Page 30 of The Shop on Hidden Lane

“Maybe because it’s not a true vortex site,” Luke said. “There are a lot of small towns and communities and resorts all over the world that promote themselves as natural power sites in order to attract tourists.”

“True. Still, it seems odd.” She plucked a thin volume off the shelf. “This is what I was looking for,An Investigation into the Fool’s Gold Canyon Vortex. Self-published. Now, there’s just one more book I want to take with us. It’s in the vault.”

“You’ve got a vault in here? This whole basement feels like a vault.”

“Don’t tell me the Wells family doesn’t have a very special vault.”

“Well, sure, but that’s because we have some old secrets to protect.”

“So do the Harpers.”

She stopped in front of a bookcase that looked exactly like all the other bookcases. She removed a volume, pressed the button behind it, and then channeled a little energy into the crystal that secured the Harper family vault.

She felt Luke’s stunned surprise before he spoke.

“Is that what I think it is?” he asked, moving closer to join her. “A psi-lock?”

“Crystal-based tech,” Sophy said proudly. “Only Bea, Chloe, or I can unlock this vault.”

Luke flashed a brief, amused smile. “As every Wells knows, the Harpers are very, very good with locks.”

She raised her chin. “Yes, we are.”

The entire bookcase slid aside, revealing a chamber lined with steel plates. Steel and glass shelves were arranged floor to ceiling. They were crammed with the most important—and the most dangerous—books, crystals, Bluestone artifacts, and memorabilia that the Harper family had acquired over four generations.

Currents of paranormal energy flowed out through the entrance. Sophy felt her hair stir as if in response to static electricity. Luke’s dark hair looked as if it had been ruffled by a slight breeze. Bruce hovered at the entrance and whined softly.

Luke whistled and moved inside. “Hotter than hell. The Foundation would kill for some of these items.”

“It’s the ‘kill’ part that worries us,” Sophy said.

“I was speaking metaphorically.”

“Uh-huh. Hang on, I’ll get the logbook.”

She went down a narrow aisle to the back of the vault, found what she was looking for, and headed toward the door.

Luke eyed the black, leather-bound volume with deep interest. “What is it?”

“One of Great-grandfather Tobias Harper’s personal journals. It covers the time period during which the decision to establish the pact was made.”

“Forget the Foundation—Wells, Inc. would pay a fortune for that volume. Just name your price.”

“You can’t afford it.” She tightened her grip on the logbook, momentarily afraid he might try to yank it out of her hand. “It’s a family heirloom. Priceless.”

“It would be safer in the Wells family vault.”

“Harpers can take care of their own heirlooms, thank you very much.”

He gave her a cool smile. “We can discuss it some other time. Right now we need to get on the road.”

“When it comes to this logbook, there is nothing more to discuss. But you’re right, we should be on our way. It will only take me a moment to grab my stuff.”

“Out of curiosity, I have to ask if you’re planning to take the puffy coat to Arizona?”

“Of course not. I have another coat I use for warm climates.”

She locked the vault and led the way toward the door of the library.