Rise of the Evening Star

She heard a voice calling her name from far away. She opened her eyes and took off her earphones. Dad was standing over her. She’s here? Kendra asked, standing up.

No, I said you have a phone call. Katie’s dad, he’s wondering if you know where Katie might be.

Kendra accepted the phone. Katie Clark? Kendra barely knew her. Hello?65 You disappointed me, Kendra. It was Errol. Dad leftthe room.

Kendra spoke quietly. Sorry, we decided tonight wouldn’t work. How did you get our number?

The phone book, Errol said, sounding hurt by the accusation in her tone. Sorry about pretending to be the parent of a schoolmate. I didn’t want to startle your parents.

Good thinking, Kendra said.

I was wondering if I might persuade you to join me after all. I’m down the street from your home, right where I

dropped you off the other night. You see, tonight is the last night the houseboat will be unoccupied, and that amulet could cause great harm to your grandparents and their preserve.

I’m sure it could, Kendra said sincerely. Her mind was racing. Errol could not possibly know she and Seth planned to escape to Fablehaven tonight. She had to pretend she still thought of him as a friend. Isn’t there some other way? I was so scared the other night.

If I knew of another solution, I would not trouble you.

My predicament is dire. The amulet could cause tremendous harm in the wrong hands. Please, Kendra, I helped you. I

need you to return the favor.

Kendra heard a vehicle pulling to a stop outside. The engine quit. Parting the blinds, she saw a woman climbing out of a sleek sports car. I don’t think I can, Kendra said.

I’m really sorry.

Looks like you have a visitor, Errol said, a trace of66 suspicion entering his voice. That’s quite a car. Friend ofthe family?

I’m not sure, Kendra said. Look, I need to go.

Very well. The line went dead.

Dad poked his head in. Everything okay?

Kendra put the phone down, trying not to let her anxiety show. Katie’s dad was just freaking out a little, she said.

I don’t hang out with Katie much, so I couldn’t really help him. I’m sure she’s fine.

There was a knock at the door.

That must be your ride. Dad grabbed the suitcase the duffel bag off the bed. Kendra followed him to the living room, where Mom stood chatting with a statuesque woman.

Tall and slender, the woman had a lustrous cascade of black hair and an olive complexion. She looked Spanish or

Italian, with generous lips and a playful arch to her eyebrows.

Her cosmetics were applied with an expertise Kendra had never seen outside of fashion magazines. She wore trendy jeans, brown boots, and a snug, stylish leather jacket.

As Kendra entered the room, the woman smiled, her expressive eyes lighting up. You must be Kendra, the woman said warmly. I’m Vanessa Santoro. She had the faint remnant of an accent.

Kendra extended her hand. Vanessa clasped only her fingers. Dad introduced himself and Vanessa offered him a similar handshake. Despite her polished looks and demeanor, her fingernails were incongruously short. Seth came into the room and stopped in his tracks. Kendra felt67 embarrassed for him-he was so unable to disguise hisamazement at Vanessa’s striking appearance.

I’ve looked forward to finally meeting the famous Seth

Sorenson, Vanessa said.

Me? Seth replied inanely.

Vanessa smiled tenderly. She seemed accustomed to making boys tongue-tied. Kendra was starting not to like her.

Vanessa glanced at her small, fashionable watch. I hate to be in a rush, but we have a lot of ground to cover before the night ends.

You’re welcome to stay the night here and get a fresh start in the morning, Mom said. We could make up the spare bed.

Kendra experienced an acute moment of distress. They had to get out of there. Errol was waiting outside, and he had acted suspicious of Vanessa. Who knew what he might try during the night?

Vanessa shook her head with a regretful smile. I have an appointment tomorrow, she said. No worries, I’m a night owl. I slept in late. We’ll get to Stan’s in one piece.

Can I get you some refreshments? Mom pursued.

Vanessa held up a hand. I have goodies in the car, she said. We should get on the road.

Dad had pulled out his wallet. At least let us chip in on gas.

I wouldn’t think of it, Vanessa insisted.

You’re saving us a long drive, Dad persisted. It’s the least-68 I was going there anyhow, Vanessa said, picking upSeth’s suitcase, the largest of the bunch. Giving your children a lift is my pleasure. Dad snatched Kendra’s suitcase before Vanessa could grab it as well. Instead Vanessa seized

Seth’s duffel bag.

Mom opened the door, and Vanessa walked out, followed by Dad. I can get my bags, Seth said from behind.

I’m quite capable, Vanessa assured him, striding easily toward her car.

Whoa! Seth said when he got a look at her dark blue sports car.

Dad whistled. Ferrari?

No, Vanessa said. Custom made. I got a deal through a friend.

You’ll have to introduce me, Dad said.

In your dreams, Mom muttered.

Standing beside the sports car, Kendra could not believe she was going to get to ride in it all the way to Fablehaven.

Low and aerodynamic, the glossy vehicle had twin tailpipes, a sunroof, and fat tires like a race car. In spite of the dead insects plastered to the front, it looked like the sort of vehicle you would expect to see in a showroom or at a car expo-not something that anybody would actually drive.

Vanessa pressed a couple of buttons on her key chain.

The passenger door swung open and the trunk popped up.

There should just be room for the suitcases in the trunk, she said. She leaned the passenger seat forward and tucked

Seth’s duffel bag behind the driver’s seat.

Shotgun, Seth called.69 Sorry, Vanessa said. House rules. Tallest passenger getsshotgun. The back is a bit cramped.

Seth drew himself up to his full height. I’ve almost caught up with her, he said. Besides, she’s more flexible.

Good, Vanessa said, because we’ll have to slide her seat forward to fit the two of you. I don’t often have riders in the back. Dad handed Kendra’s duffel bag to Vanessa and then loaded the suitcases into the trunk.

Seth slouched into the backseat and fastened his seat belt. Vanessa slid the passenger seat forward a bit and pushed the back upright. Can you live with that? Seth nodded glumly. His legs were twisted sideways with the knees together. Kendra might be able to spare an extra inch or two once she gets settled, Vanessa soothed.

Vanessa stepped aside so Kendra could get in the car.

Chapter Four

Kendra met her eyes and glanced at the Volkswagen van parked down the road. Vanessa winked in a way that suggested she was aware of the threat. Kendra hesitated for another moment. Kaleidoscope, Vanessa murmured.