by Hope McLean
“And I’ll do the same,” Derrica promised.
Principal Frederickson was clearly rattled. “I need to think about this. Girls, please head to your classes.”
“It was really nice to meet you,” Jasmine said shyly to Derrica.
“And if you want any ideas for what to wear to that movie premiere, let me know,” Lili added. “I just got one of my clients onto the best-dressed list.”
Derrica raised an eyebrow. “My, you girls have many talents, don’t you?”
“That other dress wasn’t your color, anyway,” Lili went on. “And I think a slimmer cut would be —”
But Principal Frederickson’s glare made her stop. The girls quickly left the office, calling good-bye behind them.
When they got back into the hall they walked a little way and then stopped in the alcove by the water fountain.
“This is amazing!” Erin said. “Derrica is, like, our friend!”
“It’s too bad we couldn’t save the emerald for her,” Jasmine remarked. “You know, I was thinking. Last time when we got the diamond, we had help from whoever it was who left us those notes on yellow paper. I wonder why we didn’t get any this time?”
“Yeah, that is weird,” Lili said. “We sure could have used it.”
“We don’t need help,” Willow said, her voice filled with confidence. “We have each other. And Eli. We’re smart. Smart enough to get the sapphire before the Rivals do. This time, we’re going to win!”
“And we’ll do it together,” Erin said, eyeing Jasmine. “Right?”
Jasmine grinned. “Right!”
The Andover Mansion was impressive, and Willow quickly counted over thirty windows in the front of the house. It had a huge lawn and a circular driveway, complete with a fountain in the middle.
Erin read from her phone. “Derrica said to go to the French doors off the library at four p.m. Then we’re supposed to walk around to the back of the house, and the library will be located to our left.”
Guests were already driving up and valets were parking their cars for them. The team decided to walk on the far side of the lawn, which had a row of trees planted next to the driveway, so as not to draw any attention to themselves.
They rounded the house and came to the backyard, where they saw the gleaming glass French doors, just as Derrica had described. Eli reached his hand to the doorknob and turned it, but the door was locked.
“Did Derrica forget?” Erin asked, panicked.
If Derrica didn’t come through, they would miss their chance to talk to Mr. Andover!
The handle of the door slowly turned. Derrica poked her head out. “Just in time!” she said in a loud whisper. “Mr. Andover is in the library.”
They all exchanged excited glances. Answers to all their questions about the sapphire could be waiting for them just on the other side of that door!
Copyright © 2013 by Pure West Productions, Inc. and Katherine Noll.
All rights reserved. Published by Scholastic Inc. SCHOLASTIC and associated logos are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Scholastic Inc.
This edition first printing, October 2013
Previously published as Jewel Thieves: Keep Friends Close, Emeralds Closer
Cover art by Tatevik Avakyan
Cover design by Natalie C. Sousa
e-ISBN 978-0-545-57660-4
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