Page 19 of The Curse Breakers

I couldn’t answer.

“Just be careful what you choose. Some of those heirlooms have been part of the Dare line since the beginning. I know the money’s attractive, but certain things can’t be replaced.”

Her words were sobering. “Thanks.”

“Be careful with whatever you’re doing today.”

I paused. “I will.”

After Myra got out of the car, I headed straight to the pawnshop in Kill Devil Hills. Oscar, the owner, was helping another customer. The first time I’d come here over a year ago, his hard rock band T-shirt and his scruffy beard and hair had almost sent me running back out the door. Thankfully, I’d given him a chance.

He gave me a quick nod when he saw me wander into the store. When his customer left, I waited until he was entirely out the door before I started toward the counter.

“What’s going on, Ellie?” Oscar sounded irritated with me. The last time I saw him was when I tried to buy back the four-hundred-year-old pewter cup I’d pawned multiple times. Oscar had already sold it. After doing some snooping in the back, Collin figured out who the buyer was, and we managed to buy it back from her. Had she told Oscar about the whole thing?

“What did I do?”

“Why were there thugs coming in here looking for you?”

I froze. “What are you talking about?”

He leaned on the counter. “What kind of trouble have you gotten into?”

“I…I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

He stood up. “Cut the bull crap, Ellie.”

If he wasn’t so upset with me, I would have teased him about saying “bull crap.” His language was usually more colorful.

“Let me guess: that guy who was here with you last time has gotten you into a mess.” Oscar shook his head in disgust. “I told you that he was trouble.”

I shifted my weight, slinging my bag onto my other shoulder.

His eyes narrowed. “He took you to Buxton, didn’t he?”

My gaze lowered to the counter.

“Please tell me you didn’t pawn something to that snake Marino.”

I looked up with a grimace. “Would you rather I lie?”

“Ellie.” He sounded more disappointed than angry, driving a knife of guilt into my gut.

“It wasn’t my fault, Oscar. I wanted to come to you, but Collin took me there before I realized what was happening.” Why were they looking for me at Oscar’s place? It didn’t make sense. Collin had told Marino’s guys I was from Greenville, which was over a hundred miles away. “Are you sure they were looking forme?”

“They said they were looking for, and I quote, ‘a redheaded spitfire who goes by the name Ellie.’ What doyouthink?”

Shit. “But why would they comehere?”

“You told Marino you usually sell to Mikey in Kill Devil Hills. Is that true? Do you sell to that weasel?”

Shit. I scrunched up my nose and waved my hand. “No. That was a misunderstanding.”

“A misunderstanding? With Marino?”

I rolled my eyes. “Look, Oscar, it all happened so fast. I wanted more money than he was offering so I told him my guy in Kill Devil Hills would give me more. He asked if it was Mikey and I didn’t correct him.”

“I still don’t get why he wants you.”

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