Page 59

“He was very patriotic.”

“The British soldiers chased Sheriff Randall's cruiser for six blocks.”

“That part wasn't my fault.”

“The horse was breathing fire.”

“Okay, that might have been my fault.”

Dora grins.

I point at her.

“You promised.”

“I promised I wouldn't tell anyone as long as you never gave me a reason.”

“That's blackmail.”

“Best-friend blackmail.”

“Still illegal.”

“Tell me what you're researching.”

I groan and drop my forehead onto the book.

“I hate you.”

“No, you don't.”

“No, I really don't.”

“Which is why you're going to tell me.”

I lift my head. She's still smiling.

I glance around the library. No one is close enough to hear us.

Fine.

I lean forward.

“I think I might have a familiar.”

Dora's smile disappears.

“What?”

“A familiar.”

“I heard you.”

“Then why did you ask?”

“Because you've never had a familiar.”

“Thank you, Professor Obvious. That's why I'm researching them.”