Everything Zing: Spring

By Grant Stone

Book Two in the "Everything Zing" series. Miss Spring takes Zing's throne. The Capital City's drama explodes.

What proposal did Father Time make to George and Leap at the conclusion of the Calendar Court...and following his Leap Year gone wrong, what, or maybe who, is Phileap most fearful of facing on the first day of Spring?

Discover the wonderful effects of swallowing a twitterflea...and the other secrets and special effects Miss Spring has lined up for her unforgettable opening ceremony. What mission does she propose to the royal family to mark her place in Zing’s history books...and whose soul is she willing to risk to do so?

Go on an exclusive VIP shopping spree to the Possibility Emporium...and find out why March causes Oscar to sink to an emotional low just as Ozilline’s new career soars.

Learn all about Ragnar’s complete story...and his deal with the dark side to swap the souls of Puresands throughout history. Whose life is next in Ragnar’s line-up...and why is this one unlike any other?

See what’s in store as new doors open at the Hourglass Inn...as well as more secrets are revealed about the inn’s residents. Why does Olana owe George a big surprise...and what’s her perfect payback?

What dangerous journey does George insist on taking...and how will Miss Spring and Mother Nature navigate his rescue? What colossal mistake does George make standing between two worlds...and why does Mirabella Spring insist the repercussion be saved for Summer?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Grant Stone
• Release date: Aug 1, 2012
• ISBN: 9781476240626

Grant Stone

Grant Stone’s fiction has appeared in Shimmer , Andromeda Spaceways Inflight Magazine and Semaphore and is forthcoming in Strange Horizons and The Thackery T. Lambshead Cabinet of Curiosities.When not writing, he has been known to tinker in the engine room of the StarShipSofa and his fanzine, b0tHe lives in Auckland, New Zealand even though most of the opium and gambling dens are long gone.

Book preview

Everything Zing: Spring

By Grant Stone

Everything Zing: Spring

Published by Grant Stone at Smashwords

Copyright 2012 Grant Stone

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Smashwords Edition, License Note

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

This book is available in print at most online retailers.

This novel is a work of fiction. Names, descriptions, entities, and incidents included in the story are products of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, events, and entities is entirely coincidental.

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Cover design by James R. Denton

Edited by Dr. William J. Denton

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Book 2:

Miss Spring Takes Zing’s Throne

The Capital City’s Drama Explodes

Dear Reader,

Congratulations and welcome to book two – Everything Zing: Spring. A personal letter from the author isn’t a traditional opening to a novel’s sequel, but I’m not conventional and there are a few matters I’d like to discuss with you.

First, thank you for reading book one (Winter). I don’t know how you discovered Zing, but I’m grateful you did, and I’m delighted that you made the investment and completed the first installment.

Nothing is more fun and rewarding in the realm of reading than sharing, so I hope you’ve recommended Zing to your friends, family, and fellow readers. The ever-clever Zing Squad has put together some really creative pieces (Favorite Zing Things and Christmas in July – 31 Gifts from Grant) on the Everything Zing Facebook page, so I hope you’re a fan and that you’ve enjoyed these campaigns.

Now that you’ve read book one, the hard part is done. Establishing this new dimension called the Imagine Nation with its Capital City of Zing takes effort – both for the writer and reader – and now that the basics are in place we can move on to more intriguing elements. The primary characters have also been introduced (except for one, who you’ll meet almost immediately), so we can now dig deeper into their personal lives. Trust me, the real fun is about to begin. All four books are written, and each one gets

more exciting!

My absolute best advice as to how to best enjoy Spring would be to reread Winter because there are so many elements that you’ll appreciate the second time through. However, since you now hold Spring in your hands, I’m quite certain the curiosity to dive into Book Two will prevail. I don’t spend much time re-introducing the characters in Book Two, so please allow the following refresher (and perhaps reference as you continue reading) of our main characters as names are easiest to forget.

THE CHARACTERS

George Ellis Everest Junior: This 29-year old, fifth grade teacher is our main character. In Reality, George lives in New York City, and following book one’s finale, we now know that George is also a Puresand and permanent resident of Zing. Together with his friends, George has agreed to open the Hourglass Inn bed

and breakfast.

Olana Everest: George’s wife of four years, a chef by profession, who got a taste of Zing on Valentine’s Day thanks to the Sandman (aka Leap) arranging her visit. Olana’s stay got extended thanks to the spell of duplicity, and in book one’s final scene she is transported to the Calendar Court via the portrait of Mother Nature (the Mona Lisa) to witness her husband’s trial.

Landon Sparks: A Puresand and student in George’s classroom at the Chesterfield Academy private school. On Earth, Landon is 10 years old, and his gift of the hourglass originally got George through Zing’s gateway on Christmas Eve. He is now a resident of the Hourglass Inn and has a pet cat named Portia.

Marnie: Puresand and resident of the Hourglass Inn. Known for her competitive spirit, in book one, Marnie suffered a broken leg and served as coach during Freeze Ball tournament.

Oscar: Puresand and resident of the Hourglass Inn, known for his green thumb.

Ozilline: Puresand and resident of the Hourglass Inn, known for her social skills and soirees. She has a pet schnauzer named Philbert.

Mercivor Time (Father Time): The leader of the Imagine Nation and father of the five Seasons.

Ellisandra Nature (Mother Nature): Mercivor’s wife and the mother of the five Seasons.

Lady Kimora Wintersan (Lady Winter): The oldest of the five Seasons, reigning in Zing during the months of December, January, and February (Book One).

Phileap (Leap) and the Sandman: The second child and oldest son of Time and Nature. Leap is allowed in the Capital City only one day every four years (February 29). In book one Leap exposed his secret identity as Zing’s Sandman (gatekeeper and protector of sand), first to Wilmer and then to George at the Calendar Court. Leap’s brothers and sisters don’t yet realize that he is also the Sandman.

Miss Mirabella Spring: The third child and youngest daughter of Time and Nature, reigning in Zing during the months of March, April, and May (Book Two).

Señor Alfonzo Summerio (Señor Summer): The fourth child of Time and Nature, reigning in Zing during the months of June, July, and August (Book Three).

Sir Josef Autumnsburg: The fifth and youngest child of Time and Nature, reigning in Zing during the months of September, October, and November (Book Four).

The Sandman: Leap has disguised himself as the gatekeeper and protector of Zing’s magical sand for the past two thousand years.

Puresands: Permanent residents of Zing, sent to Reality throughout history to add magical sand back into the human bloodstream.

Earthies: Essentially the term used for humans, those visitors to Zing whose souls started in Reality rather than the Imagine Nation.

Everest: George’s father. Originally named, Everest Carvallo, and born in Costa Rica. He changed his name to George Ellis Everest when he moved to America. Throughout the story, he is referred to as Everest, his original (and Zing) name. Currently, Everest is Hotel Director at a prominent hotel in New York City.

Riviera Picotte: George’s mother; she kept her maiden name. She was born in the south of France, a runway model in her early twenties, and now a socialite. Everest and Riviera broke the one Earth Rule and conceived a child together. As a result George became a Puresand (but still Earthie), the first of his kind as he was born in Reality.

Everest Family: Only briefly mentioned in book one, but for clarity, George has two younger adopted siblings:

Brother Ben and his wife, Lauren.

Children: Hazel (3), Raine (2), Brock (newborn)

Sister Hannah and her husband, Charles.

Children: Ellis (4), Meredith (2)

Griselda: Portrayed as Marnie’s sports nemesis, nicknamed Grunt. Griselda lives on the other side of Lake Engelnook in a decrepit cabin. She mistook George for Ragnar, who had always promised to return in disguise to take her out of Zing, and was furious to discover George was the son of Everest and Riviera.

Seth: One of Griselda’s followers, Seth also resides in a worn-down cottage and unfortunate owner of a run-down sports car. He is passionate about keeping Zing only for Puresands, not allowing Earthies into the Capital City.

Wilmer: Former friend of the Hourglass Inn clan, Wilmer has been taken over by Griselda and resides in the third dilapidated cabin on Lake Engelnook. He and Ozilline are still close friends.

Ragnar: Ragnar was also once friends with the group now residing in the Hourglass Inn, but he chose to follow Leap out of Zing on the original (and only) war. Throughout book one George is mistaken for Ragnar because of Ragnar’s promise to return in disguise.

Lord Avidor Time: Mercivor’s father, original founder of the Imagine Nation but he passed away before it opened to Earthies

Muriel Weathersby: Mother Nature’s middle sister, known for her outlandish sense of style.

Morice Storm: Mother Nature’s youngest sister and media personality on ZTV, focusing especially on fashion.

Judith: Editor of The Zoracle, Zing’s daily newspaper.

Woody and Barbro: Co-anchors of Zing’s most popular radio broadcast on KZNG.

The Dish: Not a character, but to complete the above list of media, Zing’s raunchy tabloid magazine.

Chapter 1 – The Deal

According to George Everest, few things in life were more important than establishing a home. Not just a comfortably furnished house, and not necessarily the posh condo on Park Avenue like he’d grown up in, but a residence packed with memories and shared with souls who made him feel like royalty the moment he walked through the front door.

George had finally found such a place in the land called Zing. The Capital City of the Imagine Nation had waited 30 years for George to arrive, and when he finally did on December 24, 1999, neither he nor its residents would ever be the same. George’s grown-up life in New York would continue, but from now on, when his mind wasn’t on Earthly concerns, he would continue his personal regenovation in Zing.

Not only had George found a home in Zing; he’d also found a family. During Lady Kimora Winter’s reign he’d met the royal rulers, the villain and a few foul followers, many permanent residents of Zing known as Puresands, and fellow Earthies from around the globe. Most importantly, he’d met four individuals who surrounded him with the mix of unconditional affection and downright hilarity for which he had always longed.

George and his new friends – Oscar, Ozilline, Landon, and Marnie – had already learned that they had much more in common than any of them originally suspected. They were sharing the same residence and preparing to open this mansion as a bed and breakfast in the fall, but there was more to their story. As the weeks of spring progressed, they would discover how closely woven their lives were and how valuable they were to each other, both in Zing and on Earth.

*****

As George and his wife, Olana, said goodnight on March 1, 2000, in their apartment above the Manhattan skyline, they had one of the most unusual conversations of their marriage.

I’d like to invite you to visit me in Zing again, George said.

Of course I would love that, but my sand is all gone, Olana said.

With a smile, George revealed a small hourglass filled with sparkling sand. I thought you might agree to a Zing encore, he said. The hourglass was identical to the gift his fifth grade student, Landon Sparks, had given him last Christmas Eve.

This trip should be much easier than your first one, George said. I guarantee no Grim Reaper will attack you in your sleep and drag you off.

Olana raised her eyebrows.

Well, if he does, at least you’ll know it’s Leap under the brown cloak, and you don’t need to be afraid of him… not anymore, George said. You’re actually the reason Phileap gets to keep his secret identity as Zing’s Sandman.

You have some explaining to do, Olana said as she examined the golden hourglass.

Yes, I do, George said. Following my false accusation at the Calendar Court, Father Time asked what it would take to for me keep Leap’s identity as the Sandman a secret.

What did you tell him? Olana asked.

I told Mercivor that I wanted Zing’s one missing piece – you, George said.

That’s rather romantic, Olana said.

George grinned and said, It gets better, as he took her by the hand. Olana, will you share your life in both worlds with me… Reality and the Imagine Nation?

Of course, Olana said.

Good, that’s the deal, George said. You and I keep the secret that the Sandman is actually Leap, and you get to stay in Zing.

Won’t I expire when this sand runs out? Olana asked, tipping the hourglass back and forth.

No, I was very clear about that, George replied. As long as we don’t tell anyone about Leap’s dual identity, you can use as much sand as it takes to keep you in Zing.

What about our friends back at the inn? Olana said. You know they’ll be curious.

I told them all sorts of fine fabrications last night, all with the blessing of Father Time, George boasted. Mercivor hid his smirk while I shared the whole story, but he did mention that it might take reinforcement this morning.

So you won’t be meeting me in Grand Central Station? Olana asked. I can’t tempt you to ride the Train of Thought together, maybe even stop off at some places along the way, like a progressive breakfast?

George sighed and said, That does sound fun, but I need to be up and ready at the inn, in case more questions surface.

Must keep your fine fabrication all in-stitch, Olana said with a wink.

You should get to Zing as soon as possible today, too, George said. Promise me you’ll resist all temptations and stay on that train until the very end. I’ll be waiting for you as soon as you pass through Zing’s entrance gate.

Yes, sir, Olana said with a playful salute. No Bliss or Candyland, Gotham or Neverland for me. Not even Utopia or the mysteriously misspelled Paridise with an ‘I.’

George still remembered what a fuss Muriel had made about Paridise, but he couldn’t deny his own curiosity. He also knew Olana was pulling his strings, but he maintained a straight face.

Sometime soon we’ll go back and enjoy the different destinations together, starting with Lovers’ Lane. Getting to explore the entire Imagine Nation is one of the benefits of being Earthies, George said. However, you and this hourglass need to make it to the Capital City first.

I’m holding you to that rain check, Olana said.

Sounds good, George said. Now since you were at the Calendar Court, too, our stories should coincide.

Yes, fill me in, Olana said. What exactly did you tell them happened?

I didn’t go into great detail about Leap or the Sandman, even though Landon and Marnie were squeezing me for every juicy detail, George replied. I told them Leap arrived with you, and by the time I saved you and then myself, the Sandman had gone back to protect Zing.

They bought that? Olana asked.

Mercivor chimed in and told them that he had arrived, called the Calendar Court to session, and asked the Sandman to return to the mainland, George added.

Father Time lied? Olana asked.

"No, technically, the Sandman did leave," George replied.

Do they know about the key, the portrait of Mother Nature, and the two of me? Olana asked. Then scratching her head, she added, Seeing my duplicate was extremely strange… even more bizarre to remember when I woke up back on Earth this morning.

Yes, they know all about those things, and my guess is that you had enough sunset marmalade in your system to recall what we shared, George said, as he scratched his own forehead. "As far as you’re concerned, the Sandman saved the day. Any more details should come from your husband and hero, the one and only Puresand Earthie."

Easy on the ego there, Olana joked and then walloped both his flexed arm and inflated head with a down pillow. If you become unbearable, I’ll be happy to fall asleep on some of your younger Earthie photos. I think Oscar and Landon would especially get a charge out of your junior high rock star phase or your freshman year perm from university.

Ah, humility, George sighed and shivered at the flashbacks. Another reason you’re perfect for me.

Sweet dreams, Olana said. She kissed him goodnight and put the hourglass under her pillow. I’ll meet you on the other side.

*****

Forget the filth side… get your act together… you’ll never win…

The snide retorts from his siblings echoed in Leap’s mind as he paced back and forth inside the dark somber chamber. He had done so every day for as long as he could remember and had grown accustomed to the company of emptiness while waiting for his daily instructions. However, the wait seemed eternal on this, the first day of spring.

The piercing glow of bat eyes hung in among the stalactites that dribbled down from the ceiling. The flickering crimson of torches illuminated the puddles of murky moisture on the ground. It was cold and damp, exactly how Leap had learned to like it.

Leap was dressed in his traditional costume, a heavy brown cloak that completely covered his figure. After 2,000 years disguised as Zing’s Sandman he had blown his cover both to his parents and their new prized Earthie, George. Leap had intended to never see this day. He had taken every precaution to ensure his plan to stop time on February 29, but his scheme still failed, miserably. Now, he would have to face his own master and the harsh consequences.

The thumping of his pulse beat against Leap’s eardrum, perfectly in sync with the heavy footsteps coming closer. Budump… budump… budump. Leap could never tell which of the several dreary passageways would reveal his master, so he slowly pivoted to appear prepared and not surprised. He usually failed.

There was suddenly silence. Then the statement…

Looks as though spring has sprung. What do you have to say for yourself?

The words pierced Leap’s back like a surprise ambush on the battlefield. The insinuation cut right through his cloak and pinched his flesh. He’d heard the voice thousands of times before. The thick baritone rumble usually coated his heart with sinister delight as it gave instructions to destroy sand and conquer Zing, but not today.

How dare you defy my orders? I told you not to meddle until the time is right!

Leap pulled the cloak over his head, hoping his master wouldn’t insist on seeing him eye-to-eye, as the irony wrapped around his neck like a noose. Only a few hours before, George had felt the same way wearing the same cloak, as he stood accused before the Calendar Court.

You actually thought you could outsmart Mercivor? You actually believed you could convince that Earthly peasant to give you Avidor’s all-powerful key so you could stop the hands of time?

Leap slowly turned around, still hanging his head, cringing as the words scratched their shame up and down his spine.

Look at your master when he speaks, said the man, now emerging from a dark tunnel into the hellish glow. You floundered, as usual, but I will never fail.

Yes, your Majesty, Leap whispered, as he slowly raised his head to see the bloodshot eyeballs staring right through him.

Leap’s master could outwit any wizard and out-ghoul any ghost or goblin. He was the Imagine Nation’s original and ultimate evil, and he’d taught most of the villains everything they knew. He was the dark side, a demonic genius named Lord Filthezar.

The plan remains and will continue… as always, Lord Filthezar pronounced. He needed Leap to fulfill his ultimate plan, which was nearly complete, so he couldn’t allow this incident to stand in the way. Despite your detour, we’re still on track, right?

Yes, I’m still collecting and storing every grain of sand I can, Leap stammered. We should be ready soon… hopefully by the fall.

Leap knew his Master was aware of the deal he’d been coerced into making with George. The agreement to keep Olana in Zing would cost some sand, so he held his breath, hoping it wouldn’t be mentioned.

Excellent, Filthezar said very slowly. These past two thousand years have gone rather quickly, but I’m ready to take my rightful throne.

He whipped his heavy scarlet cape around and allowed the giant serpent that followed him to take her traditional place in the center of the chamber. The snake hissed and circled her master. With a direct look at Leap, she expanded her chest, uncoiled her tail, and transfigured herself into a throne. Her slippery and gilded body absorbed the flickering light, and as the Dark One took his place, her sinewy tongue affectionately caressed his bald head.

Lord Filthezar was a master of deception and disguise. He always dressed in the finest suits, and above ground, he wore a variety of headpieces, sometimes even makeup or masks. But in this, his private underground sanctuary, he refused to wear any sort of pretense. He placed his crown on his smooth scalp and breathed a sigh of relief as the intertwined snakes and blood crystals that composed it soothed his bitter soul.

Filthezar’s tall build was strong and stocky from ages of determination, but his face had grown weary from the centuries of angst and anticipation. His complexion radiated like he’d stepped out of an eternal sauna, but not a healthy glow, more like simmered anger. He was the personification of the large blood crystal on top of his scepter. He hated sand and despised anything and anyone associated with its powerful purity.

Leap was permitted to ask any question, but his Master always had the final say. As much as Leap disliked the thought of facing another day in Zing, he dreaded standing before this throne even more. He had seen the rage of Filthezar many times and hoped he would not be the victim today. He had disobeyed his Master’s orders, and knew he deserved the wrath, so he was relieved to finally hear the words…

I’ve had enough of you…. leave. There’s plenty to do today.

Thank you, your Majesty, Leap said as he tiptoed out of the chamber.

*****

On the kind of morning that could potentially last all afternoon, the other residents of the Hourglass Inn began to wonder when they’d see George. Still spellbound by the adventures from February 29, they couldn’t help rehashing the details.

That was quite a story, Ozilline said for the third time, as she added more cream and re-stirred her cinnamon tea. "I still can’t believe our George held the almighty key to time itself. We really didn’t prepare him well enough."

Nonsense, Landon corrected in between mouthfuls of cereal. Father Time had this whole thing planned. He knew George would make the right decision.

This goes far beyond George, Oscar said. "What if the original caretakers of the key, Everest and Riviera, who somehow did sell-out to the dark side, had surrendered the key?"

We’d all be doomed, Marnie said. Fortunately, that’s not the story, so stop worrying.

Who would’ve thought my Earthie guest would travel to the International Dateline, see the Calendar Court, and live to tell? Landon declared. I bet we know more about the Court than any other Puresand in the whole kingdom!

"We should probably stop referring to George as an Earthie, too," Ozilline said.

That’s the part that kept me tossing all night, Oscar said gruffly. We knew Everest and Riviera had disobeyed the one Earth rule – don’t conceive a child together – because the result stood right in front of us. Now, we’re sharing this mansion and fate with him!

We should’ve investigated the consequence, Marnie interjected.

Fine examples of sand we turned out to be, Ozilline said. We really did blunder by not facing the facts.

How many times do we have to get this lesson thrown at us before we learn it? Oscar asked, peering over his brown reading glasses. Can we all agree to do better if and when there is a next time?

The others clinked their glasses and groaned in agreement.

I still think Father Time had this all schemed out, Landon said. "All it would’ve taken was any one of us to say the magic words, hearts of sand, and that portrait of Ellisandra would’ve spilled the beans."

It is surprising that you didn’t slip up and add an ‘S’ to heart, Marnie teased. After all the time you spent in that vault, I’m surprised you didn’t do it at least once.

How do you know I didn’t? Maybe I knew all along… but was saving it, Landon said, taking his stance against the window nook. Why do you think I was so anxious to rescue Avidor from the clutches of Griselda? Why do you think I told Olana about the secret chamber behind Mother Nature’s portrait?

You didn’t know squat, Marnie said, rolling her big brown eyes. She scratched her short mop of brown hair and added, I’m the one who saved Avidor. My snowball broke the glass at Griselda’s cabin… yours simply bounced off.

Excuse me! Landon shouted. Your measly snowball wouldn’t have done anything if mine hadn’t cracked the glass first.

Oh zip it, you two! Ozilline hollered. Not the battle for Avidor all over again. We heard quite enough last night!

"Yes, you both helped save the kingdom, Oscar said, as he winked at Ozilline. Without you, Avidor never would’ve flown the coop and carried both the portrait of Ellisandra and Olana to the Calendar Court."

That’s right, Marnie said. Let’s make sure the record book showcases our bravery on the coldest and most miserable day of the year.

George had been listening at the door for the past few minutes and savored every comment, especially the ridiculous battle between Landon and Marnie. Yesterday, the thought of never hearing such nonsense again had broken his heart. Now, it filled his soul with so much joy that he could barely contain it to a smile.

He practiced not giggling, began to yawn, and threw open the kitchen door. He’d barely fumbled inside when Ozilline dropped everything and threw her arms around him. The others quickly joined in cheers and applause. Ozzy grabbed a spatula (as her microphone) and broke into a rousing rendition of one of her favorite show tunes…

"Hello, Georgy! Well, hello, Georgy. It’s so nice to have you back where you belong… By her second round of, You’re looking swell, Georgy. I can tell, Georgy," he’d gently snatched her spatula and ceased the vocal tribute.

Still flushed in the face, Ozilline threw every culinary idea in her breakfast book at George. He settled for French toast with fresh strawberries and took his place at the table.

It’s about time you showed up, Landon said with a smirk.

Well, it’s not every day you save an entire kingdom and discover you belonged there all along, George said, without cracking a grin. My subconscious had a lot to sort out before spitting me out here in the wonderful world of Zing.

So, how should we celebrate our first day of spring? Marnie asked.

I had a little chat with Josef and Alfonzo last night, George said. "They claim I need to set up an interview with The Dish right away. Apparently, I was on the cover of the January issue and got dragged through the mud. Did you guys know that?"

Oscar and Ozilline busied themselves, waiting for the question to pass, but Landon spoke right up. "I don’t give a diddly doodad about The Dish, but we should definitely get someone from The Zoracle up here, he said. It’s time everybody knows the missing Puresand piece to the puzzle has arrived and is here to stay."

For the record, I don’t mind if you refer to me as an Earthie, George said. I definitely have issues to sort out over the price my new life cost my parents, but I am proud to be the first Puresand whose soul got its start on Earth and not Zing.

I bet Morice Storm will want the first scoop, Oscar said. I can almost guarantee she’ll be banging down this door for the premiere interview with George.

Let’s hope she doesn’t call first… and shows up some morning, Marnie snickered. Maybe Morice and her ZTV crew will find us all in our pajamas… and special face cream.

You are thoroughly amusing, Ozilline said with a disgusted sigh. If we want to set the record straight, we should hold another press conference.

After our first open house, are you crazy? Landon said, shaking his head.

Now that March is here, I wonder which door will open, Marnie said.

Or what mess might be waiting behind that door, Oscar added.

Landon’s self-phone rang, and a few minutes later, they had a game plan directly from Father Time, who had heard their entire conversation courtesy of the wind.

Mercivor will inform all the appropriate media. Then, it’ll be up to George to respond to any further interview requests, Landon said. The word is bound to spread, so we should enjoy Miss Spring and her big debut, even if she’s running behind.

Sounds good to me, George said. Now that Leap’s day has passed, we have nothing to fear, plus nothing and no one to hide. In fact, I’m not even afraid to say Leap’s name.

Of course, there was still one secret, but keeping the Sandman’s true identity quiet didn’t seem difficult, especially since he shared it with Olana.

It will be wonderful to have Olana with us again, Ozilline said as she wiped