The Shadow Crosser (The Storm Runner 3)
“No sé. I only used the mask that one time,” he said. “I wasn’t even sure it would work, but I had no other option.”
“That was a pretty big risk.”
With a light shrug, he added, “You can see why I couldn’t tell you in front of Brooks. Quinn doesn’t want anyone to know she gave me the mask.”
My head was spinning from all the information I’d had to process over the last few hours. Maybe that’s why the next question just flew out of my mouth: “Quinn really likes you?”
Hondo let out a light laugh and stood taller. “That’s the part you can’t believe?”
Rosie yelped, then gave Hondo a big toothy grin telling him she totally approved. I guess I did, too.
Scratching my dog’s neck, Hondo said, “Thanks, girl. I knew you’d have my back.”
We continued down the path. “Dude, it’s kinda hard to keep a mask a secret,” I said. “I mean, we saw you wearing it.”
“I know.” Hondo wiped sweat off his brow. “And the mask only has power if a sobrenatural gives it to you. Which means Brooks will catch on, unless…”
I didn’t like the look he was giving me. “Unless what?”
“You want to tell her you stole it.”
“Me?! How did I become the thief in all this?”
“Just help me out, man. Throw your girlfriend off my trail.”
I leaned against Fuego and felt heat rise in my cheeks. “She’s not my girlfriend.”
Hondo clapped my back. “Listen, Diablo. I’m here for you. To give you man-to-man advice, help you figure this out. It’s complicated falling in love the first time.”
I shrugged him off me. “You
’re the guy who’s all lovesick. I…I don’t want to talk about this.” Who said anything about love? Geez.
When we got to the first ladder that led up to the tree houses, Rosie inched back, sniffed the air, and took off into the jungle. I guess it was dinnertime.
“Rosie can’t climb ladders,” I said. “Where’s she supposed to sleep?”
“Uh—she’s got some pretty killer accommodations.”
My hellhound got a better bunk than I did?
As soon as I entered my tree house suite, a flurry of motion sent me tumbling back into Hondo. Six little monkeys dashed up the walls, carrying pillows and toilet paper rolls as they disappeared through the open roof.
“¡Los monitos!” Hondo flew into the house. “Give that back!” He shook his fists at the devious beasts that were now safely back in the trees, howling with laughter.
“With those thieves around,” Hondo said, “you should probably keep everything locked up.”
There wasn’t much left for them to take. I saw an envelope with my name on it on the desk and tore it open. I read it silently as my uncle peered over my shoulder.
7:00 a.m. Breakfast (If you’re late, you starve)
7:30 a.m. Physical Training with Hondo the Horrendous
I eyed my uncle. “Horrendous?”
He flashed a smile. “Gotta keep the kids on their toes. Easier to lighten up than tighten up.”
I did a quick scan of the rest of the schedule (teachers to be determined), which would start the day after tomorrow: