“Exactly. June of 1951.”
“So, Joseph Feinster got off scot-free and then headed this way.”
“That doesn’t make any sense. Why would he stash the treasure here, in Zodiac Hills?”
I’ve been wondering that myself.
“I know!” Lou’s voice sounds like a shocked gasp. “That German guy was following him.”
“Ah, yes. Feinster double-crossed him. He promised him half the treasure.” I’ve got a sinking feeling about this. “What was the German soldier’s name?”
I’d bet a million bucks it was Schumacher.
“It never said. I read all there was about it online.” Lou looks out the front window. “Where are we going?”
“Excelsior.”
“Why?”
“We’re going to the public library to do a bit more research.”
CHAPTERTWENTY-FIVE
LOU
“Why are we here?”He’s pulled up to a familiar hotel. “If you think I’m having sex with you….” Honestly, if he asked, I’d probably say yes, but I’m weak like that.
“The library is closed so I’m checking us in. We’ll go first thing in the morning.” He glances at me. “And there’s a safe in the room. We need to getthat,” He points to the box in my lap. “Somewhere safe.”
“Nobody even knows about it.”
“Bill does.”
“So? Bill’s harmless.”
“No.” Chase shakes his head. “He’s not.”
“No?” What’s he saying? “How can you say that? I’ve known Bill practically my whole life. His dad has sold us our shoes forever.”
“Did his grandfather have the store before that?”
I shrug. “I believe so.”
“Did he have a German accent?”
“I’m not….” It feels like my eyes are bulging out of my head. “Are you saying what I think you’re saying?”
“Is there anyone you could ask about that?”
“My dad.” I quickly press Dad’s number. It rings twice, three times. “Weird. He didn’t pick up.” Sighing, I press the button again. When it rings without anyone answering, I frown. “He always answers.” Dread seeps into my skin.
“I think you need to call the sheriff. Fill him in on everything.”
I feel lightheaded suddenly. “Is m-my dad in danger?”
Sighing, he runs his fingers through his hair. “Probably not. But I’ve reason to believe that Bill is the one who vandalized your house looking for that.” He points at the box again.
I cannot believe this. “Bill? Bill Schumacher? The guy who says foot clichés whenever he can?”
