Free Fly Away by Nora Rock

links, organized into categories. I zeroed in on the list marked Government grant and other funding support for artists . I pulled out my iPhone and typed in four URLs from the list. The most promising one was to a website that had information about private donors.
    I stuffed my phone back in my purse and walked quickly away from the art room. If I was lucky, there’d be no need to talk to Ms. Currie after all.
    After I got home from school, I only had about twenty minutes to go online before cheerleading practice, but it was enough. One of the private donors profiled on the website from the bulletin board was a man named Trey Benedict. The first hit, when I googled the name, was a newspaper review of an art exhibition. According to the reviewer, Trey Benedict’s work was “arch.” What was arch? Was it good or bad? There was no photo with the article, so I moved on until I found a page about a juried art contest for youth. Trey Benedict was on the three-member jury. I clicked to enlarge his photo. He was a white guy, with a shaved head, thin lips and small features. He stared intently at the camera. It was hard to tell his age. I guessed somewhere in his thirties.
    Trey Benedict, the bio said, is a multimedia artist based in Toronto. He is known for his collaborative work, including the creation, with sculptor Cheri Tepperman, of an award-winning permanent installation for the lobby of the prestigious Harwood Club in Oakville. An enthusiastic supporter of young artists, Benedict created the BeneFactor Foundation, which offers exclusive mentorships to emerging young artists.
    Exclusive mentorships. I had to find out what that meant. Trey Benedict was based in Toronto. Arielle had disappeared in Toronto. She was with him. I was sure of it. I was desperate to find out more, but I had to leave for cheerleading. I couldn’t afford to be late. I was the captain.
    As soon as I’d changed, Coach Saylor took me aside and asked how I was coping. I told her the truth. The idea of being captain of the Starlings completely freaked me out, and I wasn’t sure I was up to the task.
    She made her I’m disappointed face at me. “Well, Marnie,” she said, “you’re going to have to fake it. These girls need leadership. I can only do so much.” She ran a hand through her curly hair. I could see that she was tired. She had been interviewed by the police too. “First of all, you need to tell me whether you want me to replace Arielle.”
    I opened my mouth, but she interrupted me before I could say anything.
    â€œNot with a new captain. You’re stuck with that gig. I mean with a new base.”
    â€œI’m the one who has to decide that? Not you?”
    She nodded. “Arielle decided to replace Emma with you and to bring Lucy on. It’s your call.”
    I was quiet for a moment, thinking. Our team had been through a lot. I wasn’t sure the girls were ready to adjust to a new member. “I’d rather have Barb do it, if she’s willing. And use Jada as a spotter when we need one. I’ll let the girls know.”
    Coach nodded.
    Having made at least one real decision calmed me down a little. When the warm-up was over, I scooted to the front of the room and did my best to deliver a pep talk.
    â€œHey,” I said. I had to repeat myself a couple of times before the girls quieted down to listen. They weren’t used to speeches from me. “We’ve got some business to discuss. We didn’t do too badly at the Great Lakes, considering.”
    Shona made a face, but she didn’t correct me.
    â€œWe were in the middle of a crisis, but we got through the routine without any major screwups. We’ve got provincials coming up, and there’s no reason why we’re not still in the running.”
    I looked at Barb. “Barb, I want you to take Arielle’s place in stunt team three. When you need a spotter, you’ll use Jada. We’ll