Doug entered the room with a handful of snacks from our kitchen. “Did someone say Badger? Are they back? Did they survive their fall off the Golden Gate Bridge?” He ran over and shoved himself next to me on the other side of the couch.

“Open it, Arcade,” Zoe insisted.

“Yeah, open it, Arcade.”

I elbowed them both so I could get some breathing space. I grabbed a small piece of the envelope on the end and ripped down.

“That’s not how you open mail,” Zoe said. “You’re supposed to turn it over, and loosen the triangular flap—”

I elbowed her again. “I’m eleven, Zoe. I use technology. Give me some beginner’s grace.”

Zoe put both hands in the air. “Well, hurry it up, then.”

I shook my head. “Sisters.” I finished ripping the envelope down the side, and then tipped it, spilling out the flowery note paper. I unfolded it and read out loud.

Dear Arcade,

I hope you are having a nice summer. Mine has been quiet since you, your sister, and your nice friend Doug returned to New York City.

“Aw, she called me nice!” Doug smiled. “Hey! Maybe I could go live with Miss Gertrude.”

I continued:

Jacey and her mother come to visit me once a week. They bring me the most delicious cinnamon bread . . .

I stopped. The thought of that cinnamon bread made my mouth water.

“What’s wrong, Arcade? Do you miss Jacey?” Zoe reached over and put a hand on my cheek. “Are you blushing?”

I pushed her hand away. “Hey! You should talk—Michael Tolley!” I read on.

My grandsons have not returned since the night you finished renovating the windmill course. I think I know what happened to them, and I must warn you … Do not try to bring them back. I know you have the power to do so, but it is not advised at this time. Trust the tester.

Sincerely,

Miss Gertrude

“Bring them back? Why does she think I have the power to bring them back?”

Zoe pulled the letter from my hand. “It doesn’t matter, because she said not to do it. So, don’t.”

I pulled the token out from under my shirt. “Maybe I really am controlling this! Think about it! I said flamingo, and now we have Flames.”

“Destroying my bathroom.” Doug laughed.

“And before we went to the refinery, I said something to the token. Oh, what did I say?” I closed my eyes tight and tried to relive the scene. “Where did you come from?”

“I’m originally from New Jersey,” Doug said.

I opened my eyes. “No, not you, Doug. I asked the token to show me where it came from. And then it took us to the refinery! Maybe I do have the power to bring the Badgers back!”

Zoe got up from the couch, covering her face with her hands. “Lord, no. This boy cannot control this thing!”