The Traveling Coin Partners

By Lisa Griffiths

A normal, hot summer stretched before thirteen-year-old Alice Hammond. She’d made a promise not to touch her mom’s secret traveling coin. Gone were the exciting trips to the past in Chinatown. The evil Mr. Wong met his end with a trolley car, but a new threat has appeared. When the opportunity for more travel, and perhaps more danger, arises, will she break her promise or play it safe?
Eighth grade also has its own surprises and adventures for Alice. Will her best friend Penny be able to get her to a school dance? What will happen between Alice and the interfering Ashley? And what of Will Hastings? Can Alice best him at P.E. or a bike race? Could he turn out to be a friend—or foe?
Join Alice on her thrilling adventure as she deals with new dangers and exciting travels in book two of The Traveling Coin series.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lisa Griffiths
• Release date: Sep 20, 2020
• ISBN: 9781005479343

Lisa Griffiths

Lisa M. Griffiths is the author of Creepy Shorts, a collection of spooky bedtime stories, and The Traveling Coin/Margeaux’s Secret. A fascination with the paranormal, macabre, and mythology influences her writings. She lives in California with her family and faithful dog. She is currently working on Book 3 of The Traveling Coin series.

Book preview

Chapter 1

It was the middle of a hot July, and Alice Hammond was enjoying her summer vacation. She was also enjoying being an ordinary thirteen-year-old girl.

The last few months had been anything but ordinary for Alice. She discovered how to travel back in time with a magic coin. She also found out that her mom was a part of a secret organization that used these coins to keep things balanced in the past. It was this last discovery more than anything that was so important; she now saw her mom in a different light and felt that they were closer because of it.

But for all the strange things she had experienced, none had taken her by such surprise like her unexpected preoccupation with a boy named Will Hastings. He had just dropped by Alice’s house the week before.

So, he just showed up at your house and ate lunch? It was Penny, Alice’s best friend. Both girls had been talking for the last half an hour about all things boys and the coming school year where they would be eighth-graders.

Yeah, he came by to give me some information on a bike race. Alice was trying to keep the excitement of Will’s visit out of her voice. She still wasn’t sure just how she felt about him and didn’t want to give Penny any ideas yet. Knowing Penny, Alice thought her friend could come up with her own ideas.

He likes you, that’s it, Penny said, her hands animated and her shiny, brown eyes getting wider. You know he does.

Alice felt her cheeks flushing. I don’t know, maybe. But it doesn’t matter ‘cause I’m going to beat him in the race.

Penny was grinning from ear to ear. I think you like him, too.

No, I don’t. Okay, he is kind of cute, but didn’t I just say I was going to beat him in the bike race?

You can still like him and win the race. It’s a win-win situation, Penny laughed at her own joke.

Ha, ha, very funny. You’ve got boys on the brain. Let’s go swimming already.

They left Alice’s room, swimsuits and sunscreen on, and headed downstairs. Alice was ahead and Penny asked, What’s that on your shoulder?

Instinctively, Alice’s hand went to cover her scar. She had forgotten how visible it was with her hair up in a ponytail. Uh, a branch fell on me a couple of months ago. It’s no big deal.

Wow, that must have hurt. You didn’t say anything about it.

Well, it just wasn’t important, Alice said. How was she supposed to explain that she got the scar from the sharp point of a weapon called a Chinese star while running away from some very bad men during a trip with the coin? She hoped Penny would drop the subject.

Alice’s mom, Margeaux, was in the kitchen chopping celery when the girls walked in. Penny, would you like to stay for dinner? I’m making chicken potstickers with rice.

Sure. I’ll call my mom and double-check that it’s okay. Is Keith going to be here?

Alice shot Penny a look of disgust while Margeaux answered, Yes, I think he’ll be home from work on time.

Okay, okay. Come on, Penny, Alice said, perhaps too loudly. Let’s get outside.

The girls took their towels and, along with Alice’s golden retriever Taffy, headed out to the pool.

Alice turned to Penny. I should push you in the pool for asking about Keith! What’s the matter with you?

I don’t know. I’ve always thought your brother was kind of cute.

Are you crazy?

Penny laughed and jumped into the pool.

Alice shook her head and said, What a nightmare. But, at the mention of a nightmare, she recalled her dream from the night before; she was back in The Dragon House, where she had traveled with the coin. Mr. Chu, her mom’s old mentor from years ago, was about to be stabbed by Mr. Wong, a Chinatown thug. Only this time, Alice jumped in between them and got stabbed. She’d felt a sharp pain so real it woke her up. She wondered if she’d ever stop having those dreams. She knew both Mr. Chu and Mr. Wong were dead; she had been there at both deaths. But it still felt so real.

I don’t have to be at work until ten tomorrow morning. How about we get in a good hour ride? Alice’s dad, Kurt, asked her.

It was getting late and Alice was still up reading a soccer magazine. Yeah, I need the practice. I want to beat—get a better time this race.

That’s what I like to hear. Well, I’m waking up around six, so we can go before it warms up. You better get to sleep. ‘Night, honey, he said and left.

Alice put her magazine down and turned off the light. She lay back on her pillow staring into the dark. She heaved a sigh and closed her eyes. It was no use, she kept seeing Will and his smile that could light up a room. Annoyed with herself, she forced her mind to think of something else.

The coin. This wasn’t exactly what she wanted to think about. Where was it now? Was it still in the velvet pouch inside the chest in the closet of the study downstairs? She felt a strong urge to go and see for herself.

Getting up quietly, she tiptoed down the stairs, her feet all too familiar with the path. Reaching the closet, she carefully slipped inside, closed the door, and flicked on the light switch. She found her heart beating fast and her palms sweaty.

Taking the chest off the shelf, she opened it to see that everything looked the same. The pouch was right where it always was. Picking it up, Alice felt a thrill go through her. She opened it and dropped the coin into the palm of her hand. She let her breath out, not realizing she’d been holding it in. The coin was cool and solid. She suddenly wanted to use it and go someplace.

No way, she thought. Hadn’t she told her mom just a few weeks before that she wasn’t going to touch it?

With a hint of hesitation, Alice put the coin back into the pouch. That wasn’t so hard. She was lying to herself, though. It was a very hard thing to do.

It was five days before the bike race, and Alice was in the kitchen eating breakfast. She was sitting with an ice pack on her knee; during last weekend’s soccer tournament, she’d been kicked by an opponent. There was still a considerable bruise.

Keith walked in. He nodded in greeting.

Hey, Alice replied. Are you coming to the race with Mom?

I think I’m working that day. No offense, but I’d rather work and make some money than hang around a race.

Well, that’s being supportive, Alice said in the most sarcastic tone she knew. It sounded good to her, and she smiled.

You’re too young to get it. I’m driving now, I’ve got a part-time job, I’m going to be a junior this year. My time is important.

Alice stared at him. Oh, well, excuse me.

Besides, there are a lot of girls who are interested in me. I’ve got a lot going on.

Alice was making gagging sounds as her mom came around the corner. Easy there, Keith. Save your enthusiasm for water polo practice. Which, by the way, you’ll be late for if you don’t get going.

Oh, you’re right. Later!

Don’t drive too fast and be careful, Margeaux called after him.

Who’d be interested in him? Besides, that girl who kept leaving him notes from last year, I mean, Alice asked. She couldn’t see how Penny thought her brother was good looking.

Margeaux laughed. Well, you see him as an annoying brother. Other girls will see something else entirely.

Anyway, where are you going to be during the race?

I was thinking somewhere toward the finish so I can get a good picture of you. So, how’s Will doing?

"How should I know?" Alice spat out.

Whoa, Alice. I just meant have you seen him training? I wasn’t implying anything.

Oh, well, no I haven’t seen him riding. Alice’s voice sounded disappointed.

I wanted to let you know that I will be traveling with the coin this Friday evening. I’m meeting some people, and it won’t take long. I don’t want you to worry about me.

Alice felt a little panicked. But where are you going? Who are you meeting? Will Kai be there?

It will be just a few new representatives from China. We’ll be meeting in Chinatown, and yes, Kai might be there.

Can I go with you?

No, Alice. You need to rest up for your race.

But, Mom, I won’t be in the way. I just want to see.

Not this time, Alice.

Alice knew from her mom’s tone that this was the end of the discussion. There was a glimmer of hope; her mom didn’t say never. Maybe next time she might be able to go.

Dinner on Friday was an anxious time for Alice. She was anticipating the race but also worrying about her mom’s travel with the coin. She pushed at the garlic mashed potatoes on her plate.

Alice, honey, her dad said. You need to eat more than that. Those carbs are going to carry you through tomorrow.

I just don’t feel that hungry.

You’ve got it all wrong, Keith chimed in. "It’s not how you feel. You’ve got a job to do, you just make yourself eat. Girls are too concerned about their feelings all the time."

Alice felt her face get hot. She was forming something smart to reply to Keith’s comment, but her mom beat her to it.

Margeaux arched an eyebrow and said, And you have some experience in that field, Keith?

Keith opened and closed his mouth a couple of times but didn’t say anything.

Kurt laughed and shook his head. You’ve got quite a bit of learning left, Keith. Don’t go knocking someone’s feelings so easily. Most of us wouldn’t be here if girls weren’t concerned with their feelings.

Alice smiled while Margeaux said, Bravo, honey.

Before they could explore anyone’s feelings further, the doorbell rang.

I’ll get it, Alice said, jumping up. This was the distraction she needed to get away from her plate. Taffy followed barking. Alice peeked through the glass in the door while telling Taffy, who had beat her there, to hush.

It was Will.

For one moment, Alice entertained the thought of not answering the door and running upstairs to her room. There was no way that would work. Slowly, she pulled open the door.

Hi, Will.

Hey— was all Will could say because Taffy jumped at him in greeting. Well, hey to you, too, Taffy.

Alice was embarrassed. I’m sorry. No, Taffy! Inside.

The dog gave Will a lick and walked into the house.

So…

I just...

They both spoke at once. Alice gestured and said, Go ahead.

I just wanted to wish you good luck tomorrow.

Oh, thanks. You too.

Are you riding the first or second leg?

Alice didn’t answer right away. Her competitive nature did not want to reveal any information that a competitor could use, and she really wanted to beat him in this race.

I’m not sure. My dad usually rides first, but we haven’t decided yet. How about you?

I always like to ride second. He smiled his incredible smile.

Alice was having a difficult time trying to think of Will as the enemy.

Well, Alice, I guess I’ll see you tomorrow. Maybe we’ll meet up in the race. He took a couple of steps backward, his eyes fixed on hers, then he turned and walked away.

Bye, was all Alice could manage. She watched him put on a helmet that was by her mailbox. He got on a skateboard and went down the street.

Who’s at the door? Kurt’s voice made her jump.

Um, that was Will Hastings. He came by to wish me luck in the race.

Well, that was very gentlemanly of him.

Dad! He wasn’t being nice. He was just trying to find out what our plan is for tomorrow. He asked if I was riding first or second. See? He’s planning something.

Alice, I think you’re watching too much television or reading too many books. Sometimes, a good wish is just that.

Well, maybe, she said and closed the door.

When Alice’s dad came in to wake her up at five the next morning, she opened one eye at him and groaned.

Come on, sleeping beauty. Let’s get some breakfast, he said as he left the room.

Alice rolled over and rubbed her eyes. It was past midnight before she had fallen asleep. She knew it was useless to keep worrying every time her mom used the coin, but she couldn’t help it. She would have to get used to the idea and trust that Margeaux was very capable of taking care of herself.

Down in the kitchen, Alice was somewhat surprised to see her mom making breakfast.

Good morning, Alice. You look like you could use more sleep, Margeaux said.

Hey, Mom. Yeah, I didn’t sleep all that well. I guess I’m a little nervous about the race.

Nervous? Kurt interrupted.

Well, excited, too, said Alice defensively.

Kurt, Margeaux said slowly and deliberately, maybe you should let her eat her breakfast and wake up a little.

Alice ate the scrambled eggs her mom made and some yogurt. She snuck some egg crumbs under the table for Taffy.

The drive to the race was mostly quiet, interrupted only by Alice’s dad cracking a few jokes. Gradually, Alice felt relaxed, laughing with her dad like usual.

They parked and unpacked their bikes, heading over to the check-in tent. Alice noticed that there were quite a few serious-looking riders. She was under the impression that this was more of an amateur race. It was a small event, not big enough to attract professionals. She wasn’t too concerned about them; she knew this was just fun and exercise for her dad and herself. Plus, she was distracted by other thoughts.

Looking for someone? Kurt asked.

Alice’s face reddened. It must have been obvious she was searching the crowd. Um, no, just looking at the competition.

The race began on time at eight. Kurt took the first leg, leaving Alice to observe her surroundings. They were at the corner of Fair Oaks Avenue and Colorado Boulevard, right in front of a furniture store. The onlookers were a colorful, lively group: some in crazy costumes, lots of young kids cheering and holding banners painted with phrases like GO MOM, and a few old-timers. She also noticed a Cheesecake Factory across the street; her stomach growled as if on cue.

What she didn’t see was her competition and schoolmate. Was Will even here? Part of her really wanted to see him, while the other part wanted nothing to do with him.

Luckily for Alice, she didn’t have time to wonder about Will. The group of racers who included her dad was about to finish their half, and the second leg riders needed to get into position. Alice felt a little squished among the other competitors. Some were chatting with each other, talking about what they were going to eat after the race. Some had looks of stern determination on their faces.

The starter blew his whistle. Alice slipped her foot in the pedal sandal and jockeyed for position. There were about twenty riders in this group. A few took off right away; Alice was with the rest, trying to get a rhythm going.

Finally, she found her momentum and gained speed. As the cool air hit her face, she paced herself. Her dad had taught her well: don’t come flying out of the gates, just keep it steady. Alice wasn’t expecting to win the race, just looking to challenge herself.

The crowd and buildings were flying by. Alice caught snippets of sounds: music, laughter, cheering. She was feeling great. Up ahead was the first turn, a right going south on Lake Avenue. This was followed by another right a block down on Green Street. She noticed that the course was going the wrong way, as they were now on a one-way street. There was an old building with the name Jacob Maarse on it. Alice remembered her mom mentioning that she worked there many years ago delivering flowers. There was a culinary school on her right. That would be an interesting job, she thought.

She was still thinking about what they cooked there as she made the turn north on Fair Oaks. Her eyes widened as she saw a small pile-up of riders dead ahead. With quick reflexes, and a look behind her, she swerved to the left and dodged the mess.

Now came the fourth right turn back onto Colorado Boulevard where she had started. She had about three more laps left to ride. Two of them passed by with ease. With one lap to go, Alice could smell food from the many restaurants and bakeries in the area; bacon was the strongest aroma, but there was the unmistakable scent of bakery items, sweet and yeasty. Her stomach growled again. Take it easy there, she said.

You talking to me? came a voice beside Alice with a heavy New York accent.

She wobbled on her bike slightly and turned to see Will. What are you doing here? she blurted.

Um, I’m racing too. Remember?

Alice felt stupid. Of course, she knew why he was here. She had actually forgotten about him.

He pulled up level with her. It took me awhile to catch up with you. You’ve got a good pace.

Alice sped up a little, trying to ignore him. He caught up to her, still talking. She briefly looked over at him; he was smiling at her. She felt the urge to punch him.

They had taken the corners in tandem and were approaching the final straightaway. This was her chance. Will started to ask her something, but Alice streamlined her body and pedaled as if her life depended on it. She could just make out Will’s cry of, Hey, Alice!. She didn’t care. All that mattered was getting there first.

The finish line was only another hundred feet. The noise level of the crowd was deafening. Alice was almost there. Then…

See ya! came from a blur that was Will Hastings passing by on his way to the finish—ahead of Alice.

The look on her face was one of shock and fury. Hot patches appeared on her cheeks. The urge to punch Will was much stronger. Maybe I could run him over.

Then her parents were there, hooting and clapping. Great going, kiddo! said her dad. He gave her a big hug.

Margeaux was watching Alice closely. Are you feeling okay? Your face is so red.

Alice took a deep breath. I’m okay, Mom. I just pushed it there at the end. I’m hungry.

Sounds good to me, said Kurt. "How about some huevos rancheros down the street at Villa Sorriso?"

As they walked the bikes west two blocks to the restaurant, Alice was still silently fuming about Will. It was crowded, but they managed to find a small table on the patio. She said, I’m going to use the bathroom—wash my hands. Could you order me an omelet with lots of cheese and avocado?

Alice walked inside and turned into a hall. Will was just coming out of the men’s restroom. The look on his face wasn’t pleasant. Thanks for leaving me in the dust, he said.

What? What was I supposed to do, hold your hand across the finish line? We weren’t on the same team in case you didn’t know.

Yeah, I know, he said slowly. I just thought...I thought...I don’t know what I was thinking. See you at school, Alice.

Alice stood there with her mouth open while Will walked away.

Chapter 2

The last couple of weeks of summer vacation passed quickly. Alice spent her time playing soccer, swimming, and hanging out with Penny. She was thankful that her friend had finally dropped the subject of Will. The thought of him edging ahead of her in the bike race still stung.

The Friday before school was to start, Alice was in her room organizing her new clothes and school supplies. She was singing along with her radio when her mom knocked. Anyone home? Margeaux asked.

Come in, Alice answered.

Margeaux looked around the room. Getting ready for Monday?

Yeah. I want to be able to find everything quick in the morning.

That’s great, exactly how it should be. Of course, I say that because that’s how I am. Your dad on the other hand... Margeaux said and shrugged her shoulders.

But you married him.

Well, yes. I fell in love with him despite his unorganized habits. He was too funny to pass up. Humor is very important to me.

Was Kai funny? As soon as the question left Alice’s lips, she regretted asking it. She guessed her mom wouldn’t want to talk about her former boyfriend. The look on Margeaux’s face conveyed that but then her features softened.

Yes, I suppose he was funny sometimes. Not in the same league as your dad, though. I was too young... her voice trailed off. Anyway, enough about humor right now. I am planning a short trip with the coin tomorrow night after 8:00. I’d like to take you with me if you want to go.

Alice’s stomach did a little flip. Yeah, I want to go. Dad said it was okay, too?

He wasn’t completely sold on the idea, but I explained that it could be quite educational. No dangerous activities.

When do we leave? Where are we going?

We’ll leave tomorrow night between 8:30 and 9:00 and head for San Francisco.

Chinatown?

No, not Chinatown. Close to Golden Gate Park though.

Alice was excited. She was so curious about what her mom was going to do and how it would feel to travel with her.

Saturday night couldn’t come fast enough. Alice woke early in the morning and went for a run with her dad and Taffy. Then she spent most of the day with Penny and Penny’s mom at the mall. The search for a first-day-of-school outfit took up a lot of time. Penny offered Alice dinner at her house, but she declined. She wanted to be home as soon as she could. Alice didn’t feel good about lying but told Penny that her grandma might be coming for dinner.

Once she was back at home, Alice was full of nervous energy. She decided to take Taffy for a walk before dinner. This turned out to be a good distraction; Alice had to be on her toes with Taffy because the dog was ever alert for squirrels and lizards. This meant a possible shoulder dislocation.

Dog distractions aside, Alice did wonder why her mom had asked her to travel with her. Did Margeaux want to ease Alice’s fears by showing her that there wasn’t any danger? Or, could Margeaux be following Kai’s advice regarding Alice making a good agent?

She had to stop and think about that for a minute. Could she really do it? She remembered how tough her mom was and wondered if she had what it took. Maybe with the right training...

All thoughts were interrupted as Taffy pulled on the leash, and Alice came close to tripping and falling on the sidewalk. Hey, Taffy, take it easy!

The pooch was doing no such thing. There was a gray squirrel, huge bushy tail bristling, at the corner. Luckily for Alice, the squirrel spotted them and ran up a tree. Taffy immediately stopped her pulling.

Come on, let’s get home.

Dinner was entertaining for Alice. Her dad was holding everyone’s attention with stories from his work as a physical therapist. Alice thought it was funny to watch Keith squirm when Kurt got too detailed when explaining some patient’s injuries.

Dad, I’m trying to eat here, Keith said as if the injured person was on the table in front of him.

Keep talking, Dad. I don’t have a problem with it, Alice said, turning to Keith with a smile.

He just glared at her.

Kurt started to continue the story, but Margeaux intervened. Kurt, I think maybe this isn’t the best dinner conversation. Perhaps you could tell Alice the rest while you two do the dishes.

Keith gave Alice a smug look.

Oh, Keith, Margeaux said, I need your help with some file boxes in my car. We are going to put those big muscles of yours to work.

After helping with the kitchen clean-up, Alice went to her room and waited for her mom. It was right after 8:30 when Margeaux came. Ready, honey? she said as she entered.

Yeah. Where in San Francisco are we going?

We’re going to meet some of the people I work with at a member’s house. It’s a few blocks from Golden Gate Park.

How far back in time are we going?

Only a week. This is what we do now, those of us not on assignment. We have meetings every few months. I don’t travel far back in time anymore.

Margeaux took the coin from her pocket and reached out to Alice.

Taking her mother’s hand, Alice heard her whisper, Japanese Tea Garden, Golden Gate Park along with a date and time from last week. As before when traveling with the coin, everything went dark.

By reflex, Alice shut her eyes tightly; once she felt solid ground under her feet, she opened them and looked around. It was early evening with plenty of daylight left to take in the views. Huge evergreen trees surrounded them, the smell of pine pungent and invigorating. Alice looked at her mom and smiled. Margeaux smiled back, then put her finger to her lips, cautioning for silence.

Heading south on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, they were careful to walk on the grass just to the side of a bike path. There were a few people out riding bikes or walking dogs. Alice wondered if the dogs would be able to tell that she and her mom were there although no one could see them. She thought that they probably would and made a mental note not to use perfumed lotion so no one could smell it.

They came to the edge of the park at Lincoln Boulevard. From there they turned right. Alice was having a tough time keeping quiet; she really wanted to ask her mom lots of questions. She looked around to see if any other people were nearby. The street was somewhat empty except for cars and a couple of people jogging. She leaned in close to her mom and asked, Are you ever scared walking by yourself, even if you are invisible?

Margeaux looked around before answering. No. I’ve done this a long time. That doesn’t mean I can get too comfortable and not pay attention to what’s going on around me. It’s important to always be aware of your surroundings.

Why didn’t we just appear right in front of the house? How come we had to walk all this way? Alice whispered.

Some old habits never die. This is how I was taught; I almost always approach from a distance in case something or someone is compromised.

They turned left down 21st Street and continued four blocks to Lawton. From there, it was a right for two more blocks. They stopped in front of a row of buildings that looked like they were built in the 1940s. It wasn’t the cleanest neighborhood with trash littered here and there and graffiti in a few spots. They entered a place through a short iron gate; it was a small but neat yard with several potted plants in beautiful containers along the steps leading to the front door. Alice could smell incense wafting through the open windows. The scent instantly brought back the memory of The Dragon House and Mr. Chu.

Margeaux knocked softly on the door. Seconds later an elderly, short Asian woman answered. She had gray hair that was pulled back in a loose bun and the most wrinkles Alice had ever seen concentrated around her eyes. She also had the biggest smile. Margeaux and the woman bowed to each other. They spoke in Mandarin before Margeaux turned toward Alice and said, Alice, I’d like you to meet Mrs. Chen.

Alice bowed slightly and put her hand out for a shake. Mrs. Chen smiled even wider and took Alice’s hand in hers, squeezing tight. She was pointing from Alice to Margeaux, speaking very fast again in Chinese.

Margeaux laughed and nodded. Mrs. Chen says you look just like me as a girl.

They went inside, turning toward a dining room filled with a long table and twelve chairs. Most of the seats were already occupied. Alice was introduced to the other guests whose names she knew she’d forget in an hour. Her mom explained that most of the people at the meeting did not speak English.

Alice and her mom were seated as the last two guests arrived. She couldn’t see these two; they had traveled with coins and were quite invisible to her. She did her best not to gawk as the two empty chairs seemed to move by themselves. Obviously, by the greetings they received, everyone else could see them.

Mrs. Chen was steadily filling the table with food from the kitchen. Alice sat at an end, alongside her mom. The man sitting on the other side of her, at the head of the table, clapped his hands for silence. He bowed his head, as did everyone else, and began to speak.

Alice had no idea what he was saying but gathered it must have been some kind of prayer. When it was done, he looked up and smiled. He spoke once more to the room and everyone began dishing food onto their plates. He turned to Alice and said, in halting English, Please, let us enjoy our meal.

Alice looked at all the food and wished she hadn’t eaten dinner at home; she didn’t want to appear rude by not eating any of the offered food. She put a few things on her plate and nibbled. Her mom didn’t seem to have any problems with having a second dinner; Margeaux steadily ate with abandon.

As the guests ate, they spoke, voices rising here and there. Sometimes it sounded to Alice as though they were arguing, but none were ever interrupted while talking. She ate slowly, looking around the room trying her best not to look astonished at the see-through guests. There were a few