The missing crystal pepper shaker.
- Chapter 24 -
A Thief Unmasked
I must have gasped because Irwin looks up at me. His eyes widen then narrow. His hands knot into fists at his sides. He was so nice when we met, but now he’s turned into a different person. And suddenly I’m scared.
“What are you doing here?” he says sharply.
“I-I was looking for Angel…I didn’t mean to interrupt…” My gaze is on the glittering crystal in his hand. I back up and turn to leave. “I-I’ll just go—”
“No!” Irwin shoves the crystal shaker into his pocket as he lunges for the door. He grabs my arm and yanks me into the room and kicks the door shut.
“Let go!” I struggle like a wild animal, hitting, kicking, and scratching.
“Stop that…ouch! I’m not going to hurt you. I’ll explain, if you’ll just calm down.”
I answer by aiming high and kicking him hard.
He cries out in pain, doubling over, but he doesn’t loosen his grip. “Just…Just listen,” he gasps. “You must promise not to tell anyone I have the pepper shaker.”
“I-I promise.” Of course I’m lying. I’m going to blab to the world as soon as I leave Angel’s room.
“I know this looks bad but it’s not what you think.” Irwin’s shoulders sag.
I think he’s a lying creep who is fake nice and steals from his own uncle. But saying that wouldn’t be a smart move.
“My friends and Sergei will come looking for me.” I try to pull away but he has an iron grip on my arm.
He frowns nervously at the door then back at me. “Please, try to understand that I didn’t mean for this happen. Angel will be hurt if she finds out. You like her, don’t you?”
“Sure, I do. And I thought you did too,” I say bitterly. “But when you like someone you don’t try to frame her by hiding a stolen shaker in her room.”
“Is that what you think?” he asks, scowling.
“It doesn’t matter what I think. Just let me leave…you’re hurting me.”
“I’m sorry.” He loosens his grip but doesn’t let go. “I would never let Angel take the blame. I like her a great deal and would do anything for her.” He glances regretfully at the jewelry box. “So she must never know what I’ve done. Please don’t tell her about my problem.”
“Problem?” I stop struggling to stare at him.
“I-I can’t help myself.” His voice cracks and when he loosens his grip on me, I lunge for the door.
But I don’t hear footsteps chase after me, only a pitiful sigh. So I pause in the doorway and glance back. Irwin’s face is in his hands and his shoulders heave like he’s crying. He looks broken, as if he’s more fragile than the crystal shaker clutched in his hand.
“I’m sorry I grabbed you,” he says softly. “It was unkind of me. I would never hurt anyone…except myself.”
I’m poised in the doorway, ready to run, but hesitate. “What do you mean about hurting yourself?”
“It’s a sickness, my compulsion to steal. When I see something pretty like this shaker, I have to hold it.” When he lifts the crystal it catches light from the ceiling lamp and glitters like a handful of diamonds. “Next thing I know I’ve taken it. I don’t mean to steal, but it happens. My therapist is helping me with my kleptomania but sometimes I lose control.”
“You stole the pepper shaker because you’re sick?”
He nods. “I feel remorse afterward and return what I’ve taken. But when I heard you tell Sergei the pepper shaker was stolen by an animal, I panicked because it was in my pocket. No one knew I had it, and I was terrified my uncle would find out. He wouldn’t understand about my…my sickness. He can be a very unforgiving man.”
“So why not return it to the kitchen? Why bring it to Angel’s room? Did you want her to be blamed for the theft?”
“No! I’d never do anything to hurt her.” He hangs his head, ashamed. “I’ve been trying to get into the kitchen all morning—but your father is there. I knew it would be safe in Angel’s room. Please, don’t tell anyone. Give me time to return the shaker to the kitchen.”
He has the same pathetic expression Leo gets when an invention breaks or isn’t working properly. What harm can there be in letting him return the pepper shaker? My dad will be thrilled to have it back. If only getting the emerald king back was as easy. A new suspicion jumps into my head.
I frown at Irwin. “I’ll keep a secret if you tell me the truth.”
“About what?”
“You admitted to stealing the pepper shaker, which makes me wonder what else you might have taken.” I look him squarely in the eyes. “Do you have the emerald king?”
“Of course not! I wasn’t even here when it happened!” He looks so shocked that he’s either a good actor or telling the truth. “I wouldn’t be working for my uncle if the boy hadn’t stolen it.”
“RJ,” I say in a whisper, not wanting to believe that a kid who created a club to help animals could also be a thief.
“Yeah, RJ took it.” Irwin nods. “My uncle felt so betrayed he forbid any mention of my cousin Deidra or her son. He said they were dead to him.” Irwin’s voice breaks. “And now I’ve betrayed my uncle. He’ll send me away too if he finds out.”
“He won’t find out from me,” I say solemnly. “As long as you swear you’re going to return the crystal shaker.”
“I will.” Irwin blows out a shaky sigh. “And I’m sorry for hurting your arm. I shouldn’t have grabbed you. Is there anything I can do to make it up to you?”
“Yes.” I hold out my hand. “The key to the wine cellar, please?
“Oh, that. Here,” he says as he reaches into his pocket.
The old-fashioned key is heavy iron with scrollwork at the top and jagged teeth at the bottom—perfect for a dungeon door.
When I rejoin Sergei, Becca, and Leo in the foyer, Angel is there too. Her glitter lashes flutter in surprise like she just found out there’s a ferret thief loose in the castle.
“I’ve got it!” I wave the key. “Irwin gave it to me.”
“Why didn’t he come back with you?” Angel’s purple hair spills over her angel-winged shoulders as she looks up the curved staircase.
“He has…um…some important work to do,” I say awkwardly.
“What’s more important than finding the animal who’s been stealing my things?” She holds up the ragged sequined scarf. “I can’t believe a wild animal is loose in the castle. I’m absolutely flubbergasted.”
Leo frowns, and I know it’s because “flubbergasted” isn’t a real word.
“What if it attacked me while I was sleeping?” Angel shudders.
“Ferrets aren’t dangerous,” Becca assures her calmly.
“Easy for you to say—you don’t live in this ferret-infested castle.” Angel dramatically sweeps her arms to take in the whole castle. “No wonder Mr. Bragg loses pens so often. I saw at least three pens in that nest in Sergei’s shed. My halo was there too, but it was so filthy I may never be able to wear it again.”
“Bandit…the ferret…won’t take anything else,” Becca says in a calming tone. “If we can’t catch her ourselves, my mother runs the Wild Oak Animal Sanctuary and will bring a team of volunteers to help.”
Leo taps his tablet. “The target is stationary in the cellar.”
“She’s probably sleeping and will be there for a long time,” Becca guesses. “Ferrets sleep fifteen to twenty hours a day.”
“So what are we waiting for? I have the key, so let’s go to the cellar and—”
“What do you want in my wine cellar?” a deep voice interrupts.
King Bragg steps out into the foyer, striding purposefully over to us. He wears a denim vest over a white shirt with a whimsical music-note patterned tie. “If you’re having a party,” he says wryly, “why wasn’t I invited?”
“Not a party, sir.” Sergei dips his head as if embarrassed. “There’s a ferret in the wine cellar.”
&nb
sp; “Sergei, these kids are playing a prank on you.” King Bragg pats his housekeeper on the back. “This is all very amusing, but I’m preparing for a conference and have no time for this nonsense. You children go along home.”
His condescending tone makes me so mad I blurt out, “But Bandit is in the cellar! And she’s not really a wild animal. She belonged to your grandson. She wouldn’t steal stuff if he hadn’t abandoned her.”
King Bragg stiffens like a suit of armor. “I don’t have a grandson.”
“Yes, you do, and his name is RJ! He used to live in our cottage until you kicked his family out.” I’ve gone too far, but I can’t stop now. “He nursed the ferret and other animals back to health. He probably played with Bandit in the castle, and that’s why she keeps coming back to look for him. I don’t know why he left her behind or why he stole the emerald king.” A thought suddenly strikes me. “…Or maybe he didn’t steal it! Maybe Bandit could have taken an emerald chess piece—”
“Like the ferret could have taken the missing pepper shaker?” interrupts Angel.
I frown. “We may never know everything Bandit took,” I say, not wanting to rat on Irwin. “But that means RJ isn’t guilty! And he—”
“Kelsey!” thunders a voice I know too well.
My dad’s face is furious as he steps into the foyer.
I cover my mouth with my hand as if I could shove my words back inside.
“What’s this about a pepper shaker?” Mr. Bragg strides over to my father. “Is she referring to my crystal and diamond pepper shaker?”
Dad, who always seems tall and powerful to me, withers under his employer’s accusing gaze. “Yes, Mr. Bragg.”
“A valuable object was stolen from my kitchen and you didn’t bother to inform me?” Mr. Bragg’s anger echoes off the walls.
When my father hangs his head and nods, King Bragg turns back to us. “You children will leave now.”
There’s no point in arguing. Even if I hadn’t promised to keep Irwin’s secret, no one would believe me now. By losing my temper, I’ve lost my chance to search for the ferret, and I may have lost my father his job.
“I’ll talk to you at home, Kelsey,” Dad adds in a tight, controlled voice.
By tomorrow my family may be homeless.
- Chapter 25 -
King, Queen, Pawn
Leo, Becca, and I don’t say much as we trudge down the stairs. The sky is full of stormy-dark clouds stealing the sunlight. I shiver as a chill wind whips through my clothes, and I wish I had my jacket.
Leo’s blond hair sweeps across his forehead as he pauses on the circular driveway to study his tablet. “The signal keeps fading in and out but the red dot is still in the cellar.”
“Lot of good that does for us,” I say bitterly. “I never should have mentioned RJ or the pepper shaker. Why don’t I ever think before opening my big mouth?”
“You were telling the truth.” Becca squeezes my hand. “Mr. Bragg should have believed us. But he’s so puffed up with pride about everything that belongs to him. Do you notice how often he says ‘my’? My cellar, my castle, my nephew. And he lied about RJ. I wouldn’t want him for a grandfather. I feel sorry for RJ.”
I feel sorrier for me, I think in despair. There’s no way my parents will let me keep Honey now. We could end up living in a no-pets apartment again and lose Handsome too. It’s all my fault.
Hanging my head, I realize I’m still holding the wine cellar key.
“Oops. I forgot to give this back.” I glance up at the ominous castle.
“Your dad can return it tomorrow,” Becca suggests.
But will Dad still have his job tomorrow?
“I better return it now,” I say with a sigh.
Becca and Leo both stare at me like I’ve lost my mind.
“You can’t go back in there!” Becca exclaims in horror.
“It would be unwise,” Leo adds, frowning.
“I’ll be quick,” I assure in a braver tone than I feel. “I just hope Sergei or Angel answers the door.”
Becca bites her lip. “Just leave the key on the front step.”
“Where it could get lost and then I’d be in worse trouble. I better knock.”
“Be careful.” Becca gives me a quick hug. Returning to the castle is terrifying. I imagine the tense conversation going on right now between King Bragg and my father. I am in so much trouble.
I rap the brass knocker but no one answers. Not a good sign. I try the doorknob and it turns easily. I guess in all the commotion, Sergei forgot to lock it behind us. Peeking inside, I see the foyer is empty.
In case I need a quick getaway, I leave the door open a crack. I tiptoe to a small table where I can leave the key.
But I pause to think about my new theory. Did Bandit, not RJ, steel the emerald king? If so, the missing emerald could still be in the castle hidden in a ferret nest. And what better hiding place than a dungeon-like cellar? Was RJ framed for a crime committed by his own ferret?
I doubt I’ll find a nest or anything more valuable than wine bottles in the cellar but no one is around and I’m too curious to leave.
I hear voices rise from the study, but it’s quiet in the hall leading to the cellar. Still tiptoeing like a thief, I pass the library and turn down a narrow corridor leading to the heavy door guarding the wine cellar.
The key slips into the lock, silent and swift.
Click.
A flick of a wall switch bathes rows of bottles with golden light. I move carefully down the staircase, my spy pack bulky on my back. When I reach the bottom, I survey the rows of wine bottles. I begin with the row on the right and search systematically. No sign of a nest. I search beneath the staircase and in shadowed corners. Still nothing.
The only place left to search is the cage-like wine vault. An electronic keypad flashes on the door’s lock.
I press my face against the steel bars, peering past a wine rack that reaches the ceiling. It’s creepy dark and dank smelling. I shake off my spy pack and pull out my penlight. I sweep the tiny beam across the vault. In the farthest corner, too far for my light, is a shadowy lump.
Could it be a nest?
A ferret can slip through the narrow bars, but I can’t. Maybe I can disable the electronic lock. I’m searching my spy pack when the room goes black.
“What?” I mutter, more annoyed with the faulty lighting system than scared…at least until I hear the footsteps.
The lights suddenly burst back on.
I blink in surprise at the purple-haired girl walking down the stairs.
“Angel!” I sigh in relief. “I’m so glad it’s you.”
“Why are you down here?” She sounds worried as she hurries over to me. “Are you all right, Kelsey?”
I nod then point into the wine vault. “Look! I found another nest!”
“Wowtastic!” Her peach-shimmery grin fills her face.
“But I can’t get inside.” I point to the lock. “I don’t know the electronic password.”
“I do.” She leans close to whisper. “Want to know a secret?”
I never turn down secrets. “What?” I ask in a hush.
“Mr. Bragg usually uses the same four numbers: his daughter’s birthday.” As she’s speaking, Angel reaches for the electronic pad and taps quickly. A green light flashes and the door slides open.
“Go on,” Angel says, pushing me forward. “Be a hero and find something amazing. I’ll stand guard.”
Shadows darken the far corner and it’s hard to see if the dark shape is a nest. I need a better light. I open my spy pack and put on my flash cap—a baseball cap with a strong light attached.
“What else do you have in that backpack?” Angel leans in to look. “Is that a fingerprint kit? And handcuffs? What are you, some kind of kid spy?”
“I never reveal my secrets.” Smiling, I slip on a pair of gloves.
The flash cap lights my way as I enter the vault. In the corner I find a pile of junk larger than the nests in the s
hed and tree house.
“What do you see in there?” Angel calls out.
“It is a nest!”
“Anything valuable?” she asks.
“I’ll look.” Starting from the top, I pull out a spoon, a ripped envelope, a dried banana peel, three pens, green shoe laces, and a pink sock.
“That’s my sock,” Angel exclaims when I hold it up to the light.
“You won’t want it now. Yuck. And this looks like part of a man’s shoe.” I toss aside a rubber heel.
My heart speeds up when I spy something green and shiny. I reach down and pick up a…
…a tiny jade pig.
“I remember that statue—it belongs to Mr. Bragg’s daughter,” Angel says. “Deidra collects pig statues and every birthday her father would buy her one from his travels. Don’t stop now. Keep looking.”
Angel stares eagerly at me through the metal bars as if she’s been waiting for Christmas and I’m Santa. “Do you think the emerald king is here?”
So she guessed this possibility too.
“I don’t know,” I say honestly. “But if the ferret did take it, she might have hidden it here.”
“Oh, I know she took it,” Angel says sharply. “I saw RJ’s ferret carry it from the toy room and jump through the window to the roof.”
“You knew the ferret had it instead of RJ?” I ask, puzzled.
“I thought the stupid animal gave the emerald to RJ. It wasn’t until weeks later when I read Deidra’s letter to her father that I realized RJ didn’t have it and the ferret must have hidden it.”
I try to make sense of her words. “RJ’s mother wrote to King Bragg?”
“Only once—but he never saw that letter.” When Angel giggles, she sounds like a little girl but there’s a very grown-up glint in her eyes.
“Why didn’t he get the letter?” The jade pig slips from my fingers back into the nest.
“Stop asking questions. Move aside and I’ll look.” Angel strides inside the vault. “It’s too dark to see anything. Can I borrow this?” She plucks off my flash cap and sticks it on her own head. “This nest stinks. If I touch it, I’ll probably get a million diseases.”
The Secret of the Shadow Bandit Page 14