Chapter 60

In Which Candace Whittaker Saves The World Again

"You seriously think this is a good idea?" Candace said.

We were all sitting around a table in Barnswell, surrounded by old books and new friends. Candace was sipping an iced coffee while Samina was taking notes that were half in words and half in drawings.

I spun in a circle on my swivel chair. "No, I think it's a horrible idea," I said sarcastically. "But are you willing to do it?"

"I'll do it," Samina said.

"Last time I checked, the plan was to call the pound and pretend you're Isabelle's mom. Your accent will make it quite obvious that you're not her mom," Candace said.

"That was kind of racist," Samina said.

"I'm allowed to be racist. I'm black," Candace said.

"So do you want to call them?" I asked Candace.

"Let's make one thing clear," Candace said. "You're totally insane. But I'll call them." Candace pulled out her cell phone. "What's the number?"

I told Candace the number. I spun around in circles several times. What if this didn't work? No, it would work. Candace was a good actress.

"Hello, this is Laura Prescott. I'm Isabelle's mom," I heard Candace say. "Isabelle would like to adopt one of your dogs...yes, of course I give her permission...what? You need my signature? Let me tell you, I'm on a business trip and I don't need to sign anything to get my wonderful daughter what she wants...yes, of course I'm her legal guardian! What did you think? Thank you...yeah, Isabelle will be over there later today to pick up the dog...thanks again, sir. Goodbye."

"What did they say?" Samina asked.

"Let's just say that Isabelle will be getting Ursa back!"

"Yay! Thanks Candace!" I shouted.

"Anything for my friends," Candace said. "We'll have to take some money out of the Barnswell fund, but we'll make up for it with the variety show."

"Speaking of which, how's that going?" I asked.

"It's going really well," Candace said. "Auditions are tomorrow and we're almost sold out already. We might have to move to a different venue. The school gym's not big enough to fit all of these people."

"That's great," Samina said.

"Yeah, you should audition!" Candace said.

"I told you already, I'm not going to."

"Come on Samina, it'll be fun!"

"Will Samina audition?" I asked the Magic 8 Ball. It was kind of a stupid question, but I was kind of curious.

Concentrate and ask again.

A stupid answer for a stupid question. Of course. I guess I would just have to wait and see.

I thought of Ursa and I running together, trampling over wet grass and running into the sunset as it faded to black. Those moments would return soon. Just as soon as I went to the pound and got her back.