Godard’s eyes traveled between the two girls. Then, settled on Sylvie. “Last week, August paid me a visit. He told me something terrible was happening at the CCS but refused to give me any details, said it wasn’t safe because Bass had planted a spy at the school.” Godard rubbed her temples. “I knew it couldn’t be Ms. Honeycut. Before coming to Brindille, she ran the archives at SIFT. She’s still a highly trusted member.”
Sylvie let the implication of Godard’s words sink in.Ms. Honeycut is part of the resistance?
“So, I enlisted her help. I had spells, and a few trusted students and staff, searching for the spy, but the spy had done a good job covering their tracks. We thought we might be able to smoke the culprit out online.”
Sylvie took a deep breath. “I’m sorry … I didn’t know.”
“Be that as it may, this is a disaster!” Godard shook her head. “I tried my best not to give anything away in front of Belinda, but I don’t see how I can keep this hidden from Jack. Oh, he’ll be thrilled. Only a few hours ago, I bluffed and told him I’d received a letter revealing the name of his spy. I had hoped to plant a seed of fear and catch him in a misstep. Instead, you two helped Flammé get away and handed him a powerful weapon!”
“It’s my fault, not Georgia’s.” Sylvie’s mistake was about to hurt so many people. She didn’t want Georgia going down for her mess too. “Georgia didn’t exactly have a choice.”
Godard glanced at the Fire Wands connecting their wrists. “Fair enough. Belinda can deny it all she wants, but she’s responsible for you two being glued together. I’m sure her father won’t want the truth to come out. So that should clear her … but I don’t see how I get you out of this one, Sylvie.”
Godard’s words hung in the air.
Sylvie suddenly felt as if she were being squeezed into a sweater three sizes too small. “So that’s it. I’m done.”Bass won.“But what about my mom and everyone at the Golden Whisk? They have no idea Josephine is makingVindicti-au-vent.We have to save them.”
“Yes.” Godard brushed the crumbs off her lap and stood up. “You two go and wait for me in my office. I’ll send word to Guy Fabre. He’s planning to pick up the Commis Contest winner in Paris and deliver them to your mom.”
Sylvie took a moment to digest this. “Fabre?Are you sure you can trust him?”
Godard turned rigid. “Don’t tell me you suspect he’s working with Bass too.”
Sylvie felt the tips of her ears grow warm. “Well … yeah … maybe. In your memory, I realized he had a copy of Eglantine Easton’s book in his pocket. Why would he—”
“Eglantine was at the competition that year doing a book signing,” interjected Godard.
Sylvie’s mind wandered back to the picture she’d seen online with Eglantine’s name listed underspecial guests.
“We’ll discuss everything later,” continued Godard. “Sylvie, you remember the way to my office?”
Sylvie nodded.
“Good. We’ve given the security steps some blackout cake … acts as a bit of a tranquilizer. So, you shouldn’t have any issues with them tonight.” With that, Madame Godard hustled out.
Sylvie stared after her. There was a finality in the headmistress’s departure. One way or another, Bass would soon know the truth. Then, the trajectory of Sylvie’s future would be decided. Once that happened, it couldn’t be taken back.
Rumbledethumps
THE SOLES OFSYLVIE’S SHOES VIBRATED UNDER THE SHUDDERINGstairs. Sylvie stepped over the final snoring stone and gave the doors at the top a push.
“Look! The birds built a nest,” said Georgia, eyeing the same golden cage Sylvie had noticed the first time she stepped into the school. The milk chocolate cockatoo and white chocolate parrot fluttered inside as they shaped malted twigs and icing leaves into a tidy bundle.
“Great.” Sylvie forced a smile. She’d been in such awe of Brindille. But now, an emptiness threatened to swallow her up. Her mom was probably working on a spell just as spectacular, not realizing she had no chance to redeem herself, or even (thanks to Sylvie) a shot at finishing the competition. If Sylvie didn’t find a way to fix this, her mom’s story would end abruptly with a curse.
“Godard’s office is on the second floor.” Sylvie walked past the pulled sugar tree, still dropping its leaves, as she tried to bury her thoughts.
Beyond the glass partitions were pristine classrooms full of Hobart mixers, Pacojets, cauldrons, beakers, and Bunsen burners. It would be hard going back to a regular school after this. Brindille was part kitchen, part wonderland, and 100 percent magic. By morning, she’d probably be packing her bags, which would be a small price to pay if she could at least save her mom. Trouble was, Sylvie didn’t seehowshe was going to do that.
“I know things seem bad,” said Georgia, “but when life gives you lemons, you gotta make sweet tea.”
Sylvie glanced at her. “Isn’t itlemonade?”
Georgia shrugged. “Maybe in California but not in Louisiana. Anyway, the point is not to give up. Even with a sour situation like this, there might be a fix.”
“Thanks.” Sylvie appreciated Georgia trying to cheer her up. She pointed toward a staircase. “Godard’s office is up there.”
Georgia stared into one of the classrooms. “Hey! There’s Flora.”
