SHAKESPEARE’ SECRET by Elise Broach Read Free Book Online

theless enlightened members of Hero’s class have found it too distinctive to forego teasing her about it.” She turned to Hero. “How did you fare today?”
    Hero glanced at Danny, hesitating. She certainly didn’t feel like discussing school in front of him. But Danny had the same look of easygoing interest.
    â€œSomebody giving you a hard time?” he asked.
    Hero tried to sound casual. “Sort of.”
    Mrs. Roth shook her head sympathetically. “Don’t pay any attention, Hero. People can be quite unforgiving of anything that’s the least bit different. But they’ll come around.”
    Hero thought this sounded absurdly optimistic, but she remained quiet. Danny finished his cinnamon toast and brushed his hands on his jeans.
    â€œMy dad always says, some people will treat you badly and you can’t help that. But how you handle it, and how it makes you feel, that’s up to you.”
    â€œExactly,” said Mrs. Roth. “I knew your father and I would find one thing to agree on.” She smiled conspiratorially at Hero. “Mr. Cordova and I didn’t exactly see eye to eye during the Murphy investigation.”
    Danny stretched, looking across the garden to the Netherfields’ house. “So, Miriam, did Mr. Murphy ever try to get in touch with you again? After he sold the house?”
    Hero’s heart sank. Mrs. Roth must have told him all about the Murphys.
    But Mrs. Roth said simply, “No, he didn’t. I think he may be in Boston.”
    Danny stepped down into the garden, idly yanking weeds. “My dad thinks the diamond might still be in the house. Somewhere. He’s betting Mr. Murphy will try to contact you. You know, to get it back.”
    Mrs. Roth brushed the crumbs from her lap and stood. “Well, I would be happy to hear from him, but I really don’t expect to. And I’m sure your father understands that I probably won’t let the police know if I do.”
    Danny continued to pull fistfuls of weeds, piling them next to the walk. He flashed his wide, easy grin. “Don’t worry. He’s not expecting you to cooperate. He never expects me to cooperate either.”
    Mrs. Roth smiled back at him as she carried the empty plate into the house. Hero was left on the steps, not knowing what to think. On the one hand, at least the story of the Murphy diamond didn’t seem likely to be passed around the bus stop the next morning. On the other hand, how could she talk to Mrs. Roth about anything important with Danny Cordova sitting two feet away?
    When Mrs. Roth came back to the porch, Hero got up reluctantly. “I should go,” she said. “I have tons of homework. My mom was worried when I got home so late yesterday.”
    Mrs. Roth’s brow furrowed. “Oh, Hero. I was hoping—” she stopped. “I thought we could work on the crossword. But maybe tomorrow.”
    Danny stood up, wiping gray smears of dirt on his shorts. “I have to go, too,” he said. He gathered the clump of weeds and tossed them into the bin at the side of the house.
    â€œThank you, Daniel,” Mrs. Roth said. “I hope you’ll stop by again soon.”
    â€œBye, Miriam,” he called.
    He and Hero walked together toward the gate. At the street they turned in opposite directions.
    â€œSee you, Netherfield,” he said over his shoulder.
    â€œBye,” Hero answered quickly, heading for her driveway.

    As soon as she reached the side door, it swung open. Beatrice grabbed her arm, pulling her into the kitchen. “I can’t believe you!” she squealed. “What were you doing walking home with Danny Cordova?”
    â€œWhat do you mean?” Hero demanded, shaking free. “I wasn’t walking home with him.”
    â€œDanny Cordova! Don’t you know who he is? He’s the hottest guy in the eighth grade.”
    Their mother looked at Hero questioningly as Beatrice ran