Cover

Dedication

To the joy of our hearts and the future of our world—THE KIDS . . .

As I did with books one and two, I also dedicate to you this third book of

The Coin Slot Chronicles—Arcade and The Fiery Metal Tester.

I trust you’ve already read The Triple T Token and The Golden Travel Guide.

If not, I highly recommend you do. They truly help you begin to understand the

mysterious people, places, and things Arcade experiences. And in this book,

things really begin to heat up! So you might want to read it in a cool place!

I’d like to also dedicate this book to you, the amazing parents, teachers,

librarians, and school administrators. You are truly instrumental in

making my school visits and book signings an absolute pleasure!

Finally, for all who will read my words,

I pray that something in the pages of this third book of

Arcade’s incredible adventures will find its way to the center of your

heart, and that it sets ablaze within you the desire to let nothing keep you

from your great quest of becoming the best version of yourself . . .

Again, happy travels!

Chapter 1
102nd Floor

“Arcade, QUIT pushing the elevator buttons! You don’t have control over them.”

“CHILL, Zoe! I think by now I know what I’m doing.”

“No, you DON’T. This is the Empire State Building, not one of your arcade token adventures.”

I stepped back from the button panel and wrapped my hand around the Triple T Token that was hanging from the gold chain around my neck. It had been in my possession almost six months now—heating up and pulsing whenever it felt like it, taking my friends and me on journeys around the world, into my past, and even into my future! Today, the token kept its cool, hanging there like any medallion would. That was a relief. I stared at the display above the elevator doors.

78, 79, 80 . . .

My older sister, Zoe, and I were on our way up to the top of the Empire State Building to meet our parents. They had left a note for us on the dining room table that hot, August morning:

Zoe and Arcade,

Meet us at 1:00 pm on top of the Empire State Building. Tickets are in the attached envelope. We will have our annual back-to-school goals talk there!

Love, Mom and Dad

And now it was 12:45. Dad always says that on time is late, so our only option was to be early. Especially since we were going to have the dreaded goals talk.

“This is a pretty smooth elevator ride.” Zoe bit her pinkie nail while she drummed her fingers on her bent elbow.

“You nervous?”

“Me?” Zoe pointed her thumb at her chest. “Why should I be nervous?”

“Goals . . . back to school . . . talks with parents . . .”

Ding!

The elevator doors opened. We stepped out and were greeted by a smiling lady whose badge said her name was Marjorie.