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Chapter 53

Beckett’s phonerang three days later — Chickadee. “We won! that Roscoe is a genius and we won, and all the—”

The sound of celebrating drowned out her next words. Beckett said, “That’s awesome Chickadee! I’m so—”

She continued, “Roscoe was so eloquent, brilliant. Those bureaucrats didn’t even know how to begin to argue against him. They asked at most ten questions, deliberated for an hour and then said they would close the camps.” More cheering from the surrounding voices.

Beckett said, “So is Luna there?”

“Roscoe is so amazing. Here, Dilly wants to talk to you!”

Dilly came to the phone. “Your Aunt Chickadee really did it this time.”

“That she did.”

“It looks like the camp closure will be in effect by the end of the month—” She yelled, “Woohooo!” to someone off the phone, then returned her attention to Beckett. “So we have lots of celebrating to do.”

“I’m so glad, is Luna there?”

“Hey, it’s really loud in here. I love you, and we’re so proud of you. I hope your back doesn’t hurt too much from all that sandbag lifting. I’m giving you back to Chickadee.”

Beckett shut his eyes tight as Chickadee came back on the phone. “I knew you wanted to be the first to hear. Your Luna will be home soon.”

“When will she get to go home?”

“What did you say? When you’ll come home? I can’t hear you over the party, I’ll call tomorrow and—”

“Sure, of course, but tomorrow, after that it will be harder to get through.”

“Okay, bye Beckie!!”

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