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Story: The Strategist

“Try to blend in with the crowd as best you can,” Arrow said. “We don’t want to seem suspicious with the museum security.”

“Are you friends with the owner?” I asked.

“Attikus Mount is a new investor in our WaterFyre Rising video game. I wouldn’t call him a friend. Grayson designed the addition to his museum. So they’re closer. He’s more of an acquaintance to me.” Arrow turned to smile at me. “But I could be friends with him if he doesn’t cause trouble for us today.”

Always so protective.

“Thanks for doing this,” I said. “I know it’s been stressful.”

“It’s an enormous task, and I don’t want you to handle it yourself. Besides, my friends and I don’t like people who hurt children. So we want to get this guy and whoever he’s working with.”

“I get to meet all your friends today?” Kaylee popped her head between the two car seats.

“Yes,” Arrow said.

“I like talking to your friends.” Kaylee looked at me. “They’re so cool.”

“They think you’re cool too.” I smiled.

She beamed and sat back in her seat.

“I don’t think I’ve attended anything with everyone together,” I said. “Usually someone’s away for work or something.”

“The more eyes looking for Aimee, the better our chances. There’s something else I want to check on at the museum.”

I reached for his hand. “What is it?”

“I’ll explain later. Let’s keep our attention on Aimee.”

I touched his cheek. “You came to bed late last night. Feeling okay?”

“Just trying to finalize a few things. A kiss would make me feel better though.”

“Ew.” A gagging sound burst from the back seat. “Gross.”

Arrow laughed. “You won’t think it’s gross when you like a boy.”

“They’re so annoying.”

I glanced back. “I have something special to share with you in a few days.”

Her eyes widened. “We’re going to Disney?”

“Not telling. You’ll have to wait. Practice some patience.”

“I’m thirteen. I don’t have any. Teenage angst, remember?”

“That’s why you need to practice.”

She grunted. “That’s torture!”

Arrow pulled into the crowded parking lot. “Let’s go get Aimee.”

“Wow.” Kaylee stared at the Mount Centauri Museum. “I like how the three pyramids connect to each other, from smallest to biggest. Cool design.”

“Tell that to Grayson,” I said.

I’d debated having Kaylee address my friends as Auntie and Uncle to be respectful. But we considered ourselves sisters, so addressing them that way would sound weird.