Fate's Edge (The Edge #3) - Page 12
KALDAR sat in a Starbucks across from the mall's Sears entrance, sipped coffee – it was slightly burned and bitter – and contemplated his sanity. Or rather, the lack thereof.
Audrey was right. They were rushing the scheme. They needed ten days. Two weeks would have been better. But the Hand wouldn't be delayed for long. In every con, there came a time when the plan fell apart, and one had to improvise. This was no different. He was used to flying by the seat of his pants; he welcomed it most of the time. Often, when he was under pressure, things miraculously snapped into place. But he wasn't flying solo.
First, there were the kids. As much as he reassured Audrey, there was a small chance one of them would stumble. True, both of them could defend themselves, but having the potential didn't always mean guaranteed results.
Then there was Audrey herself. Beautiful, sweet Audrey. Distracting Audrey. Audrey who monopolized his brain when it should be concerned with other things, like planning and calculating. Leaving her father and brother he understood, but walking away from a talent of that caliber to chase cheating husbands and insurance frauds in the Broken? She loved what she did; back in Pena's house, she had enjoyed every moment of it. The memory of her, cool, collected, and smooth as silk, popped into his head. Mmmm.
Audrey, Audrey, Audrey . . .
Why had she stopped stealing? If there was ever a woman born to be a cat burglar, she was one. She could live like a queen in the Broken or in the Weird. But something had made her stop cold. The violent episode with the drug dealer damaged her, but it didn't break her. She'd made a conscious choice to walk away from her talent. Curiosity was once again killing him.
He'd tried to steal a kiss again before dropping her off, and she gave him a flat stare that slammed the door in his face.
In his experience, women fell into two categories: those who were too old or taken, and those who were up for some fun. With the right approach, most available women could be seduced. It had nothing to do with their character or their gender and everything to do with the basic human need for recognition and attention. He was a grifter. Seducing, whether it was to separate people from their money or to entice them into friendship or an affair, was his art. He was expert in it.
He wanted Audrey. He'd used the correct combination of flattery and playfulness. He complimented her. He said all the right things and employed all the right touches, and yet here they were in the exact same place they had been the moment they'd met. She still wouldn't give him the time of day. He won a battle here and there, but mostly he lost. He was tired of losing. He was tired of obsessing about her. It left him irritable and off-balance. And worst of all, Kaldar knew that the moment she reappeared on his horizon, his irritation would evaporate, and he'd be all wrapped up in trying to earn a smile. Like some puppy.
He was thirty-two years old. Way too old to be thinking in circles about some redhead with a plump cleavage.
His mug was empty. Kaldar looked up, considering if he should get another coffee. A brunette in oversized shades smiled at him from two tables away. Hmm. Denim shirt, baring toned arms; low-cut white pants, secured on her narrow hips by an expensive belt; Ariadna Alto shoes with a sky-high heel – he'd seen them on the cover of a tabloid when he went to a store to pick up a few things to complete his own transformation. A chunky necklace of caramel glass beads completed the look. She had money, and she was unsuccessfully trying to pretend to be carefree and casual.
He was wearing his businessman persona, the same one he wore when he'd come to trade for information with Alex Callahan. Most likely, she was just reacting to the right combination of signals his hair and clothes were sending. He smiled back at her, pleasant but not beguiling enough for an invitation.
"I leave you alone for a few hours, and you're off flirting."
Kaldar turned. His mouth fell open. A pale pink suit bordered with black embraced Audrey's perfect figure. Her hair was brushed and sprayed until it looked glossy and slightly stiff. A wide hat perched on her hair at an angle. Her makeup was heavy and flawless. Her jewelry would've made any self-respecting conman come to attention: bloated gold rings encrusted with diamonds; a tennis bracelet so iced, it was bordering on vulgar; diamond earrings; and, to top it all off, a heavy chain of gold beads studded with tiny diamond dots. She looked like a politician's trophy wife, full of money and ready to take "shop until you drop" to the next level. She was absolutely perfect, from the hat to the pointed toes of her thousand-dollar spiked heels.
Audrey cleared her throat and raised her eyebrows, pointedly looking at the chair in front of her. Kaldar got off his ass and held it out for her. She landed, one leg over the other, her French tip manicured fingers holding a tiny pink purse. He sat next to her, and the heavy scent of roses emanating from her almost made him sneeze.
"Jonathan Berman," he said, inclining his head.
"Olivia Berman." She held her hand out, and he kissed her fingers.
"Charmed."
"So do I look like I'm ready to spend some money I didn't earn?"
"You look divine," he told her, and meant every word. "Former beauty queen marries a wealthy asshole; all the means, none of the taste. Yonker will eat it up."
Audrey examined him, leaned over, and adjusted the knot on his tie. "You look pretty good yourself. The slicked-back hair is a nice touch."
"I was going for rich sleazeball."
"You got it."
They looked at each other for a long moment. She smiled, and he grinned back, unable to help himself.
"Why did you walk away from stealing?" Kaldar asked. And he just blurted it out. Brilliant move. Simply brilliant. Such finesse, such perfect timing.
"A lady never reveals all of her secrets," Audrey told him with a smug wink.
He probably could've come up with some clever retort if his mind had stopped imagining peeling off her clothes.
"Any word from the boys?" she asked.
"Nothing." Nothing was good; it meant the plan was proceeding as scheduled.
"What happens if Ed Yonker tries to check us out?"
Kaldar shrugged. "While you were getting the war paint on, I checked on a few things. Ed Yonker just put in a bid on the Graham Building. It's an old theater and a perfect location for him: its back faces an Edge bubble. I imagine he now ferries people into the Edge. If he obtains Graham's, he'll be set up just like Magdalene. He put in the highest bid – eleven million."
"And?"
"I put in one, too."
She stared at him.
"It's Friday afternoon. It will take them at least a business day to run credit checks and other things. I've spent a long time building up this identity. Jonathan Berman has rock-solid credit and owns enough fictitious real estate to buy Donald Trump. If they dig deeper, we're in trouble, but they won't until Monday, and by Monday, we need to be gone. Shall we?"
"We shall."
He tossed some bills on the table, rose, and held out his hand to help her from her chair. She put her hand in his, and he gently led her down to the parking lot.
"It must hurt to burn an identity like that," Audrey said.
"Small price to pay."
"How do you do it? How do you keep up with things in the Weird and in the Broken?"
"A gentleman never reveals all of his secrets."
She laughed, leaning her head to the side, and Kaldar wanted to kiss her neck. "Please. You're dying to boast."
"All right." He shrugged. "I've spent most of my life trading with the Broken. I know many useful people, and I make it a point to remember their names and the names of their wives or husbands. I'm pleasant and charming, and I always come bearing gifts, so they don't mind doing me small favors."
"Why do you do this, Kaldar? Is it for the thrill?"
"That's part of it."
"And the rest?"
"I want the Hand to suffer," he said. "I'd burn all my identities and start clean if I had to."
"To kill one of them?"
He knew his face had gone predatory, but he didn't bother to hide it. "Oh no. I want the whole thing."
"The entire Hand?"
"Yes. I want to end the entire organization as we know it."
Audrey blinked. "You're aiming high."
"The last feud my family endured lasted for over a century." He allowed himself a small smirk. "Mars hold grudges."
"I'll have to take care never to feud with you," she said.
"I wish you would feud with me. Then, when I won, I'd reap sweet rewards."
"Picturing me as your love slave?" Audrey laughed.
Kaldar nodded. "And you are divine."
"And what if I won?"
"Then I would be your love slave, of course."
"So you'd win in either case."
"Precisely."
Audrey searched his face for something, then bit her lip. "Did you get us new wheels?" she asked.
Kaldar gave her a flat look. "Please." He dipped his hand into his pocket, pulled out the remote, and pressed the button. A black Hummer answered with a short beep.
"A Hummer?" Her Southern accent was getting thicker by the second. "Shooog, you shouldn't have."
"Only the best for my doll."
She reached over and patted his cheek. "It's too bad this partnership will be over soon. We'd own this town."
Huh. "It doesn't have to be over soon."
"Oh no, it does. It definitely does."
JACK watched the huge, shiny car swing into the street. They had been giving out flyers for most of the day. The two of them kept to themselves, and they had gotten most of their flyers handed out and had had to go back to get a second stack. Paul, the guy with the placard, even complimented them. At lunch, George and he got a sandwich each and some bottled water. The sandwich was okay, but nothing like Rose's cooking.
He missed Rose. It stabbed at him suddenly. He missed his sister, her voice, her scent, his room, his stuff. He missed the smell of the house. He even missed Declan. It all seemed so far away somehow. Jack shook his head, trying to clear the memories. Now wasn't the time to get all sad and whiny. George had let Paul talk them into a few more hours of work with the promise of a hot dinner. Jack had made all the right "I want more food" noises, and George finally reluctantly agreed.
The large black car slowed down a few feet away in front of two kids. The window rolled down, and Audrey's voice rang through the street. "Oh my goodness! Shoog, look at the children. You boys are adorable. What are you doing?"
"We're giving out flyers," the smaller kid said.
"Is this for a school project?"
"We don't go to school," the bigger kid said.
"That's silly. How can you not go to school? What do your parents think about this?"
The bigger kid shrugged. "We don't have parents."
"You're orphans? Oh, my God! Honey, give the children some money."
Kaldar's voice said something gruff. Audrey reached through the window and handed two twenty-dollar bills to each of the boys.
The other children abandoned their customers and made a beeline for the car. George grabbed Jack by the shoulder, still acting. "She's giving out money, come on!" They ran to the vehicle.
"We have no parents." The smaller kid at the window was sniffing for emphasis. "The church makes us hand these out to earn our lunch."
"What? Who makes you do this?"
Several hands pointed at Paul, who stared at the whole scene with owl eyes. "He does!"
"Is that nasty man forcing you to work for your food?"
Heads nodded.
The car door swung open, and Audrey stepped out onto the pavement. She was wearing a ridiculous pink outfit, and her hair was shiny and hard like a helmet. She tucked her purse under her arm. "We will just see about that. Hey, you!" She pointed at Paul. "Yes, you over there! How dare you exploit these children?"
Paul raised his arms. "No, ma'am, look, that isn't what this is."
The other door opened, and Kaldar stepped out. He looked the way he looked when he'd gone to Rose Cliff, dressed in a suit, with his hair slicked back.
Audrey put her hands on her hips. "Well, is it or isn't it?"
"Is it what?"
"What this is?"
Kaldar walked over to them, looking exactly the way Rose looked when Jack forgot to wipe his feet and tracked bloody mud all over the carpets.
Paul blinked again. "Look, you got it wrong. We're trying to help the kids."
"By making them work for their food? I have news for you, Mister, slavery has been abolished in this country in eighteen ninety with the Immunization Proclamation," Audrey said.
"You mean Emancipation and 1863 . . ." Paul murmured weakly.
Behind Audrey, Kaldar shook his head at him.
"Don't try to confuse me! You're using these boys as slave labor. Maybe they should go and pick cotton for you next."
"Umm . . ."
"Well, I am telling you, these kids won't have to work tonight." Audrey looked over the kids. "Who wants McDonald's?"
Jack stuck his arm out with everyone else, and yelled, "Me, me, me!"
Audrey swung to Kaldar. "Honey?"
Kaldar sighed, opened his wallet, took out a thick wad of cash, and deposited it into Audrey's hand. Audrey waved it around. "Let's go, children! I saw a Mickey D's around the corner."
She marched down the street, everyone following her.
"Wait . . ." Paul called out. "You can't do this."
"Trust me," Kaldar told him. "It's best to just go with the flow when she's like this. Come on, I'll buy you a cup of coffee."
KALDAR walked next to Paul through the shiny, polished hallway of the Church of the Blessed and pretended to listen to the man droning on about the camp and the runaways, while keeping an eye on Audrey and the gaggle of children ahead. They had gone to McDonald's, and, afterward, Audrey insisted on seeing where the "poor boys" were sleeping. She made it sound like she expected them to be chained to the walls in some cell somewhere, which caused their handler no end of distress. Paul was a true believer. He was honest and hardworking, and he genuinely wanted to help the children.
"You see, most of them really have no place to go. It's horrible what they're reduced to on the streets. Drugs, violence. Some of them even prostitute themselves. I had two boys just today standing there, looking as hungry as could be, and I had to promise that nobody would touch them, or they wouldn't come near me. What is the world coming to, I ask you? These children, they're suspicious of charity. I mean, wrap your mind about that one, will you? Childhood should be a happy thing. At least this way they get two decent meals a day."
Ahead, the double doors opened, and Ed Yonker entered the hallway. He looked exactly like his photograph: well-groomed, tall, with clear blue eyes and a well-oiled smile. Kaldar disliked him instantly.
"Paul, what's going on here?"
"Immunization," Audrey proudly told him, and kept walking.
"What?"
Kaldar sighed.
"She means emancipation," Paul said helpfully.
"I see. Who is being emancipated?"
Paul launched into a long explanation, complete with arm waving. Kaldar studied Ed Yonker, and Ed was clearly doing his best to study him. His gaze slid from Kaldar's shoes, to the expensive suit, to the Rolex on his wrist, to the three-hundred-dollar tie, then, finally, to his eyes.
Paul was winding down.
"You must excuse my wife," Kaldar said. "She has a soft spot for underprivileged children, and she gets carried away. We'll be on our way shortly."
"It's no trouble. No trouble at all." Ed Yonker stuck out his hand. "Edward Yonker. Everyone here just calls me Ed Junior. We're not very formal here."
Kaldar took the hand and shook it. "Jonathan Berman. As I said, Mr. Yonker, we'll be on our way soon."
"Please, just Ed will do." All three of them looked after Audrey's retreating behind, clasped in a skintight skirt. Yonker raised his eyebrows a bit, appraising Audrey like a piece of meat in the market, and Kaldar felt a powerful urge to hit him in the mouth.
"If your wife wants to make sure the boys aren't mistreated, then I say more power to her. In our day and age, it's so rare to find people who take interest in God's less-fortunate children."
"Thank you for understanding," Kaldar said.
"Come, I'll show you around." Ed strode next to him, shoulders back, firm gait. No trying to dominate, but secure in his authority all the same. They went through another set of double doors, down the hallway, and entered a small dormitory.
Ahead, Audrey called, "Y'all don't rush now, I don't want any of you falling."
"Is that a Southern accent, if you don't mind my asking?" Ed asked. "Georgia perhaps?"
"Florida," Kaldar said, just out of spite.
"Oh. What brings you to sunny San Diego?"
"Business. Real estate."
"There is plenty of that around here." Ed gave a hearty laugh.
"Indeed."
Audrey inspected the dormitory, letting the boys lead her.
"Your wife is very passionate about doing good works, I see."
"She is very generous," Kaldar nodded. "Luckily, I'm in no danger of bankruptcy."
Ed chuckled. If he had been a cartoon, his eyes would've ignited with dollar signs.
Audrey came full circle and headed back toward them. Her eyes shone, and her face was slightly flushed, just enough to put all sorts of interesting thoughts into a man's head. She held on to Jack and ruffled his hair. "Isn't he just the most adorable thing you've ever seen? I want to take him home."
"Feel better, doll?" Kaldar asked her.
Audrey let go of Jack, leaned forward, and Kaldar kissed her, carefully so as not to smudge her lipstick. Their lips barely touched, but for once he was grateful for the tailored trousers of his suit. Most men didn't go erect from a casual kiss from their wives.
"Yes, I do. Thank you, darling."
"Livie, this is Ed Yonker. He's in charge here."
"Nice to meet you, preacher."
Audrey beamed. Kaldar was prepared for the smile, but it took even him off guard. Ed Yonker blinked. Paul had to have a private moment studying the floor. Kaldar slid his arm around Audrey and cupped her butt possessively, a fact Ed Yonker noticed and obviously filed for further reference. Dear Gods, Audrey had a nice ass.
"I do miss going to church," Audrey prattled on. "Jonny has been so busy lately. One day we're in Seattle, then in Nevada, now here. We never get to worship anymore. Especially in such a lovely church. Y'all seem like such nice people, and your kids are darling."
Ed finally collected his wits. "As you can see, only a small group of our younguns stay here. Most of them stay with us at the camp."
Audrey opened her eyes wider. "What kind of camp?"
"That's where most of our services take place. The Blessed Youth Witness Camp and the Wooden Cathedral."
Audrey turned to Kaldar. "Can we see the camp, darling?"
"Not today, doll," he told her. "I have a business meeting."
"I don't mean to be rude or to upset you," Ed said. "But the Wooden Cathedral is a special place for our congregation. That's where we worship and meet in fellowship. One must aspire to be a member of our church to visit there."
They were losing Ed's attention.
Audrey pretended to pout and made a small dog noise. Nicely done, but Ed still didn't seem involved.
"No, Livie," Kaldar shook his head. "As I said, I have an auction to attend today. Ed has his congregation to look after. He can't exactly give us a grand tour. I do apologize again for the interruption."
"No problem at all." Ed nodded, amicable. The hint had flown clear over his head. Ed was swimming away and fast. "What is it you said you did?"
"Real estate," Kaldar said.
"My husband provides housing for poor people," Audrey said proudly, petting his shoulder. "He owns apartments, and when people can't pay their rent, he buys them back and turns them into stores."
Kaldar grimaced. "Livie . . ."
"It's something to be proud of," she said.
Slum lord, tons of money, beautiful wife without a brain, and loads of guilt. Come on, Ed. Come on. Take the bait.
Ed considered it. The thought flashed in his eyes for a moment and dulled. "Well, it's a pleasure to meet you folks. Paul here will show you out."
Damn it.
"Later!" Kaldar raised his hand and steered Audrey to the exit.
"I really wanted to see the camp," Audrey pouted.
"Sorry, doll. Besides, tonight we have to go visit Magdalene, remember? Your brother recommended her?"
Behind them, Ed Yonker came to life like a shark sensing a drop of blood in the water.
Three.
Kaldar put a little pressure on the small of Audrey's back. And we're walking away. Walking away . . .
Audrey let out a cute sigh. "I suppose. It will be boring. Those people are always boring."
"It's supposed to be inspiring," Kaldar said. "I'm sure you'll like it. Supposedly, she gets great results. One session, and your mind is sharper. Your brother swears by her."
Two.
"You're already the sharpest man I know." Audrey leaned into him, slipping her arm around his waist. It felt like heaven.
"Thank you, doll."
One.
"Mr. Berman!" Yonker called.
Audrey squeezed his side a little. Kaldar turned. "Yes?"
Yonker came toward them. "If you folks attend tonight's service, I can see to it that you can come and worship with us tomorrow at the Wooden Cathedral."
Got you, you greedy sonovabitch.
"We don't want to be a bother," Kaldar said.
"Please!" Ed raised his hand, as if blessing them. "As a fellow Christian, I'd hate for you to miss out on the opportunity to witness God's glory. I won't take no for an answer. Tonight at seven. I'll be looking for you."
Fifteen minutes later they were out in fresh air. They stayed in part, strolling leisurely to their Hummer. Kaldar opened the door and helped Audrey into her seat, then unhurriedly got in, started the engine, and pulled away from the curb.
The church disappeared behind the buildings.
"The kids did great," Audrey said.
"The kids did fantastic," he agreed.
"Risky mentioning Magdalene," Audrey said.
"We were losing him."
"Still risky. You take chances, Kaldar."
"Fortune favors the brave."
"Or the prepared." Audrey pulled a prepaid cell from her purse and punched in a number.
"What are you doing?" he asked.
"Calling Magdalene to let her know we're canceling our evening appointment. Who knows how long Ed's reach is? He might have someone in her office."
JACK watched Kaldar and Audrey exit the building.
"The Witness work is over for the day," Paul called out. "Go on."
The kids around them scattered. Some went back to the dormitory, others headed for the exit. In a moment, only Jack and George were left standing. Farther down the hall, Ed Yonker stuck one finger into his ear and raised his cell phone to the other.
"No dinner today. Sorry, boys." Paul spread his arms. "That rich woman messed up all of our plans. But you had McDonald's anyway."
"It's fine," George said.
Jack grimaced. "Thanks for nothing. We'll be going now."
Paul reached into his pocket and peeled off a small rectangle of paper. "This is the address of the Children Services Center. If you go there and register, you can come here and hand out more flyers. If you do really well, you can sleep in the dormitory here, too."
"Dude!" George leveled a look of pure scorn at him. "We'll find our own place to sleep."
Ed Yonker snapped the cell phone closed and stomped down the hall toward them. A heavy stink of cloves clung to his clothes and hair. Jack moved out of Yonker's way. George occasionally smelled like that after a session in the estate laboratory. Ed was playing with heavy-duty magic.
Ed's gaze snagged on Jack. "You!"
Jack cringed. "I didn't do nothing."
"Leave my brother alone!" George moved forward.
Ed pointed at Jack. "The Berman woman likes you." He turned to Paul. "Clean them up. I need them on their best behavior tonight and tomorrow."
"What? But they aren't registered with the Center . . ."
"I don't give a goddamn if they're registered or not. That bastard Berman is trying to buy the Graham Building from under me. No wonder that slick sonovabitch was trying so hard to slip away. That's fine. He might have fifteen million, but I've got my hooks into his wife. Before long, he'll be signing Graham over to me. Mark my words." Ed stabbed his finger in Jack's direction. "Get them cleaned up, Paul. I want them at tonight's service and tomorrow at the camp front and center." He turned and stomped down the hall.
Paul stared at them helplessly.
"A hundred bucks," George said. "Fifty for my brother, fifty for me."
Haeh-heh. "For fifty bucks we'll be nice to the rich lady." Jack nodded. "She likes my hair."
"And if we stay overnight, we get our own room. With a lock," George said. "And we sleep light."
Paul shook his head. "Fine. A hundred bucks and a separate room it is."
"Deal!" George stuck his hand out, and Paul shook it.
006
THE church service was boring and tedious, Jack decided. George had once dragged him to a lecture Declan's granduncle Tserebus was giving on the practical applications of flash. This was only slightly less dull.
It started exciting enough. Paul herded them into a huge room and made them sit next to Audrey and Kaldar. Jack sat on Audrey's side and George on Kaldar's side. Then a big choir came out and sang "hallelujah," at first quiet, then louder and louder, until Ed Yonker appeared from the back and walked through the aisle, shaking hands and hugging people.
"He thinks he's a rock star," Audrey murmured under her breath. Her mouth was still smiling. Jack couldn't figure out how she could talk like that, with her mouth stretched out.
Yonker kept hugging people until he got all the way to the stage. Then he picked up a microphone and started talking. And talking. And talking . . .
". . . God wants us to live a full life. Let's think about it for a moment. What does living a full life really mean? It means being healthy, in spirit, in body, and in your work. God loves us. And that love, oh that love is all-encompassing. We are His special children. We are the chosen ones." Yonker waved his arm. "God has chosen us above aaaall of his creations. Above the beasts of the forest, above the fish of the sea, above the birds in the air, above the angels in Heaven! God wants us to succeed! Are we a success if we're not healthy?"
Yonker held the microphone out to the audience.
The crowd answered, "NO."
"No." Yonker got terribly serious. "Are we a success if we're not happy?"
"NO."
"If we are God's chosen, than how can we glorify His Name if we're sad and wretched? How can we be a witness to His Power if we are weak and lacking? We can't. We must stand strong. We must stand united. We are the Blessed. We must provide an example of His Love for us, for we are His Will upon this Earth. We must spread His Glory to the farthest corners, so those who don't know Him look at us and seek Him out."
Jack pondered if he could get away with sneaking out to "use the washroom" and decided he couldn't.
"People come to me, and they say, 'Ed, how can we help bring God's will to those less fortunate?' And I say, 'Share. Share the blessings that God bestowed on you. Give of yourself to the Church, and the Church will glorify God in your name.' I will tell you now, those who sit on their checkbooks and hoard their money in their bank accounts, those people do not witness for our God. You must give! Write that check today. Fill out that direct transfer form the children handed you at the entrance. Fill it out and sign your name if you want to go to Heaven, and send it to the business office."
Yonker kept talking. Jack yawned and closed his eyes. If only he could curl up in his chair . . .
A finger jabbed him in the ribs. His eyes snapped open. Next to him, Audrey was listening to Ed. Her lips barely moved. "Stay awake."
Jack sighed and stared at Yonker walking around onstage. For a while, he imagined what would happen if he turned into a lynx. People would run around, and he would growl and scare them. Then he wondered what Yonker would look like with a mustache.
Finally, people came through the aisles, passing some sort of platter around. Kaldar dropped a folded stack of bills held together with a small clip on it, and Jack gave it to some older lady standing in the aisle. The old lady made big eyes at the clip and took the platter away.
Then there was more annoying preaching: blah-blah-blah, we are so good, blah-blah-blah, God wants us to have money, then Yonker went offstage to the back while the choir sang some more, and Paul came to get them. Audrey hugged Jack and told him to be a really good boy and that she would see him soon.
Paul took them to the back of the church, all the way to the service entrance. A van waited for them. Paul opened the van door. Two other kids sat in the backseat, a dark-headed girl and a tall, lanky-looking kid with freckles and red hair.
"Get in," Paul said.
George pondered the van.
"We're going to camp," Paul said patiently. "That's all we're doi