Either way, we need to talk about this kobold.
How did you find out about this so fast? Kendra asked suspiciously. The kobold only showed up yesterday. I just mailed my letter to Grandpa Sorenson this morning.
Cogent question, Errol said. Your grandfather has an old friend named Coulter Dixon who lives in the area. He asked Coulter to keep an eye on you two. When Coulter caught wind of the kobold, he called me. I'm a specialist.
So you know our grandpa? Seth asked.
Errol held up a finger. I know a friend of your grandpa's.
I've never actually met Stan.
Why do you wear that weird suit? Seth asked.
Because I'm terribly fond of it.
Why are you wearing gloves? Seth pursued. It's hot out.
Errol glanced furtively over his shoulder, as if he was about to share a secret. Because my hands are made of pure gold and I'm worried somebody will steal them.
Seth's eyes widened. Really?28 No. But remember the principle. Sometimes the mostpreposterous lies are the most believable. He tugged off a glove and flexed his fingers, revealing a normal hand with black hairs on the knuckles. A street magician needs places to hide things. Gloves serve that purpose. Same with a coat on a warm day. And a vest with lots of pockets. And a wristwatch or two. He pulled back his sleeve, revealing a pair of watches.
You asked me for the time, Kendra said.
Sorry, I needed an opener. I have three watches. A
watch can be a great place to hide a coin. Errol squeezed his wrist and then held up a silver dollar. He put his glove back on, and the coin vanished in the process.
So you do have a pocket watch, Kendra said.
Errol held up the empty chain. Sadly, no, that was true. I
Pawn shop. I needed to buy combs for my girlfriend.
Kendra smiled, getting the reference. Errol did not explain it to Seth. So, do I pass inspection? he asked.
Kendra and Seth looked at each other. If you get rid of the kobold, Kendra said, I'll believe anything you say.
Errol looked a little concerned. Well, see, the thing is,
I'm going to need your help to do it, so we're going to need to trust one another. You could call your grandpa, and he could tell you about Coulter, at least. And then he could get in touch with Coulter, who would tell him about me. Or maybe Coulter has already contacted him. For now, consider this-your grandfather has hardly told a soul that you were fairystruck, and I am certain he urged you to keep that information private as well. Yet I am privy to that knowledge.28 29What do you mean by fairystruck? Kendra asked.That the fairies shared their magic with you. That you can see whimsical creatures without assistance.
You can see them too? Seth asked.
Sure, if I use my eyedrops. But your sister can see them all the time. I got that information directly from Coulter.
Okay, Kendra said. We'll check with our grandpa, but until we hear back, we'll trust that you're here to help.
Fabulous. Errol tapped his temple. I'm already hatching a plan. What are the chances of you two sneaking out tomorrow night?
Kendra winced. That's going to be tough. I have finals the next day.
Whatever, Seth said, rolling his eyes. We'll pretend to go to bed early and slip out the window. Would it work to meet around nine?
Nine would be nearly perfect, Errol said. Where should we rendezvous?
You know the service station on the corner of Culross and Oakley? Seth suggested.
I'll find it, Errol said.
What if Mom and Dad notice we're missing? Kendra said.
Which would you rather do: risk getting grounded, or keep putting up with your ugly friend? Seth asked.
Seth was right. It was a no-brainer.30Extermination Procedures
The sky was nearly dark when Kendra and Seth entered the service station's convenience store. Inside, one of the fluorescent bulbs was flickering, interrupting the harsh, even glow. Seth fingered a candy bar. Kendra turned around in a circle. Where is he? We're almost ten minutes late.
Play it cool, Seth said. He'll be here.
You're not in a spy movie, Kendra reminded him.
Seth picked up the candy bar, closed his eyes, and smelled it from end to end. Nope. This is the real thing.
Kendra noticed the headlights of a battered Volkswagen van flashing in the parking lot. Maybe you're right, she said, approaching the window. The lights flashed again.
Squinting, she saw Errol behind the wheel. He motioned her over.
Kendra and Seth crossed the parking lot to the van.31 Are we really going to drive away with him in that thing?Kendra mumbled.
Depends on how badly you want to get rid of the kobold, Seth replied.
The creature had not caused any new commotion that day at school, although he had taunted Kendra with several knowing looks. The horrid imposter was reveling in his victory.
He kept hanging around with her friends, and there was nothing she could do about it. Who knew what his next act of sabotage might be?
Kendra had continued to try to reach Grandpa Sorenson, and had repeatedly gotten the recorded message that the call could not be completed as dialed. Had he stopped paying his phone bill? Maybe he had switched telephone numbers?
Whatever the cause, she had still not been able to speak with him to confirm whether Errol could be trusted.
Errol leaned across the van and pushed the door open.
Once again he was wearing his rumpled, antiquated suit.
Kendra and Seth climbed inside. Seth shut the door behind them. The motor was already running.
Here we are, Kendra said. If you're going to kidnap us, tell me now. I can't handle the suspense.
Errol put the van into gear and pulled out of the service station onto Culross Drive. I'm really here to help you,
Errol said. Although, if I had kids, I'm not sure I would want them climbing into a vehicle late at night with a man they'd just met, no matter what story he told them. But do not fret,
I'll deliver you safe and sound to your home before long.32 Errol turned onto a different street. Where are wegoing? Seth asked.
Nasty vermin, kobolds, very tenacious, Errol said. We need to get something that will enable us to drive the interloper away permanently. We are going to steal a rare item from a wicked and dangerous man.
Seth leaned forward on the edge of his seat. Kendra leaned back with her arms folded. I thought you said you were a kobold exterminator, Kendra said. Don't you have your own gear?
I have expertise, Errol said, turning onto a new street.
Exterminating a kobold is a trifle more complicated than spraying your yard with chemicals. Each situation is unique and demands improvisation. Be glad that I know where to get what we need.
They rode in silence for a few miles. Then Errol pulled off to the side of the road and switched off his lights. We're already here? Seth asked.
Fortunately, what we need is close by, Errol said. He indicated a stately building half a block down the road. A