“I can’t see the words. You can’t feel the heat or vibration. Something bizarre is definitely happening with this book. Besides,”—she gave Lizzie a cheeky grin—“I may be mostly practical, but I find the idea of magic completely fascinating. So I’m willing to admit there may be mojo involved.”

Several trials later, Kenna and Lizzie reached a few conclusions. Lizzie could pick up the Book with no effect, but Kenna experienced the “alarm.” Kenna described the pages inside as hazy. No words or characters were visible, the pages were simply unclear, like an out-of-focus picture.

After repeated trials with no new information, they set the Book aside. Both were convinced that there was something unexplainable about the Book. Magic? Maybe.

Kenna spoke first. “We can’t tell anyone about this.”

Lizzie nodded emphatically. “Agreed. They’d think we’re nuts.”

Kenna nodded her head with a thoughtful look on her face. “Or want the book.”

Kenna didn’t have to explain who “they” were. Bad-guy, magic people, the authorities… “They” could mean almost anyone, because a book like this held appeal and value for a vast array of individuals and organizations. She could only hope that her and the Book’s safety would be ensured through secrecy. She hadn’t really worried up till now, because the Book had been hers alone. It was as if by sharing it with Kenna, she had somehow let the secret out into the world to be discovered. Silly. But that was how she felt.

Kenna interrupted Lizzie’s troubled thoughts when she said, “Have you thought about where it came from? Why it came to you?”

Lizzie rolled her eyes. “It’s been two years. Of course I’ve thought about that. Also, what’s it for? What’s written in it? Are there other magical books? I stopped myself at some point, because the questions really can become all-consuming.”

“That book may have come to you for a reason. Until you either understand what’s in it or know why you have it, I think keeping it under wraps is a good idea,” Kenna said.

“And if it’s dangerous?” Lizzie asked. The question had been buzzing around in her brain ever since Kenna had set off the Book’s “alarm.”

“You don’t truly believe that. If you did, you’d never have brought it here and invited me in on the secret.” Kenna paused and grinned. “Or you would have at least warned me first. And you have excellent instincts. ”

Lizzie hoped her instincts were correct this time. Because Kenna was right. She didn’t sense anything evil or wrong in the Book.

***

A few months passed without any significant progress. Occasionally, Lizzie caught a word out of the corner of her eye. But any focused attention produced the same disappointing result. The thrill of discovery—even discovery of magic—faded as time marched on and the book remained unreadable.