42

"Do you see those people over there?" you say quickly to Tobias, who looks at you in confusion before nodding his head. "They've been staring at that box for ages. I think they might try and steal it."

"Whoa—seriously? I—"

"Do you think you can watch them?" you ask, glancing around at the ever-diminishing Mr. Clarence. "Keep an eye on the box, and look out for anyone but Gus who comes near it. If those two are planning to steal it, there might be someone else involved."

Tobias anxiously chews his lips but nods. A moment later however he frowns.

"Wait, so what are you doing?"

"I just want to—I'll tell you when I get back!" you call over your shoulder, already running after Mr. Clarence.

Next

It takes you less than a minute to sprint over to the quiet little cluster of trees, but you make it there while Mr. Clarence is still on the phone. You catch a glimpse of his shoes as he paces around the wooden bench.

"I thought the Council had to give permission…right," you hear him saying. "I see. No, I'm sure we can take a closer look. I was up there myself just the other day—trees for miles, nobody would notice."

Even though you were already pretty certain, it's still a little bit of a shock to get confirmation: there was no doubt it was Mr. Clarence you heard in the forest the other morning. And there's definitely something about it that interests him that he doesn't seem to want made public.

"But let's not call any attention, okay? I certainly don't want to upset anyone. Folks here don't deserve that. Okay. Talk soon."

The trees fall silent, and a moment later you hear footsteps. You rush out of the way just as he emerges, and you're pretty sure he takes no notice of you. Eyes wandering a little as you try to process what you just heard, you find yourself staring ahead at the small grove of trees—and suddenly you remember your conversation with Marlowe, and your earlier discussion with Tayo, and what they both told you about disappearing trees. Somehow, it seems like too much of a coincidence.

A moment later, you set off back towards the fair.

Next