Heroes of the Secret Underground Chapter Sampler

Louie runs after her. ‘Are you lost? Is this yours?’ But the girl vanishes between the trees. The white shoe has disappeared with her. She’s gone. Louie stops, unsure if the girl was real or not. ‘Louie. Louie. Wrong way!’ Bert’s yell bounces between the trees. He’s already at the fountain, with Teddy and Honey. With one last glance down the street, Louie sprints back towards Bert. Breathless, she reaches him. ‘Did you … did you … see that girl?’ ‘Girl?’ Bert squints down the street. Honey’s ears point down the street. Teddy’s hand slips into Louie’s. ‘Can’t see a girl, Louie.’ ‘But, Bert, she was there. I’m sure.’ ‘Not anymore.’ He hangs out his tongue like Honey. ‘Bert, wait. Can you …?’ ‘Need water … water. Got to go inside.’ Bert doesn’t stop to answer, barging ahead. Teddy drops Louie’s hand, and he and Honey pound after him. Louie stands alone, holding the locket. She opens her right hand, staring at the broken skin. The small drop of blood glistens in the sunlight. Closing her hand, she slides the locket into her pocket. The sweet music of robins swirls around her. A rush of wind sweeps leaves into the air. Louie looks up, past the leaves and the ground floor. Past the first floor, with its wrought-iron balconies. Past the second-and-a-half floor, with its labyrinth of nooks

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