EPILOGUE*

*A fancy word for the REAL end

Okay, I made up that last part. There was no walking off into the sunset. I really had to go back to class after Principal Webb said more stuff about being a leader and making choices that have a positive impact. Ms. Gelson told me she was disappointed that I almost ruined the field trip, and I had to apologize to the class. It was embarrassing, but I got it over with quickly.

And you know what? People still want Secret Keepers! Charlie did the math, and after I pay to replace the two library books, I’ll have about $13.50 left in my piggy bank to buy books from the thrift shop so no one can get mad at me for repurposing. Then I will use the profit to buy more used books and then sell those, and, well, you get the picture.

And those books I signed out of the library? They were not replaced with the same books. Ms. Eleanor set up a committee to choose new books for the library, and I’m on it. We meet in the library twice a month during free time to vote on titles Ms. Eleanor finds for us. If it sounds worse than detention, then I’m not explaining it right, because it’s actually really fun. Charlie, Amina and Mister are on the committee with me. Imagine our surprise when on the first day, Ruby showed up to volunteer, too. Maybe someday she’ll tell me why she decided to be friends with the Emmas in the first place. Or maybe not. Either way, I have a lot to look forward to. Especially since I’m closer to my next big business idea than I’ve ever been.

I can just feel it.