Page 68 of A Real Good Bad Thing

“How’s it going, physics whiz?”

I could hope, right?

My sister’s moan killed my optimism.

“Whizzes don’t have to take summer school classes.”

I closed my eyes and silently echoed her sound of lament, picturing another tuition bill floating from on high to land on top of the already substantial pile.

“What about your tutor?”

“He’s great. But the department says I don’t have the science requirements to finish unless I pick them up during the summer semester. I need the tutorandthe classes.”

“Then we’ll get you into summer school.” I didn’t sigh, didn’t want Kylie to hear any frustration or disappointment. “So, talk to me about physics.”

“The tutor is crazy smart and it’s really helping so far. Thank you for helping me find him. He’s been getting me prepped for my test on Monday.” She pivoted the subject without pausing for breath. “Now, talk to me about chemistry. How’s your island hottie?”

Sisters. Sheesh. Mine all had the matchmaking genes. “I have no idea what you’re talking about,” I answered, my voice perfectly level.

“Ha. Deny all you want. You can’t fool me.”

“Alright,” I chided playfully. “How about less studying my social life and more studying science?”

“I will. I promise,” she said in earnest. I knew she was trying. But she was a complicated girl, and it was my job to see her through school. That was what my dad would have done. That was what I was happily doing.

When I hung up with Kylie, I shoved the phone into my pocket where it clanged against the trinket I’dliftedfrom Ruby’s hotel. I didn’t want anything to happen to that little goodie, so I patted my pocket to make sure everything was secure.

Safe and sound, where it had been since that morning.

33

MESSY DETAILS

Ruby

“Check out the emerald! I bet it’s worth more than a house.”

Splash.

“Yeah, well this ruby is worth more than…an airplane.”

Eight-year-old Carson said something that earned him a faceful of seawater as he and his sister splashed in the shallows under the pier, uncovering pirate treasure while their moms floated in the crystal-blue water. Devon and I watched from fifteen feet away, digging our toes into the sand while the family from our tour group relaxed after an exciting stingray-smooching session. There had been many snaps and selfies for the socials, but Carson and his sister seemed much more into make-believe loot than fish kisses.

I couldn’t help but think of Cole and me as kids, and also of the pictures of Eli and me on the wall of the surf shop. The memories of our family trips made for a powerful mix of nostalgia and melancholy.

I wished the hunt for Eli’s diamonds was as easy as diving underwater for a chest of gems. As easy as scooping them up, converting them to cash, and repaying everyone who was poorer now because they’d trusted my stepfather.

Like I’d trusted Jake.

Was that comparison fair? On a large scale, maybe not.

On a personal scale?

I wasn’t sure.

If I was sure, I’d have called the hotel manager, who would have called the police. But then I’d be on my own trying to reclaim the treasure pilfered by a modern-day pirate. I hated to admit it, but Jake did have useful skills.

In burglary, I mean.

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