Just then I hear the sound of a car pulling into the inn entrance up front. No, more like two cars, both probably bringing more Wanderers. I suddenly realize we may have no choice but to accept Cain’s help, now. Depending on who these others are, we might not just be at risk of losing the missing Prince. We might be at risk of losing the entire deck.

“I have a hunch where the Prince of Wands is hidden,” Cain then says. “But all Wanderers do. If we go now, we might be able to beat them to the right room.”

“The only thing we should be doing is getting in Charvan and leaving,” Cleo says. “I mean, we didn’t even unpack. We can grab our bags and go right now.”

I turn to Amelia. She looks just as conflicted as I feel, but then a look of determination settles onto her face.

“I have to try to find the first card while we still have this small head start,” Amelia says. “But Cleo, you’re right. While I look, someone should pack up Charvan so we’re ready to leave the second we can.”

“I’ll stay with Cleo,” Logan says. “Chase, you go with Amelia.”

We all look at one another, not sure this is the best version of the plan. But we also know we just have to go with our gut instincts here.

“Splitting the party is never the best idea,” Cleo says, “but I’ll make sure we get the bags to Charvan without being seen.”

“Great. Let’s go,” Cain says, already moving.

Amelia spins and grabs something from inside the door—Cleo’s art backpack. We all agreed to keep the deck in there, since it has a secret compartment in the interior lining. Amelia and I then step to follow Cain, turning to give Cleo and Logan pleading nods to be careful. They return the gesture before we’re off.

Cain strides deeper down the stretch of rooms ahead of us, thankfully in the opposite direction of the front parking lot. I look over my shoulder as we follow, not seeing anyone coming for us. Yet.

“Perilli was a big Gram Parsons fan, and Gram actually died here in room eight,” Cain whispers as we walk. “They keep it open for tourists to visit. Honestly, I’ve gone there before and searched the room for the Prince, but I never found anything. It’s pretty hopeless trying to find the final missing cards without the clues in your deck.”

“How do you know so much about Perilli?” I ask. “How does anyone?”

“He had some collections of his teachings, but they’re mostly owned by Perilli’s biggest benefactors,” Cain answers, revved like an engine. “They own a place called Azure Tarot in Summerland. I bet that’s your next stop, when it comes to the other missing cards.”