Page 99 of Cryptic Curse

So even if I need security twenty-four-seven, and a vaguely threatening note shows up on my door every now and then, I won’t let it break me.

Not this time.

I step out of the shower, wrap a towel around me, and squeeze the water out of my hair.

I dress more casually today.

Yesterday I wore a silk button-down blouse and dress pants.

But most of the others showed up in jeans and more comfortable clothing.

Not a bad idea.We were on our feet all day, and my heels—even though they weren’t that high—were uncomfortable.

Today?

Walking shoes.

A pair of loose-fitting boyfriend jeans, and a soft cotton T-shirt.

Today, I will be comfortable.

I fix myself a quick breakfast, pack another basic lunch of a sandwich and fresh fruit, and then I go into the main house to see Belinda before I leave.

She’s in the kitchen, eating a bowl of oatmeal with brown sugar and cinnamon.

“Hey, Bee,” I say.

“Dani, hi,” she says.“School again today?”

“Yeah.”

She beams.“I had so much fun last night with you and Hawk.Playing Texas Hold’em for cheese balls.”

I smile.“I did too, sweetie.”I kiss the top of her head.“I have to go, but I’ll see you tonight at dinner, okay?”

She nods.“Have fun.”

The drive to the school isn’t long, about twenty minutes.Traffic isn’t bad because I’m going against it.The culinary school is located on the edge of our suburb.

I park my car, grab my purse, and head inside.

Jordan is already there at our station.

“Hey, chopper queen,” he says.

I give him a friendly wave.“Hi, Jordan.”

“Guess what we’re doing today?”

“I couldn’t possibly,” I say.

“We’re learning to chop vegetables.”

Seriously?

A whole lesson on vegetable chopping?Something I could do in my sleep?

“Okay,” I say.