“Otherwise, again, everyone I hear talking already knows who they are and what they’re doing. Which is very inconvenient for a spy. I did hear something that… Well, it was weird. They seem to want…” She shook her head. “I’ll get to that. First thing: the plan. It’s pretty much what you’ve figured out. Rae was supposed to capture you. Derek would come running and they’d nab him. Then, Maya and Daniel. Except they’re having trouble finding Maya and Daniel, not surprisingly, considering I’m guessing that getting captured isn’t their role.”

“It’s not.”

“They’re still hunting for them. Once they have them, they’ll hold all four of you for ransom. Well, five, because they’re tossing in Rae as a bonus.”

“Ransom?” I said. “That’s all this is?”

Derek caught my eye. He’d been waiting, as patiently as he could, while I talked to Liz, but, at that, he needed an explanation. I told him and Rae what was going on.

“Mom and I are bonus captives?” Rae said.

“Apparently.”

“So it was all about money,” Derek said. “Huh. That’s new.”

I passed him a wry smile. “Yep, after all these months of being chased because we’re dangerous, we’re finally valuable…as a quick way to turn a profit. Just like any other kids with rich guardians. Makes me feel normal again. It’s a bit discouraging too, though. Just once, I want someone to try to kidnap me to harness the awesome potential of my amazing powers.”

“I’d rather they didn’t kidnap us at all,” Rae said.

“True, but still, if you have to be kidnapped, it’s better for your ego if it’s actually about you.”

Derek chuckled and tugged me back to lean against him.

“Actually, it isn’t,” Liz said. “They don’t want money.”

“Ah,” I said. “They want something else the Nasts have.”

“Kind of.”

“Business stuff? Stock shares or clients? Or supernatural stuff? Access to special spells or books?”

“They want one of you. Just, uh, not you guys.”

I told Derek and Rae, and said, “Typical, huh? I’m guessing one of the Salmon Creek kids, but I’m surprised it isn’t Maya or Daniel. Annie, Rafe and Ash aren’t as far along as Maya with their skin-walker skills. And for benandanti, Sam’s still struggling with her powers. Wait—Corey. A guy who can see the future is way more valuable than one who can change into a mountain lion or fight demons. Corey’s powers have a long way to go, but, he’s definitely the most valuable. Just don’t tell him that.”