrugs. “Around.”
I glance over at him. “You and Rocco mad at each other?”
Ean tightens the wrench and gives the wheel a spin. “Not that I know of.”
With another glance down to the backpack, I ask, “Is that Rocco’s pack?”
“Yep.” Picking it up, he slips his arms through the holes.
“Why do you have it?”
“What’s with the questions?”
With a sigh, I change directions. “What about Josie? Do you know if she’s on vacation with her parents?”
“No clue.”
“Well, I heard she was on campus that night, and whoever broke in knew the security code. I happen to know that Josie knows where to find the security code. Don’t you find that a coincidence?”
“Don’t you know where the security code is, too?”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
He shrugs. “Just saying.”
I don’t say anything after that because he’s right. I do know where the security code is, and I’m purposefully dropping details about Josie to fish for info. I kind of deserved his comeback. Still, his words on the back of an anonymous email with Mom’s mug shot don’t sit well.
From his pocket, Ean pulls out the funny beanie he always wears and wedges it down over his long hair. My eyes travel up to the white and black spikes that run down the center of it. He jumps off the bleachers, landing on his skateboard, and rolls away, taking the backpack with him.
“Will you let me know if you hear anything?” I call out, but he doesn’t answer, just waves his hand in response.
I continue sitting for a few seconds, staring at the backpack as Ean swoops up and down the ramps. Rocco has the backpack, then it ends up in the office at The Pit, and now Ean has it. What is going on with this backpack?
I go to text Diamond when a shadow falls across me. I look up and into the face of Vail. “Stay back,” I warn, scrambling for my messenger bag and the key chain pepper spray.
“It’s okay,” he says, holding his hands up. “I’m Wayne, not Vail.”
Oh, the nice twin. Clover barks then, and it surprises me. No muffled woof. It’s a full-on bark. “Good girl,” I tell her before looking back to Wayne.
He smiles, and I immediately see the difference. Physically, Wayne shares the same features—the MMA muscles, the brown hair, the dark eyes, the same height. Except, Wayne’s hair is a bit longer and his smile comes across kind and shy, not dark and menacing. Where Vail had been wearing athletic shorts and a muscle tee, Wayne dresses preppy with a collared shirt.
Still, I’m not sure how to respond, so I carefully watch him.
“My brother told me about what happened, and I wanted to apologize.”
I’m not sure if he’s talking about what happened at The Pit or the creepy visit to my home, but it stirs fresh fear and anger in me. “He really scared me.”
“I know, and I’m sorry.”
I’m actually a little surprised Vail told Wayne anything. I want to tell Wayne that his brother should be the one apologizing, but frankly, I don’t ever want to see Vail again.
“I told our parents, too, and they’ve dealt with Vail about it.”
I have no clue what “dealt with Vail” means, but I’m glad his parents know. “Well, thanks, I guess, for saying all of that.”
Wayne lets out a sad chuckle, and I get th
e impression he’s apologized on behalf of his twin a time or two before.
“If he bothers you again, just let me know. Let me give you my number.” While he rattles it off, I plug it into my phone, all the while thinking, if he bothers me again? I don’t like that phrase. Vail better not bother me again.
Wayne turns then and walks over to his car, and it’s only after he’s driven away that I think of Josie. I should’ve asked him if she’s on vacation with their parents, and if he knows anything about the missing capsule.
I decide to listen in again on the app and the device I planted in Rocco’s room, but again I get only recorded silence. It’s like he’s not even staying there anymore. I could go to Ean’s house and plant one in his room, but I don’t want another B and E on my record. Maybe Diamond will do it.
Look at me trying to work around the rules, getting a friend to do my deeds. No, if I’m going to do another B and E, I’ll do it myself. If I’m going to do another B and E. Did I really just think that?
With a sigh, I go to get up, and I catch sight of Ean racing away on his bike with the backpack over his shoulders. He casts a quick glance back, and I’m not sure what he’s looking at, but I think it’s me.
Son of a gun, I think he’s running from me!
Chapter 21
The more I peddle Lolli, the more I’m convinced I need a bike with gears. I follow Ean the best I can, zigzagging through the historic downtown area, cutting through the park where the capsule ceremony is scheduled to be held, and finally cruising down the street The Pit sits on.
By the time I round the last corner, I’ve lost sight of Ean, and I’m breathing so heavy I think I might pass out. Pulling over in the shade of an elm tree, I grab my coconut water and eagerly gulp down several mouthfuls. I give Clover some regular water and while she laps it up, I look around.
Across the parking lot sits The Pit and I stare at the door from a safe distance. Muscled people come and go but no Vail or Wayne. Is Ean in there hiding from me? He could be. If he heard about what Vail did to me, then Ean knows I won’t step foot in The Pit again. It would be the perfect place to hide the time capsule.
Something in my peripheral vision catches my eye. I turn, and I freeze.
Rocco’s step scooter sits across the street right between a dumpster and the back of Mojo’s BBQ. Well, look at that.
I move quick, whipping my bike around, and throwing all my weight into the right peddle. I move so quickly, I think I give Clover whiplash.
I hold her little head, just to make sure, and peel down the sidewalk. I don’t take my eyes off the scooter as I jump the curb and swerve around a dry pothole. My bike fishtails, wobbles, and I focus on keeping Clover in her basket.
I look up. Rocco’s scooter is still there, and I have to cross the road to get to it. I grip my handlebars, wait for a vehicle to pass, and then I creep across the road, coming up on the backside of Mojo’s BBQ.
For a few seconds, I stare at the scooter, wondering if I should wait here for Rocco or go inside. But what if he isn’t inside? What if he’s somewhere else and by the time I come back out, he and his scooter are gone?
It’s too bad I don’t have a chain or something. Then I could lock his scooter to the dumpster and go investigate if he’s inside. Maybe I should add a chain to my P. I. supplies.
I get off my bike and wedge the kickstand down. I’m just about to grab Clover when someone steps from behind the dumpster, grabs my arm and yanks me into the shadows.
“You are a pest,” Rocco says.
“Why are you always yanking me? Sheesh!”
His lips tighten. “You are such a pain in the butt.”
“Why are you hiding behind the dumpster?”
“Because I’m watching The Pit.”
I toss my braid over my shoulder. “Did Ean go in?”
“Yes.”
“Why would he be in The Pit?”
“Because he takes MMA lessons.”
I put my hands on my hips. “Why does he have your backpack?”
“I gave it to him. I have a new one.”
“Did you know Josie told Principal Berger she saw you running from campus?”
“She can call Berger, but she can’t call me?”
“That’s exactly what I said! Did you know Ean told me the same thing? For your best friend, he sure is mouthy about you.”
“He told you that because I told him about everything that’s going on.”
“Why didn’t he just say that?”
“Probably messing with you.”
“It’s not funny.”
Rocco sighs. “My grandmother is right about you.”
“You said that before. What does that mean?” I brace myself, knowing, just knowing he’s about to bring up my mom. Good, let him. I’m ready to yell at someone over that.
“She said that you’re nosy.”
“Oh.” I deflate a little. “That’s all?”
His dark brows inch up. “Yeah?”
“Okay, well, that in no way offends me.”
Rocco throws his hands up. “I give up.”
“Great!” I beam a smile. “I’m gifted in the art of wearing someone down.”
“I’m getting close to figuring all of this out.”
“You really are looking for the time capsule, too?”
“Yes, what do you think I’ve been doing?”
“I don’t know. Hiding, running, messing with me. Never mind.” Mr. De Luca’s advice had me fixating a little too hard on Rocco, I think. “Okay, then if you’re so innocent, tell me what you know. Does it have to do with The Pit? Is that why you’re hiding out here, watching it?”
He smirks. “Like I would tell you anything.”
“We’ll split the reward money,” I offer.
“Oh, no.” He wags his finger in my face. “You already turned me down on that offer. Time for you to get lost.”
I stick my own finger in his face. “Then I will find it before you.”
Rocco just snickers.
“At least tell me why you were meeting Josie that night,” I grumble.
Rocco grins. Grins.
“I hate you.”
“No, you don’t.” His expression softens then, his dimples sinking in, and the sudden change takes me off guard. He takes a step back, looking down at my blue flowered sundress that Aunt Grace made me last year. “I like this dress. Always have.”
A flash of embarrassment heats my entire body. What does he mean he’s always liked this dress? I mean, I’ve worn it a few times, but I never thought he noticed. Not that I wanted him to notice or anything.
His light eyes crinkle with a smile, and he reaches out to tug on one of my two braids. “These are cute.”
I bat his hand away.
He leans in, and my eyes pop wide. What is he doing? “I see you got your bike,” he says.
“Y-yes.”
He shifts closer. “Now you won’t have to ‘borrow’ mine anymore.”
“Mm-hm.”
“Say, ‘thank you, Rocco.’”
“Thank you,” I mumble like I don’t have a brain cell in my muddled head.
He leans in even further, and my entire world freezes as he kisses me right on the cheek. What the…?
Then he slides past, giving Clover a little kiss, too, and she proceeds to roll over right in the basket and show her belly. Dang dog.
Rocco steps onto his electric scooter and is gone. “See ya ‘round Penny-Ann Piper!”
In a daze I stand, watching him scooter away, and my hand comes up to cover my cheek. Did he really just kiss me? Yes, yes he did.
Several long seconds tick by as I continue to stand in the shadow of the dumpster, watching the road long after he’s gone. The more the seconds tick by, the more I begin to realize he did that on purpose. He commented on my dress, on my braids, then he kissed me. He kissed me! All on purpose to throw me off.
I’ve seen him do that to other girls, the whole sweet and charming thing to suck t
hem in. I never thought it’d work on me. Ugh!
Chapter 22
As I’m peddling home, a soft rain begins to patter the ground, and I pull off at a gas station to hunker under the overhang. I take Clover out of her basket, give her some water, and let her do her business. I still have a few hours before curfew, and I take the time to think through things.
Mom said to re-focus. To forget about my suspects and look at the contents. Perhaps she’s right. Perhaps this wasn’t a prank at all and it truly is a real theft. Whoever took it is after the contents.
Mentally, I begin going through the donated items.
1960s: The photo of Grandma Susan signing the paperwork that made us officially Piper Island.
1970s: An old plastic figurine dressed as our school mascot to commemorate the opening of our public school.
1980s: Grandpa Jack’s mermaid to memorialize him starting the weekly Craft and Farmer’s Market.
1990s: A VCR tape of when the President of the United States came to Piper Island on vacation.
2000s: A small album containing photos of when Piper Island was hit with back to back hurricanes, and the rebuilding of the community.
2010s: A national magazine that listed Piper Island as a top ten place to visit.
Six items in all, and on top, the letter I wrote to whoever in the future opens it.
Okay, maybe I’m wrong because none of that seems like such a big deal. Still, I start at the furthest item back, the photo of Grandma Susan. It was donated by Aunt Grace as was the hand-carved mermaid from Grandpa Jack. In between those two items is the plastic figurine. That was donated by my friend, Danae’s, father who wore the mascot outfit back in the ’70s. He wanted to donate the actual shark outfit, but it was too large for the time capsule so instead he gave me a tiny plastic figurine dressed in the shark suit.
The VCR tape of the President’s visit and the album with the hurricane photos were both donated by a local historian. The National magazine I ordered through the library.
Lifting my head, I look around and get my bearings. Danae’s house is near the convenient store where Mama Garcia works. I can easily swing in and talk to Danae’s dad, then head home before curfew. I can hit up the historian tomorrow. He lives near campus. That’ll be easy.
The Case of the Bad Twin Page 10