Page 139 of Secrets Along the Shore

“Is Jake here?”

She nods. “Same table. He’s pretty excited. Can’t wait to see what you’ve got for him.”

I run my plan by Grace to make sure she’s okay with it before I explain it to Jake. When she lets out a belly laugh and snorts, I know I’m cleared for takeoff.

I find Jake finishing off a sourdough grilled cheese. A few pieces of crust lie abandoned on his plate. His green beans look untouched.

“Better eat those.” I point to the vegetables as I drop into the chair opposite him. “If you don’t, Grace might give youonlyveggies next time.”

Jake ponders this for a moment, then shovels a quarter of the beans into his mouth with one go. “You’re right,” he mumbles through a full mouth. “Can’t risk it.” He swallows and leans toward me, his forearms on the table, like he’s about to share state secrets. “So, did you figure something out?”

I narrow my eyes and mirror him, leaning in. “I did. I think you’re gonna like it.” I reach into my backpack, pull out the object I brought with me, and slide it across the table, glancing left and right for dramatic effect.

Jake reaches out to take the plastic jar I’ve set in front of him. He turns it over in his hands, then cuts a glance at me. “What is it?”

“Colorless powder dye—wait!” My hand shoots out to cover his when he moves to twist off the cap. “Don’t do that. It’s a bear to wash off.”

The corner of Jake’s mouth rises conspiratorially. “I get it.”

“Okay, so the powder is clear until it's heat-activated. When Grace makes your lunch, sprinkle some of it on the outside of the sandwich bag. The second Dale Peyton grabs it, the powder will stick to his skin, then turn bright purple. Like I said, it comes off, but not without a lot of scrubbing and soap. If he tries to take your lunch tomorrow, you’ll know it, and so will everyone else.”

“This. Is. Awesome!”

“The thing is”—I lean in again—“your teacher might not like it. And his parentsreallymight not like it. But I think they’re going to have a hard time complaining about what you did to your own lunch.”

“I don’t care if they get mad or not. It’s soooo worth it.” The grin on his face tells me he’ll survive whatever chastisement follows the sting operation. A shadow of worry passes across his face. “Did you tell Gigi?”

I nod. “She’s on board.”

His grin returns.

For half a minute I wish I could be there to see the bully get his,even if he is a kid. I’ve had about all I can take of bullies—whatever form they might take.

I’m ready for a win for the good guys.

Here’s looking at you, sentencing hearing.

CHAPTER

FOURTEEN

My fiancé is the best.

I arrive home to find the lights on, my dog waiting for me at the door, and the welcoming scent of chocolate chip cookies—my favorite—baking in the oven.

“You’re incredible.” I toss my bag onto the bench by the door and walk over to James to hug him around the neck.

“Yes, I am,” he says, chuckling and planting a kiss on me.

“How did you know I’d need this?”

“Because you’ve had a long, tough day, and it’s too late for coffee. I figured chocolate was the next best thing.”

I sit on a barstool and he slides a plate of warm cookies toward me. The gooey chocolate and chewy cookie are absolute perfection—not as reviving as a steaming cup of caffeine, but it’ll do. I swipe another as he pours me a glass of milk.

“Now tell me all about it,” he says, taking a cookie for himself.

James listens intently, sipping on green tea as I unload the day’s events. When I reach the part about someone following me, he shifts his stance, sniffs, and clamps his lips together.