Secrets of Valhalla by Jasmine Richards Read Free Book Online Page A

faculties.”
    â€œHey, go easy on him, Frederick.” Uncle Mark held up a calming hand. “Buzz is a good kid. If he says he saw Eleanor, then he saw Eleanor.”
    The Prof began to pace. “He also says he saw a dragon.”
    Mark’s brow wrinkled. “Yes, there is that, but as strange as it might sound, I will investigate it.” He pursed his lips. “Natasha would ask me to do the same if she was here.”
    The Prof whirled on Uncle Mark. “Don’t you dare tell me what my wife would say about my son.” His normally calmvoice was ragged, but he took a deep breath before facing Buzz. “I know you don’t want to hear it, Buzz, but this whole episode with Eleanor and that dragon is in your head.” He took a step forward. “Think about it. Your mother is missing. So is Eleanor Bright. If Eleanor is found, then maybe Mum will be as well. You don’t think I want that?”
    Buzz couldn’t look at him. “You don’t talk about it. You don’t talk about her.”
    â€œBuzz, I’m doing the best that I can.” The Prof’s voice was low. “But this fantasy needs to stop here before you get yourself into trouble. I’m your father and it’s—”
    â€œIt’s your duty to look after me.” Buzz finished the sentence for him. “Yes, you keep saying.”
    The Prof frowned. “It is a duty that I take very seriously, Buzz. I’m going to keep you safe.”
    â€œAs will I.” Uncle Mark crossed his arms. “I am your best friend, Frederick. Have been ever since that day in the orphanage at the convent when you translated that Latin motto for me so I wouldn’t get in trouble.” He gazed at the Prof. “Remember that? Faber est quisque fortunae suae : Every man is architect of his own fortune.” He nodded his head at the memory. “Then you gave me your sandwich because you thought I needed it more.” Uncle Mark’s open and honest face was filled with concern. “You’re the only family I’ve got, and I won’t let Buzz come to any harm. I’ll sort this all out.” He smiled encouragingly at Buzz. “Where does this Mary girl live? I need to hear her side of things so that I can get a full picture of events.”
    Buzz’s fingers tunneled a path through his hair. “Fifteen Glover Drive,” he said. “She’s there with her grandmother.”
    â€œLet’s go, then,” Uncle Mark said.
    The Prof nodded. “I’ll get my coat.”
    â€œWhy are you coming?” Buzz didn’t even bother to look at the Prof. “It’s not like you believe me anyway.”
    â€œBuzz, that’s not fair.”
    â€œStay here, Frederick.” Uncle Mark’s voice was soothing. “I’ll bring Buzz back safe and sound. I promise.”
    â€œNo, Inspector, I didn’t see a dragon,” Mary said. “And I didn’t see Eleanor Bright.”
    â€œAre you sure?” Uncle Mark pressed.
    Mary stared at the flames in the ancient wood burner that sat on the flagstone hearth. “I’m sure.”
    â€œMary?” Buzz whispered. Her name was a croaked-out question, just loud enough to be heard over the spit and crackle of the fiery logs in the burner. Buzz tried to catch her gaze but it remained fixed on the flames in front of her.
    â€œJust to clarify: You were in the woods today with Buzz?” Uncle Mark asked.
    â€œYes,” Mary replied. “But this thing with the dragon and Eleanor Bright? It just didn’t happen. I’m sorry.” Mary met Buzz’s eyes for a moment, but then she crossed her arms and looked away.
    â€œI think, Inspector, that this young man has wasted enough of our time,” Mary’s grandmother declared, standingup from the faded couch. “I expect that concludes the questioning?”
    Uncle Mark nodded and placed a hand on Buzz’s shoulder.