“Where?” Mason’s eyes are big and searching, his body alert, but I’m too busy eyeing the willow tree to explain. If we duck, we could potentially make it across the yard and under the branches without him seeing us.

Too late. He’s spotted us and now he’s making his way to the gate, his stride long and purposeful. “Good morning! How are you today?”

“Morning,” I manage. He’s wearing another plaid shirt and the same sneakers. Today he’s carrying a briefcase, which I eye warily.

“Willow, who is he?” Mason says in a low voice. He has his arm around my shoulder now, his gaze moving from the man on the walkway to the garden statue at his feet.

I feel a tiny jolt. Mason is figuring out the best way to defend me.

“It’s okay,” I whisper.

When the man sees the FOR SALE sign, he pauses.

“How can I help you?” Mason says, his arm still firm around me. I don’t mind it terribly.

He turns his attention back to us. “Officially on the market, I see. Do you know if the seller is holding any showings?”

So he is a buyer. He must have heard rumors before it was even officially listed. Simon was right, buyers are like sharks. Had he been circling the block since I saw him last, waiting to see if a sign went up?

I bite the inside of my cheek hard. Nothing against this guy, but he can’t have my house.

I mean Sage’s house.

I mean my mom’s house.

Mason must feel my shoulders stiffen because he takes the lead. “Not that I know of. But if you have any questions, you can call Simon. He’s the real estate agent on the sign.”

“Great.” The man pulls out his phone and takes a photo of the sign. My anxiety ratchets up a notch. What if he asks if I gave his card to my mom?

Luckily, he doesn’t ask. Instead he pushes his hands into his pockets. “Thanks a lot, you two. I hope you enjoy your day.”

He turns and saunters back up the sidewalk, taking the final dredges of my hope with him. Simon was right. Sage’s house is going to be under contract in no time.

“That’s not good,” Mason says, echoing my thoughts. He’s completely right. That man is going to make an offer on Sage’s house, and my mom is going to accept it. He’s probably going to do it right away. Which means my window for finishing Sage’s treasure hunt has gotten infinitely smaller.

I suddenly need something to prop myself up on. I lean into Mason, glad his arm is still around me. Mason must have the same thought, because he squeezes my shoulder lightly. “Let’s find Lily.”