Lori took out the necklace, looked down at the design, at the circle, triangle, and square that were the door to the spirit world. The door with the eye inside. A symbol that Hattie had been able to see things in both worlds, had the gift of sight.

Lori started going out at night so she wouldn’t be seen. She told Dustin she was going out to see friends, to see a band, any excuse she could think of. She wanted to surprise him with the truth. To bring that treasure home and say, This is my secret. This is what I’ve been hiding.

The digging was hard. She’d have to bring a change of clothes with her so she wouldn’t come home soaking wet and filthy. The worst part was trying to put things back in a way that made it look like the area hadn’t been disturbed. The last thing she wanted was a hiker or teenage stoner coming out, seeing the recent excavations, and getting curious. Rumors of Hattie’s buried treasure had gone on for generations—most people didn’t believe it, but still, treasure hunters came poking around from time to time.

The necklace and dreams brought her closer to the treasure.

After nearly two weeks of digging almost every night, she’d found it last night! A crumbling wooden box. Inside that, a metal box with rusted hinges and catches. She broke it open with the spade of her shovel—inside were jewelry, gold coins, old bills, all wrapped in waxed canvas. It was real. As much as she trusted Hattie to lead her, she couldn’t quite believe that it was here, that she could touch it. She gingerly picked up a gold bracelet—were those rubies? Garnets? She put the bracelet back, nestled among other things that glinted and sparkled. She blinked down stupidly at the treasure, unsure of what to do next. It was nearly two in the morning. The box was too big; there was too much to carry back on her own easily. She decided to rebury it and come back again soon, once she’d thought things through and made a plan.

She carefully put it all back in the ground, changed into dry clothes, then walked home and slipped into bed beside Dustin. He didn’t stir.

. . .

Tonight, as she drove home from the spirit circle, she knew time was running out. The others were suspicious. They’d be watching her, keeping a close eye. She needed to go back and get the treasure soon—tonight! She’d do it tonight. She’d go home, change into old clothes for digging, pick up Dustin’s canvas duffel bag, and go get the treasure. Then she’d bring it home, hide it. She’d show Dustin, of course, and together, they’d figure out what their next move should be.