I want to take a minute to thank everyone for all of the incredibly kind and supportive feedback you've given me about this story.

It is wonderful to be finally putting it out in the world, but it also has been torture because

it really was rejected

more times than I care to admit, even by my own agent who just felt as though we'd hit an impasse

and it just, without major, major edits, it wasn't going to get there.

But I am hardheaded and I needed this off my desk and out of my mind.

I've been with these characters for so many years and I see them also clearly.

And it is really wonderful to have you now get to know them and understand their quirks and just thank you.

There are a lot of things vying for attention right now, especially so many worries and horrible

things happening.

And I really appreciate your coming here for your break and your

distraction. And while I hope that things are going to get better in our world, things are

going to get really bad for May. But there's always the light at the end of the tunnel. And

bad guys aren't meant to win. They burn out. And our bad guy will do just that.

Chapter 46

We followed Lucky's lead and poured refills. Tom undid the chain lock on the basement door.

Let's get this over with. Lucky met my eyes and gave a small, disapproving shake of her

head. The gemstones are gorgeous, Kat said, once we were all in the basement. I still can't

believe they might be real. No way, said Derek. Sorry, I forgot to tell you that part. Kat apologized.

I'm having someone to praise ours, Forbes said.

You're going to sell them? I asked, surprised.

No, but we need to have them insured in case the house burns down, right?

...