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you think I would be able to get you a copy?” I said, considering his request as I added straws to the dispenser.
    “Well, it was worth a try.” He sighed and turned back toward the Spitfire counter.
    “Wait a sec.” I crossed my arms thoughtfully. “Don’t give up so easily. It’s really for a sick kid?”
    “Yeah,” he said, looking hopeful. “Can you help?”
    “Maybe.” Smiling, I began to formulate my latest brilliant plot. Might just be able to kill two birds with one stone. “I’m not promising anything, but….”
    “No, I totally understand,” Troy nodded his head, his face flushed with appreciation. “That’s great, Miranda. Whatever you can do. I totally appreciate it. Better get back to work,” he said, waving. “And if this works out, I owe you a solid. Again.” I watched as Troy disappeared behind the wall that separated our booths.
    “Miranda,” Ariel’s eyes narrowed as she considered me. “You shouldn’t have promised Troy that. He’ll get the poor little kid’s hopes up.” She crossed her arms and looked at me accusingly.
    “Ariel, I said I’d
try
. I didn’t say I could do it. Besides, I have a plan. And you should be pleased to know it involves your new friend.”
    “What new friend?”
    “The magician, of course.”
    “Magician?” Ariel looked confused.
    “Ariel,
really
….” I rolled my eyes. “CALEB. Jeez. Now, do you want to help me with the plan or just stand around looking confused?”
    “Sure, I’ll help!” she said. “What should I do first? Reconnaissance?”
    “No, let’s start with some counter intelligence, as in mind the counter. You hang out here and keep an eye on things while I go have a little chat with Caleb.”
    “Okay, what should I do if anyone asks where you are?”
    “Ariel, do I have to think of everything?” I tossed her my apron with one hand as I lifted up the counter with the other. “I’ll be back in ten.”
    Exiting the food court, I glanced down the corridor and saw in the distance what looked like a herd of Ewoks on the move. Upon closer inspection, I realized it was a family of nine, bundled up like mini Michelin men in hats, scarves, and puffy coats. It could only have been Colin’s Cheeze Monkey hellions heading toward the exit. I smiled in satisfaction. I still had the magic touch.

CHAPTER FIVE
Now My Charms Are All O’erthrown
    As I rode up the escalator on my way to Got Games, Quinn from Bead Bungalow was on her way down. I was surprised because she typically avoided the bowels of the mall at all costs, though I can’t say I blamed her. Her red hair was pulled into a high ponytail and colorful beads draped from her elegant neck. She waved at me, gold bangles jangling. As usual she looked more like a gorgeous gypsy fortune teller than a mall employee. “Miranda,” she called out as she passed me. “Have you seen Mike? He’s been missing for a few hours and I’m starting to get worried.” I remembered Ariel’s gossip that Quinn and Mike had recently become an item.
    “He wasn’t at Treasure Hunt when I passed it on my way in, but I figured he was on his break or in the back room,” I said, glancing at my watch. “It’s only an hour till closing. Maybe he decided to skip out early on account of the snow. Or maybe one of those psychotic-looking porcelain dolls came to life and strangled him.” Quinn’s brow furrowed at my joke. Oops. My big mouth and my innate sarcasm got me into trouble more times than I could count, and this was just another example. “Just kidding,” I said louder as she reached the bottom of the escalator and I neared the top. “I’m sure it’s nothing. I’ll ask around and see if anyone’s seen him recently.”
    Still feeling like a heel from my run-in with Quinn, I rounded the corner and came upon the Got Games storefront. A hangout for local multiplayer netheads and board game enthusiasts, Got Games was basically a nerd’s paradise. Exhibit A for why this was my first