Cheating Death: Book Three

By T.L. Tabor

As Lord Kentwood the Third Jarod Dailey has learned there is much more to Greenhaven Estates than it first appeared. Finding the Master book and breaking the code for all the other books in the library, Jarod and Tommy think they have it all figured out; decode the rest of the books and learn how to use the other powerful items the family inherited. But nothing is ever as easy as it seems.
Even though their butler Brindly offers his help with decoding the books, Jarod and Tommy begin to doubt who they can trust at all any longer. Friends, family and foes all start to look suspicious as the appraisers come with their offers and buyers, and kidnappers come for their ransom. With nowhere else to turn, Jarod and Tommy must rely on each other and their own skills to protect Grandpa’s items.
And maybe even their lives...

• Language: English
• Publisher: T.L. Tabor
• Release date: Oct 26, 2015
• ISBN: 9781311930682

T.L. Tabor

I have been writing fiction stories since I was very little, because I always wanted a new and exciting world to escape into for a while. As an adult, I decided to write a kids book about things I wished could be true, or how the world could change if our wishes could come true. Magic and the impossible was something I never wanted to give up believing in and I hope kids who read my books never stop believing either.I had so much fun writing Death, Diamonds and Dirty Socks, and laughed through it every time I read it, I just had to continue the series. So for you fans out there wanting more of Jarod and Tommy's adventures, stay tuned; Book Four: Solomon's Ring is available February 2016, Book Five: The Protected, March 2016, and Book Six: Vessel Of Safety, April 2016.

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Copyright 2014 T.L. Tabor

Published by T.L.Tabor

This book is available in print at most online retailers.

ebook Edition License Notes

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. Thank you.

Table of Contents

Prologue

Chapter 1 - Mysteries Remain Mysteries

Chapter 2 - An Enemy For Life

Chapter 3 - Wheezing Weasel

Chapter 4 - No One To Trust

Chapter 5 - Rightful Owner

Chapter 6 - Timing Is Everything

Chapter 7 - And Justice For All

Chapter 8 - Some Things Never Change

Book Four: Solomon’s Ring, Coming Soon

About The Author

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PROLOGUE

After only a few days as the new Lord of Kentwood, Jarod and his best friend Tommy have managed to find and figure out not only the master code book left to him in the Greenhaven Estates library, but also the powers of several of the inherited items that belong to the family; Lindy’s golden carousel that makes you feel carefree and childlike when the music is played, Meg’s fur coat that freezes time when worn with the Kentwood gold ring, and the leather stock portfolio that somehow supplies the money for the entire estate to run.

By discovering the master code book, Jarod learned it was now his inherited mission to find and protect all the magical items in those books, not just those that Grandpa had left them.

The estate butler and lawyer, Brindle and Porter, have begun to show their true colors when Jarod’s cousin Fredrick was kidnapped. They too have been searching for the book that the kidnappers want. And now that they know which one it is, will they give it up for Fredrick’s freedom?

The answers have to lie in the master code book, but Jarod doesn’t know who to trust. In his last visit to talk to his dead grandpa with his magical socks, he was told to use the items they already had. It’s now up to him and Tommy to figure out a way to get Fredrick back and still keep all the magical items safe. But how?

Chapter 1 - Mysteries Remain Mysteries

A loud snore woke Jarod from the deepest sleep of his life. He had never heard Tommy come in last night, but there he was on the other side of the huge bed, snoring like a hibernating bear. Jarod gave him a light shove with his hand as he sat up and stretched in front of the sunny window. Tommy rolled over and groaned and pulled the covers up over his head.

What time did you crawl in? Jarod asked the mummy under the blanket.

Don’t know, came a muffled answer. Whenever Meg went to sleep.

Jarod laughed. What did you do all night, watch Meg or the movies?

Meg, came another groaned answer. What about you?

Jarod thought hard for a minute. It seemed like all memories of last night were gone, then suddenly it hit him like a file being recovered on a computer. I figured out the code to the books! He jumped up grabbing his clothes as fast as he could.

What? Tommy asked, finally coming out of his cocoon for air.

Last night in the library, I figured out what the ring does and how to find the secret messages in the books. Jarod was heading to the door with one sneaker on and one in his hand.

Wait a minute! Tommy said grabbing his arm, pulling him away from the door then blocking it with his body. You figured out a code to read the secret message in the book?

I didn’t figure it out, Brindly did. He knew right off what it was. Some sort of secret encoding they used…well a long time ago. Jarod tried to get past Tommy, but it was hopeless. Tommy had two brothers and was use to wrestling. Jarod had two sisters, one you couldn’t get near or you’d have your eyes scratched out, and another who you couldn’t get near or Mom would take away everything you valued in life. Anyway, he wasn’t getting by without Tommy’s permission.

Brindly? Tommy asked. Why’d you tell him?

He walked in when I was working on it. I wasn’t getting anywhere by myself. Jarod began to doubt his judgment as well. They didn’t know anything about Brindly, really, except he was not what he seemed and he had Uncle Max’s clock, or at least he thought he did.

What about me? Tommy yelled as he pulled his t-shirt on, then ran a hand through his brown tussled hair. He was ready to go. Why didn’t you come get me?

"You were too busy to come to the library, Jarod said, feeling a little angry with Tommy for choosing his sister over him. Did you drop candy into her mouth at her command?"

No! Tommy said with a glare. We each had our own box. He folded his arms. Well, I ate yours.

Well, you knew where I was and what I was doing.

"I didn’t know you had partnered up with Brindly!" Tommy snapped, looking a little hurt.

Brindly! Tommy was right. What had he been thinking last night to let Brindly in on all this? And why had he gone to sleep without even decoding one book? Something didn’t feel right and he had a sneaking suspicion that Brindly was why.

I wonder where Brindly is now? Jarod saw an opening and raced past Tommy and out the door. Tommy was right on his heels as he headed to the library below.

Why didn’t you take it to bed with you? Tommy asked frantically. Tie it to your head or something?

I should have, Jarod answered, growing angrier as he went. I would have, had he not tricked me. He was certain that something had happened last night that was not normal. He wouldn’t have left the book.

He reached the library and barged through the closed doors. And to no great surprise, there he was, books everywhere. Brindly, Jarod said under his breath with disgust.

Good morning, Brindly said as Tommy skidded to a halt and nearly knocked Jarod over.

Good morning, boys, came another greeting from the corner. Jarod hadn’t noticed that Porter was in the room as well. From the looks of the disheveled room and both their appearances, they had probably been at the books all night.

What did you do to me? Jarod demanded, not even trying to disguise his fury.

Brindly slowly put the book he was studying down, his smile faded. "You were in need of sleep and I suggested you take the opportunity of the others being occupied." He looked puzzled, no doubt wondering how Jarod had figured out his trick.

Jarod held his stare for a moment and suddenly the anger began to drain from him. Just…don’t…do it again. Jarod had meant it to come out a little harsher, but he really didn’t feel angry anymore. Maybe Brindly was right, he had needed the sleep. He looked into Brindly’s gray eyes and smiling face. There was nothing to really fear there. He hadn’t taken the books or anything, and he could have. Everything felt fine again, just fine.

Brindly’s smile brightened into excitement. Wait until you see what we’ve found. He pointed to two chairs for Tommy and Jarod to pull in for a closer look. Porter carried over several pieces of paper. This is the first message we completed. He held up a sheet of paper from a yellow legal pad. We’ve been waiting for you to read it. Brindly handed it to Jarod.

Jarod looked at the neat, precise printing and knew it had been written by Brindly. Come on, dude. It’s your inheritance. Tommy smiled and nodded for him to read it.

Jarod looked at the one page and read the words written in all capital letters across the top. STAR OF LIGHT. He looked to Brindly for clarification of what he was reading.

I believe the first words are the name of the object, so I’ve put them separate. The next part seems to describe its last known location, then it goes on to tell what it does and how it works. It’s all quite amazing. Brindly was practically shaking with glee at the find.

Just read it, Tommy complained impatiently. Porter leaned back and reached for a silver tray next to him and brought over some croissants. Tommy grabbed one hungrily. Jarod eyed them but passed. He looked back to the paper as the other three ate quietly.

Jarod began to read out loud.

"Moorea, South Pacific. Light travels farther and faster than any known substance. Travel with the light is possible if used properly and with good intentions. The power must be harnessed from within to conjoin with the essence of who you are in the universe. Other dimensions of evolution are accessible to he who knows himself. In the power structure there is a core through which the light of the universe can flow. The star must generate enough speed to transfigure into a sphere. Once the power source is engaged, the paths of your destiny are unlimited. Move with caution in your heart, for only those anchored to the earth by their heartstrings will be able to return to their place of origin after travel."

Jarod looked up and found Tommy staring at him waiting for more and Brindly smiling broadly. That’s it, Jarod said to Tommy. What does it mean? he asked Brindly.

Brindly shrugged. I don’t know exactly. That’s the beauty of all these messages. They are secret and have been hidden from man’s eyes for hundreds of years. When that item is found this would be the clue to using it.

Jarod looked it over again. It wasn’t much of a clue. It made things more confusing to him. So where is this star of light?

Brindly took the paper from him and pointed to the top. Moorea, in the South Pacific, he said matter-of-factly. At least that was probably its last known hiding place. It could have been found by someone else over the years, but it is the starting place if you’re looking for it.

So how do we get it? Jarod asked, less hopeful than the other pirates around him.

Porter spoke up as he finished chewing his pastry. We don’t find them, he said as he wiped his mouth with a napkin. We wait for them to appear, then figure out how they work. Then into the vault they go where they can be kept safe. He made a slapping motion with his hands slamming them shut like the doors of the vault.

Brindly looked up from the paper. There are over seventeen hundred books in this library and I’m guessing each one has a message as these ten have had. He motioned to the line of books on the floor by his chair, each with a sheet of paper sitting on top. So far, we haven’t found the books for any of your grandfather’s items, but I’m sure they’re here somewhere." He looked up at all the books and smiled as Jarod’s heart sank.

This was more enormous than he had ever imagined. Not only did they not have answers about their own things, they didn’t even know where the other things were or how to use them really even if they did find them. What good is any of this? he asked with great doubt.

Porter and Brindly both looked