Read Online Missing on Superstition Mountain by Elise Broach - Free Book Online Page B

distance down the street.
    She had both library books balanced in the wicker basket of her bike. It looked like the same goofy bike she’d ridden in that parade, Henry thought. But at least it didn’t have all the ribbons tied to it.
    â€œWell,” Henry began, “Uncle Hank was eccentric. He was a scout for the U.S. Cavalry and a cowboy and got into fistfights—”
    â€œAnd he even killed a rattlesnake with a screwdriver once!” Jack interrupted.
    Henry paused. “I’m named after him,” he finished modestly.
    â€œYou are?” Delilah seemed impressed.
    â€œYeah,” Henry said, pleased.
    â€œBut your name is Henry.”
    â€œHenry was his real name. Hank is the nickname for Henry,” Henry told her, but it didn’t seem very plausible even to him.
    â€œThat doesn’t sound right,” Delilah said.
    Henry sighed and rode up alongside Simon. “It was weird that librarian knew who we were as soon as she heard our last name, didn’t you think?” he asked.
    Simon considered. “Yeah. But it’s a small town. It seems like everybody knows everybody else. And Dad always said Uncle Hank was a character, so people would remember him.”
    â€œI wish we could have checked out that little book,” Henry said.
    â€œMe too!” Jack yelled, speeding past them. “That had all the good stuff in it.”
    Simon turned his wheel abruptly toward the curb and stopped, while they all squealed to a halt around him. “Wait a second—it was something that the historical society did, right? Maybe we can get a copy straight from them.”
    â€œThat’s a great idea!” Henry exclaimed.
    â€œWe just need an address. Let’s ride over to Dad’s and see if he has a phone book.”
    â€œI’ll go first,” Jack said, zooming off.
    â€œHold on!” Simon pedaled furiously after him. “Mom doesn’t want you crossing the streets without me.”
    Henry started to follow, but then realized Delilah was still at the curb, awkwardly rotating her bike in the opposite direction.
    â€œWhat are you doing?” he asked.
    â€œGoing home,” she said. Her cheeks were pink, which made the freckles stand out even more. Henry thought she seemed upset.
    â€œWhy?”
    â€œWell, you’re going to your dad’s,” Delilah said.
    â€œAren’t you coming?”
    She looked at him. “Can I?”
    Henry blinked. Girls were so weird. “Don’t you want to?”
    â€œYes,” she said.
    Henry rode off, calling to her, “Then come on!”
    *   *   *
    When they reached their father’s masonry shop, he was standing outside talking to a customer. He smiled when he saw them. “What’s up, guys?”
    â€œDo you have a phone book?” Simon asked. “We need an address.”
    â€œSure, in the office,” Mr. Barker replied. “Who’s your friend?”
    â€œShe’s just following us around,” Jack said promptly.
    Henry glanced at Delilah, who shifted on her bike. “This is Delilah,” he said to his father. “She lives by us.”
    â€œOh!” Mr. Barker said, his grin broadening. “The girl who found our long-lost cat! It’s a pleasure to meet you. We certainly appreciate your help getting Josie back.”
    The boys groaned, but their father stretched out his hand. Delilah shook it, glancing at the boys smugly. “That’s okay,” she said politely. “I’m glad I found her.”
    Henry rolled his eyes at Simon, then led the way into the reception area. A yellow phone book sat on the desk. He thumbed through the pages, looking for a Superstition Historical Society listing.
    â€œThere’s nothing here,” he said finally. “Do you think it could be called something else?”
    Simon thought. “Maybe just ‘historical society’?”
    Henry flipped backward to the