The earnest expression on his face made Arthur smile. He nodded. “Did you notice any good spots to hide when you were looking for them?”
He hesitated. “Yeah, but it’s close to where they’re counting.”
“They might not look hard close by because they expect you to go further.”
Both boys nodded and Jordan put his hand out. Cody placed his on top and they both looked at Arthur. Arthur added his hand to the pile.
“Team Sherlock!” Jordan yelled and thrust their hands high. The boys ran to the starting point and Arthur stared after them, his chest tight, no words to express his shock. They accepted him.
“Are you all right?” Gretchen asked.
He swallowed hard, not daring to look at her, his vision blurry. He nodded.
She squeezed his hand. “You’re becoming his hero.”
He blinked rapidly. No one had ever looked up to him. It made him want to do his best.
Lara and Mischa started counting. Jordan ducked behind a bush just to the left of the girls. A risky move because if they went either side of the bush, they’d find him. Then the boy lay on his stomach and tucked himself under, almost disappearing from view.
“Genius,” he muttered.
“Is that some kind of burrow?” Gretchen asked. “Could there be snakes?”
“Any snake would have slithered off long ago.” Arthur smiled at her. “It was probably washed out in a storm.”
The count ended, and the girls began their search. They were equally quiet which was impressive given how much Lara liked to talk. Arthur started his stopwatch.
He held his breath as Lara moved near the bush where Jordan hid and didn’t let it out until she’d passed by.
At the two-and-a-half minute mark, Mischa found Cody. Arthur flashed Brandon a satisfied smile. “Beat you.”
Brandon groaned. “Damn it. I’m impressed with Jordan’s hiding place.”
The girls continued to search, moving further and further away from Jordan.
“Should we end the game?” Gretchen asked.
“I’ll call them back.” Darcy yelled for Lara and Mischa. “He’s over this way.”
The girls ran back. “Where?”
“Between there and where you started,” Arthur said. “No need to go so far.”
“I’m going to get lunch ready,” Amy said, and Faith, Georgie and Matt went to help.
The search continued. Cody came to stand next to Arthur. “Where is he?”
Arthur smiled. “Hidden.”
They let the search run for another five minutes, but it was getting hot. “Shall we call it?” Arthur said.
Gretchen nodded.
Brandon cupped his hands over his mouth. “Game’s over. Time to come out, Jordan. Lunch is ready.”
No movement.
Maybe he thought Brandon was trying to lure him out. Arthur raised his voice. “You won, Jordan. Time to go.”
