“You’re a real class act, Adie Lou,” I say to my reflection. I turn around quickly, remembering the last time Iris Dragoon humiliated me. At least, I am not wearing Evan’s sweatpants today. I may not have been Capone, but I still won in my own way.

I stick my tongue out at myself in the mirror and am laughing like a little kid when Iris enters.

“We might have a deal,” she says without preamble.

How can she catch me at the most embarrassing moment every time? I think. It’s as if she’s microchipped me.

I turn with as much composure as I can muster. “Okay,” I say.

She nods and reaches for the restroom door. I try to stop myself from saying what comes next, but I can’t. “But I need your help first,” I say.

Iris turns and raises an eyebrow. “You do, do you?” she asks.

“I do,” I say.

“All right, then,” she says sweetly before adding, “I’d do anything to help you from looking so blue.”

She smiles.

I hate you, I think. “Thank you,” I say instead.

Looks like I’ve just made a deal with the devil.

TWENTY-EIGHT

Iris’s black boots echo on the floors of the historical society building as she walks around turning on lights. A series of spotlights suddenly pop on overhead, and I am illuminated as if I’m on trial.

I turn to see an exhibit behind me.

U.S. Lifesaving Service and Shipwrecks on Lake Michigan

Hanging in front of a series of panels is a restored 1854 Francis Metallic Surfboat from Saugatuck Harbor, an all-iron lifesaving boat. The panels explain that it is one of America’s first official lifeboats. It is surrounded by Lake Michigan shipwreck and lifesaving stories.

I watch Iris navigate her hallowed halls, and I can see why she is so at home in here.

Everything is old and preserved, just like her, I think.

“Do you know much about the historical society?” Iris asks, her clipped tone echoing in step with her boots.

“I’m familiar with it,” I say. “But I don’t know much about it.”

She shakes her head with great sadness. “Like most,” she says. “May I show you around?”

I nod, and Iris leads me to the front of the building, which sits directly on the banks of the Kalamazoo River on the opposite side of Saugatuck, whose white buildings gleam in the water’s reflection.

“This building is a simple structure in the Prairie-Craftsman style and was originally built as the village of Saugatuck’s first water pumping station, completed in 1904. It was designed by John Alvord, better known as the principal engineer of the Chicago Water System.”

It sounds as if she’s given this tour a million times, I think. Just like me on the chain ferry.