The Pacific Giants by Jean Flitcroft

Author:Jean Flitcroft
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Publisher: Lerner Publishing Group
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 21

In 1994 two scientists proposed that Caddy be recognized as a “new species representative of an unnamed subcategory of reptilian” and that Cadborosaurus willsi would be its proper scientific name.

Wayne made himself scarce for the rest of the morning. When he didn’t turn up for lunch, Frankie began to display little signs of distress. Her eyes darted to the kitchen window every few seconds.

“I think I’ll give Lettie a call and see if Wayne is there,” she said finally.

Vanessa heard Frankie on the phone in the hallway. She couldn’t make out the words, but the fact that Frankie was laughing was surely a good sign.

“Wayne’s at Lettie’s all right. He’s helping her in the shop and forgot the time. He’ll be home later.”

Vanessa lowered her eyes to her sandwich and hid her smile by taking a large bite.

“Another glass of milk, honey?” Frankie offered.

Vanessa shook her head. She stood up to take her plate over to the dishwasher, but Mrs. Bouche intercepted her.

“You are such a helpful girl. I’m sure your mom must be very proud of you.”

Frankie was being kind. She clearly didn’t know that Vanessa’s mum had died, but the words were painful all the same. Vanessa swallowed, trying to compose herself before she spoke.

“What are you doing with yourself today then?” Frankie continued.

“Is there a bike I could borrow to go to the village?” Vanessa asked.

An inspired thought had struck her out of the blue: She needed to get away from the guesthouse and see if she could find out more about Caddy and this professor.

“You could borrow Wayne’s,” Mrs. Bouche suggested. “I don’t think he took it when he went out to the village. It’s the red and silver one in the shed. I’m sure he wouldn’t mind.”

Vanessa seriously doubted that, but she took it anyway. There was no need to ask directions. It was a matter of following the road from the guesthouse until it stopped. It took about fifteen minutes to get to Jo-Jo’s, and Vanessa really enjoyed the ride.

The hand-painted sign had carved letters in pink and white, and the letters were topped with a swirl of cream, nuts, and marshmallows. There was a giant spoon sticking out of the top. Someone had gone to a lot of trouble to make it.

Vanessa leaned the bike against the wall. She had forgotten to ask about a lock, but looking around, she felt sure it would be safe. Even if someone did steal it, the only way to get it off the island was by private boat, as the ferry was only twice a week. And if you had a private boat, it was highly unlikely you would want a kid’s secondhand bike.

Vanessa looked around the sleepy little village. A few cars were parked, but the road was empty, not a living soul in sight. What must it be like on Duquette Island in the heart of winter? No buses, no taxis, no cinema, no playground. Vanessa shuddered slightly. She imagined the roads covered in snow, the trees a ghostly white.

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