He pets Mr. Bojangles with one hand. “Ride up on a white horse to her little dive apartment and rescue her. Or, you know, a stretch limo. And then she can rescue you right back.”

I frown. Is he even listening? “She doesn’t have an apartment. And where would I get a limo?”

He snaps. “I’ve got it. Tell her parents, no one puts baby in the corner.”

I roll my eyes but can’t keep the laugh from escaping. “Is this really all you have? Stuff from bad eighties rom coms?”

“What else is there?”

“I need to show her I choose her. That I’ll always choose her. And I need to do it in a big way.”

He puts the book down and sits up, leaning toward me. “And how exactly did you want to do it, Casanova?”

“I might have an idea. But I’ll need your help.”

24

Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.

—Helen Keller

Reese

In the end, I almost don’t go to the last Bedlam event, but then I realize I want to. I have to.

Not because Fitz asked—even though I have to admit he’s a big draw—but also because I’m not an ostrich anymore. I won’t hide with my head in the sand. Which actually isn’t an accurate description, because the ostrich merely digs holes for its nests and then they stick their heads in several times a day to turn their eggs, making it appear they are hiding— But I digress.

It’s nearly six and surprisingly quiet when I pull up at Jude’s. No extra cars out front or people milling about like normal.

Inside, the house is quiet and empty.

“Hello?”

“Out back,” Jude calls.

He’s in the backyard. Alone.

“Where is everyone?” I ask.

He smiles and lifts his megaphone. “Welcome to the final round of Bedlam!”

“Ugh.” I cover my ears. “It’s just me. And we’re like three feet apart, you turd.”

His grin widens and then he leans forward and hands me a folded piece of white paper. “This is for you.”

I give him a questioning look, but he says nothing, so I take the paper and open it.

You will find the first clue in the building with the most stories in every town you go.

I meet Jude’s eyes. “What is this?”

“The final game. A treasure hunt.”

“Where’s Fitz?” I glance around the empty yard, but he’s not hiding in the hedges. “Did he already start?”

“You’ll have to find out for yourself, babies.”

“This better be a fair competition, Jude.”

“It will be, Tootsie Roll, I promise. Now go solve the first riddle to find out where to go next.”

I roll my eyes and lift the paper. “This is child’s play. It’s clearly the library.”

“Then you better get on it.”

I frown at him, but what else can I do? I’m not gonna argue. So I leave Jude and the house behind and go to the library.

Once I get there, I realize I have no idea where to look for the next clue.