Free Buried Secrets at Louisbourg by Jo Ann Yhard Page B

him. He recognized that look. Disappointment. She probably thought he was becoming a total criminal. But there was nothing he could do about it right now. Borrowing a bunch of old keys was nothing, really. The box was too important.
    On the lookout for the giant and crazy Gerard, they zigzagged through the streets, from one building and group of tourists to the next. Halfway down the main street, they paused in an arched doorway. The smell of baking apples from inside the building taunted their noses and stomachs.
    â€œThat smells so good,” Grace said. “Let’s go in.”
    â€œI’m hungry, too,” Mai said, stepping inside. “Come on.”
    Fred’s fists clenched inside his empty pockets. How much did it cost? What difference did it make? He had no money. His stomach rumbled. “You guys go in, I’ll be back.”
    Jeeter wrapped his arm around his shoulder and edged him inside. “Don’t worry, Freddo, this one’s on me.”
    Fred pulled away. “I’m not hungry.”
    â€œFreddy, is that you?”
    Fred froze. He stared into the dark gloom of the restaurant’s interior. A thin figure approached him. She walked slowly, her shoulders slightly bent. Her eyes were rimmed with dark circles—brown eyes that used to twinkle but were now flat and dull.
    â€œMom?”

Chapter 14

    â€œWhat are you doing here, Mom?” Fred said. “You should be home.”
    â€œI’m fine,” she replied, grinning weakly. “Marjorie called me. One of the waitresses quit and she knew we needed—”
    â€œDoes Dad know about this?” Fred could feel heat burning in his ears. This was his dad’s fault.
    His mother shook her head. “I only found out last night. You two were already here.” She placed a hand on his arm.
    He tried not to wince. Her fingers were ice cold, even through the fabric of his shirt. “Quit.”
    â€œSweetheart, I can’t do that.”
    â€œHe should be the one getting a job, not you!”
    â€œThat’s enough,” his mother replied. Her lips pressed into a thin line. “Now come in and have something to eat.”
    â€œMom—”
    â€œSit,” she ordered.
    He sat—at an unoccupied table against the back right wall. Even though seeing his mom had thrown him for a loop, thoughts of the giant were not far away. Choosing the seat against the wall, he faced outward. Never leave your back exposed to your enemies. He knew that from the movies. Good advice.
    His mother turned to Mai and Grace, her voice soft and sweet. “What a delight seeing you two. It’s been a while.”
    Mai looked like she was trying to swallow something that wouldn’t go down. Her eyes were extra bright as her gaze slipped to Fred’s. It was no longer filled with disappointment. Pity had taken its place. He liked that even less.
    â€œNice to see you too, Mrs. D.” Grace’s voice sounded scratchy as she slumped onto the bench seat beside Fred.
    â€œI don’t believe I know you,” his mother said to Jeeter. “Are you one of Freddy’s school friends?”
    â€œUh, yeah, I guess,” Jeeter said, scooting to the far end of the table.
    Fred watched his mother as she chatted to his friends, recommending food choices. She was so…delicate. A strong wind would whip her around like a leaf. It was as if she was being erased, a little at a time. No wonder Mai and Grace were reacting this way—they hadn’t seen her all summer. She’d lost so much weight. She was—
    â€œFreddy, did you hear me?”
    He snapped back to the present. “What?”
    â€œWhat did you want to eat?” His mother was looking at him expectantly.
    â€œI, uh…” he said, scrambling.
What’s she doing? She knows I don’t have any money!
    â€œIt’s okay,” she added, as if reading his mind. “I’ll take care of it. What do you