Secret of the Sirens by Julia Golding

Author:Julia Golding [Golding, Julia]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
ISBN: 9780761453710
Publisher: Two Lions
Published: 2006-01-01T08:00:00+00:00

It was worse than Col had feared. Not only did his grandmother chatter on endlessly about Connie all that day, but everyone else seemed to have become obsessed with the subject. Even Dr. Brock, whom Col admired intensely, had caught the hysteria surrounding the universal and had gone to the unusual length of summoning a special meeting of the Chartmouth Chapter at the Clamworthys’ that evening. Col sat moodily in a corner cleaning the mud off his soccer cleats to get ready for school the next day. He gave everyone the minimal greeting he could get away with, without being too obviously rude. His grandmother by contrast was alight with enthusiasm, showering her guests with champagne as she popped open a bottle she had kept for a special occasion. His dad ruffled his hair in greeting before moving swiftly on to take over for his grandmother as wine-waiter. Col scowled and smoothed his hair back.

When Evelyn and Signor Antonelli entered—Evelyn looking uncharacteristically happy, the Italian kissing all the ladies’ hands gaily—Dr. Brock immediately leapt up and asked: “Where’s Connie? Is someone with her? She mustn’t be left alone.”

“Don’t worry, Francis,” said Evelyn, accepting a glass of champagne from Mack with a radiant smile, “I’ve left her with a friend from school—the Benedict girl. You know the family: they live on the new estate.”

Dr. Brock nodded. “Oh yes, the Axoil scientist. She’ll be safe there.”

Col dug angrily at the dried mud stuck between two studs, prying off a piece that looked like a slice of gray Swiss cheese. So, they were going to have minute-by-minute bulletins on the universal’s movements now, text messages as to what she had for breakfast!

“Now, I’ve called this meeting not only so that I can share the great news about Connie. In fact, I see from your faces that that would be quite redundant as you all seem to know already. Someone is going to have a very large phone bill at the end of the month.” Dr. Brock cast an amused look in Mrs. Clamworthy’s direction.

“Well, Francis, it’s not every day I get the chance to spread such a lovely bit of news,” she replied defensively.

“Indeed not. But that’s left me with the task of having to share only the bad news with you. That’s why Connie’s not here to join in the celebration. I needed to speak to you all without her being present, and I would be grateful if you keep what I say from her for reasons you will soon understand.” Col’s ears pricked up. “The shape-shifting creature, Kullervo, has heard about Connie’s gift. In fact, he knew about her even before we did—and the sirens say he is coming for her.”

Kullervo! Col was still reeling from hearing the name of the mythical creature, who, it was rumored, could assume any shape he wished. Ever since Col could remember he had heard his family mention that creature with awed fear. He knew that during the last World War, Kullervo had taken advantage

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