Dear Readers, Just one more week of excerpts to go. Let’s get ready for Launch Day on October 20th!
From Chapter 23, “The Keys from St. Barnabas”
The Leticia Emerald has been found! A celebration is in order:
The afternoon sun had just moved behind the cathedral . . . . Father Pete had everyone quickly circle and join hands. He said a brief blessing for the de Cordobas and their deceased ancestors. . . . The priest congratulated the group and invited everyone to come to the cathedral soon for a tour and a celebration of life. All agreed it was a fabulous idea.
The group walked back to the house. “Well, two cases solved on the same day,” Isabela said to the kids. “You should be proud.”
“Not yet,” Lanny replied.
From Chapter 24, “The Green-Eyed Monster”
Some unfinished business regarding the found emerald is needed:
The de Cordobas and the kids were bursting to share the news that the emerald had been found. Instead, they chose to keep it a secret . . . [until it could be] shipped to its country of origin as Isabela intended. . . .
Isabela’s eyes were downcast. “All the news is certainly sobering today. I’m glad we didn’t share the finding of the Leticia Emerald—I mean, the Temple Emerald, with the world yet.”
Tomás said, “Yes, the emerald. We need to give it its freedom in more ways than one.”