Page 140 of The Tribes of Magic
“Agreed.”
“Ok. In that case, I do have an idea that might help us figure out which of my friends betrayed me,” I said.
“Do tell,” Conner urged me. “What kind of magic does your plan require?”
“That’s the thing,” I replied. “My idea doesn’t require any magic at all.”
CHAPTER 5
A SURPRISE WITNESS
As planned, I went to the South Woods around four in the afternoon to meet Conner and Kato.
“Is it done?” Conner popped up right in front of me.
I squeaked in alarm, then drew in a few, long breaths to calm my nerves. “I really wish you wouldn’t do that.”
“As you wish.” He bowed to me. His smile was even parts contrite and amused, as I’d come to expect from him.
Kato arrived a few minutes later.
“I spoke to each of my friends,” I said.
“Separately and alone?” Kato asked.
“Of course. I’ve covered my bases.” I looked at Conner. “You’re keeping the spellbook somewhere safe?”
He nodded. “Safe and far from here.”
“Good. And you two set up spy cameras at the five locations we chose?”
“We have.”
“They’re well-hidden? We wouldn’t want anyone to find them.”
“Relax, Seven. They’re so well-hidden that even I’ll be lucky to find them again.”
Conner cracked a smile. “Not that that’s saying much. Kato has a knack for losing things. He must have lost his shoes a hundred times in our first year at the Castle.”
Kato folded his arms across his chest. “I didn’t lose my shoes, Conner. You hid them.”
“Oh, right. I’m even better at hiding things than Kato is at losing them.” Conner’s eyes danced with delight.
Kato clenched his jaw so hard that I heard it crack.
“Maybe you should have let me hideallof the spy cameras, Red.”
Kato snorted. “Yeah, right.”
I drummed my fingers against my arms. “I hope this works.”
“It will work. It’s a solid plan,” Kato told me. “Much better than Conner’s truth serum.”
“And Kato’s Prince Charming act,” Conner said silkily.
“I just hope it works.” I drew in a deep, steadying breath. “Let’s take a peek at our five locations.”
Kato pulled a slim tablet out of his backpack. He switched on the screen. Five video feeds appeared.
