A cold shiver runs down my back as I sit with that pretty rock in my hand. I might not believe it myself, but I don’t want to test it out either, not after last night. Besides, it’s almost dark, I’m alone and just because I’m being logical doesn’t mean I’m not shitting myself just thinking about it. I shove it back in the bag, tightening the string like I can tie it off in my mind.

The big question is, do I tell Mum? I think about all the other stuff I’ve seen. The notebooks with the swear words and hate speech that Laney had written on it, and that pipe sitting in her shoe. Maybe this is one thing that could stay as mine and Laney’s secret. Besides, the person who needs to see this is May. It probably isn’t even one of those special stones, and she’ll laugh at me for having it.

Decision made, I hop up on the bed and tuck it back into its hiding spot. I am grudgingly impressed with the spot, and it gets me thinking about all the places Laney could’ve stashed other things. She’s crafty, and I’d have to start thinking like her if I was going to get anywhere. Pressing the poster firmly onto the Blu Tack I feel better for having found one piece of the puzzle, and want to ensure it stays safe in its well hidden spot. Maybe I also put it back because I don’t want to look at or touch that necklace all that much.

Hopping down I eye everything in the room with new purpose and think about all the spy movies we’d ever seen. There is no telling if this is the ‘present’; I have to be sure. I am going to do this again and this time I’ll do it properly.

Half an hour later I’m just getting started feeling up Laney’s mattress when I hear Uncle’s car out front. I stay where I am. Laney’s room is at the front of the house, so I can hear them talking as they climb out and come inside. It’s clear they’ve had another useless day of searching. I swallow my disappointment and go back to the mattress.

‘Tace?’ Mum calls from the lounge.

‘In here.’

She walks into the room, watching for a bit.

‘Daughter, what are ya doin?’

‘Laney’s crafty like a fox so I’m not takin anythin for granted.’

She looks at me like I’ve lost my mind. ‘Ya really think Laney hid something in her mattress?’

‘Never underestimate a Thomson girl up to no good. Nan said you were the worst one for it when you were a teen.’

Mum actually blushes, and I try to not to laugh.

‘Right. Well, come and ave a feed now, ay? Ya can keep lookin after.’