Free Midnight for Charlie Bone (Children Of The Red King, Book 1) by Jenny Nimmo Page B

true?"
                "My dear Amy I know a lot more about your son than you do," Grandma Bone said coldly. “He was given a case by someone who should have known better. Someone who didn't rightfully own it, and the stupid boy has hidden it, probably in Benjamin's house."
                "I don't know what you're talking about," said Charlie.
                He refused to answer any more questions and eventually Grandma Bone gave up. With a sinister smile, Aunt Venetia dropped the keys onto the table.
                "Better take them back where they belong," she said, almost sweetly Charlie grabbed the keys.
                "You haven't heard the last of this," warned Grandma Bone.
                "Leave him alone," said Charlie's mother.
                "Perhaps we will for a while." Grandma Bone gave Venetia a knowing look.
                "We have other fish to fry."
                To Charlie's great relief, the two sisters put on their hats and gloves and swept out into the street; to bother someone else, no doubt. If Benjamin was their intended victim, they'd never get past Runner Bean.
                "Charlie, what's going on?" his mother asked when they were alone.
                "It's nothing, Mom. Grandma Bone wants to know everything, but I've got a right to my secrets, haven't I?"
                "Of course. But this seems a rather serious sort of secret. Can't you tell me what it is?"
                His mother looked so concerned, Charlie hated not telling her the truth. He decided to let her know at least a small part of his problem.
                "It's about a baby,” he began.
                His mother gasped, "A baby!"
                Charlie wished she wouldn't look so frightened. "It's all right, I haven't stolen one or anything. It's not even a baby now, she -it's a girl -she's about the same age as me. When she was a baby her mom died and her dad swapped her for something else..."
                "What?" his mother's hand flew to her mouth.
                "It's horrible, isn't it? Anyhow, her father's just died and her only living relative wants to see her again, but she can't find her. So I'm going to."
                "You, Charlie? You can't go around looking for lost children. This girl could be anywhere."
                “Ah, but I think I know where she is. I can't tell you any more yet, Mom. I'm sorry You won't say anything to Grandma Bone or the aunts, will you? I don't think they're on our side exactly."
                "I agree," his mother said wistfully.
                "I'm going to find this girl, Mom," Charlie said earnestly. “It's funny but I suddenly feel it's something I've got to do." To Charlie's dismay his mother's eyes began to look glittery and tearful. "How like your father you are," she said gently. “I'll keep your secret, Charlie. But take care. They're very strong, you know, the people you're up against." Her quick look at the window told Charlie exactly whom she meant.
                The doorbell rang and, thinking Maisie had forgotten her key again, Charlie's mother sent him to open the door.
                He didn't find Maisie on the doorstep; instead he found a boy with a twinkling sort of face. He was a little taller than Charlie, his hair was a bright shiny brown, and his eyes almost the same color.
                "I'm Fidelio Gunn," said the boy. “They asked me to help with your music. I'm going to be your tutor. Aren't you the lucky one?" Charlie was speechless. "It's Sunday,” he said at last. The boy's grin almost reached his ears. "I'm too busy during the week. Can I come in?" He held up a violin case.
                Charlie pulled himself together. "Who sent you?"
                "Bloor's, of course," the boy said cheerfully.