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reaching for the hearse’s door. “Just great.”
    Kai got in on the passenger side and Bean started to drive back toward Sun Haven. Kai’s friend had a sour look on his face. “That’s the end, dude,” he said. “I mean it. I hate dealing with creeps like that. Don’t ever ask me to do something like that again, understand?”
    â€œI thought we made a good team,” Kaisaid as he opened the glove compartment and started hunting through the paperbacks.
    â€œTeam? What are you talking about? You’re insane. Reality check. We are
not a team,
get it? No way am I ever dealing with a creep like Goldilocks again. Ever!”
    â€œGot a piece of paper?” Kai asked.
    â€œAny piece of paper?” Bean asked. “Or a certificate of insanity? Because you are certifiable, know that? And so am I for going along with you.”
    â€œHey, two peas in a pod.” Kai tore a blank sheet from the back of one of the paperback books. “Got a pen?”
    â€œWriting a will?” Bean asked.
    â€œChill, Bean, we found out what we needed to know, and we got away unhurt,” Kai said. “I’d say the mission was a success. Now, seriously, a pen?”
    Bean reached up to the sun visor. On the other side was a plastic pocket with some pens and pencils. He handed one to Kai. “Mission? Dude, this isn’t a video game. That Goldilocks is one serious badass and he’s not—”
    Kai pressed a finger to his lips. “Quiet. I have to remember.”
    â€œRemember what?”
    â€œWhere we were and how we got there.” Kai started to write.
    â€œWhat are you talking about?” Bean said. “We were blindfolded.”
    â€œI know.” Kai started to write down each turn they’d made and how long he’d counted between them.
    â€œWhat are you doing?” Bean asked suspiciously.
    â€œWriting down the directions.”
    â€œDirections?”
    â€œYeah,” Kai said. “For when we go back.”

Four
    B ean was silent for the rest of the ride to Sun Haven. By the time they got there, the sun was well below the horizon and it was getting dark.
    â€œThis is the last time I’m gonna say this,” Bean said as they cruised into town. “You’re a great guy and a good friend, but I’ve had it with the cops and robbers stuff. It’s over, done, finished. Next time, find someone else to risk his life, because I’ve retired.”
    He pulled the hearse to the curb and stopped. “Here you go.”
    Kai looked out the window. They were in front of T-licious. For a second Kai didn’t recognize the place.
    â€œYou didn’t tell me your old man was getting into the surf clothes business,” Bean said.
    Kai stared at the storefront. He hadn’t told Bean because he didn’t know himself. The store not only had a new look, but a new name. It was no longer T-licious Custom T-shirts. It was now T-licious Discount Surf Wear and Custom T-shirts. Displayed in the window were long-sleeved T-shirts and rash guards from some of the top surf apparel companies like Roxy, Hurley, Quiksilver, and Billabong. In addition, stuck here and there to the glass were bright red stickers proclaiming SALE ! OVERRUNS ! OFF-PRICE ! MANUFACTURER’S SECONDS ! DEEP DISCOUNTS !
    Looking through the window and into the shop, Kai saw plenty of customers picking through the racks and displays. Most were kids.
    He reached for the hearse’s door handle, then looked back at Bean. “I really appreciate your help.”
    â€œOh, yeah?” Bean said. “Well, please show your appreciation by never asking me to do anything like that again.”
    Kai smiled. “Did anyone ever tell you that you’re cute when you’re angry?”
    â€œGet out,” Bean growled.
    â€œCatch you later?” Kai asked.
    â€œSorry, I’ve got plans,” Bean said. “Non-life-threatening ones, for a