“How can you hide footprints in the dust?” Cody demanded.
“Hey, settle down,” Gretchen interrupted. “Give Arthur a break.”
“I don’t mind answering,” Arthur replied. “Just one at a time.” He shifted in his seat to face the children better. “Let’s start with hiding footprints.”
He explained options and was incredibly patient with all the interruptions and follow-up questions. A kind man. Far kinder than Kurt had ever been.
The thought of her ex made her tense. Would he be satisfied with the few bits of information she’d collected? She couldn’t see how it would be of any value to him, but it might keep him from following through with his threats.
She couldn’t obsess over it, couldn’t let him take over her life again. Gretchen exhaled, pushing her concerns aside, and listened as Arthur answered questions all the way back to town. She dropped off Cody and then drove to Mischa’s house.
As Mischa got out of the car, she said, “Sherlock, you’re so smart, I bet you could solve the puzzle of the treasure in no time.”
“Treasure?” Jordan yelped. “What treasure?”
Mischa paled and slapped a hand over her mouth. “Nothing. Forget I said anything.”
“Mischa, you’ve got to tell me.”
The girl set her mouth. “No. Jordan Wintie, you have to cross your heart and hope to die swear you won’t tell anyone what I said.”
“Only if you tell me more.”
“Jordan!” Gretchen said. “That’s no way to behave.” He sounded too much like Kurt.
“Your mum’s right,” Arthur said. “A true man acknowledges when someone has made a mistake and doesn’t punish them for it.”
“All right. I swear.” He slumped back in his seat and drew a cross over his heart.
Mischa exhaled. “Thank you. See you tomorrow.” She slammed the door and ran up to her house. Gretchen waited until she was inside before she drove to Sam’s place at the marina. Her stomach swirled. Was the talk of treasure just childish imaginations? Mischa seemed very serious, and Arthur backed her up quickly. Was this what Kurt wanted to know?
She had the urge to block her ears and pretend she’d never heard it.
Gretchen pulled up in front of the town house.
“Thanks for the lift. I’ll see you tomorrow?”
She nodded as panic fought its way for control. She didn’t want to betray her friends, but if it was between them and Jordan, she’d pick Jordan every time. Gretchen forced a smile. “Say hi to Sam for me.”
“Yeah.” He waved. “See you, Jordan.”
“Bye, Sherlock. You can visit any time you want.”
Arthur stepped back, surprise lighting his face, and then he smiled. “Thanks, Jordan. Same goes.”
“Thanks. Can I come in now?”
Gretchen choked back a laugh, the panic receding. “No. Now is time for dinner and then bed. You’ve had a busy weekend.”
Arthur nodded. “I’ve got to prepare for work tomorrow, otherwise my boss might get cross.” He shut the door.
Jordan frowned. “Does Sam get cross, Mum?”
“I’m sure he does.” She waved to Arthur and drove off before Jordan could ask Arthur more questions. She was looking forward to a cup of tea and an early night herself.
Gretchen unlocked the house and walked in, tossing her keys on the little table next to the door. Her phone buzzed as she entered the kitchen to put the kettle on. Jordan dumped his backpack on the ground and dashed for the television.
“Put your backpack in your room and go have a shower before any TV,” Gretchen called.
