The Mask of Destiny Read Online Free PDF

you even a little bit curious, Gerald? About the last casket? About why those golden rods had such an effect on you?’
    Gerald stretched his arms wide and yawned. ‘Not even slightly,’ he said. ‘All of that ended the moment Mason Green dropped dead.’
    â€˜If it was me, I’d give anything to find out,’ Sam said. ‘Just think: there are two ancient artefacts out there that have some mystical power over you Gerald, and maybe a third one just waiting to be discovered. It was funny enough seeing what one of them did to you. I’d pay money to see what all three would do.’
    Gerald shook his head. ‘Look, it was a fun adventure and I’ve got a couple of nice souvenirs back at the house. But that’s it. A week ago that ruby we found in India and the drawing of where the ruby casket is probably hidden were the most important things in my life. I really wanted to beat Green to that last casket, to ruin his quest. But now?’ Gerald stretched his arms even wider. ‘Now, my biggest worry is what food to pack for our camping trip.’
    â€˜I guess so,’ Ruby said. She picked up a French fry and nibbled an end. ‘It’d be nice to know what that gem unlocks though.’
    â€˜I bet that’s why Green gave himself up,’ Sam said. ‘To get closer to Gerald so he could steal the ruby.’
    â€˜The way Green’s lawyer was going, he would have got off too,’ Gerald said.
    â€˜Maybe,’ Sam said. ‘But when Death comes knocking, nothing’s going to turn him away, no matter how much cash you’ve got piled up against the door.’
    Ruby and Gerald both stared at Sam.
    â€˜Bit profound for you, isn’t it?’ Ruby said.
    Sam shrugged. ‘Green got what was coming to him. Still, it would be interesting to know what he was looking for.’
    Gerald dismissed the thought with a wave of his hand. ‘Whatever it is, it’s been buried for a thousand years or more. It can stay that way.’
    Sam’s eyes flickered towards Ruby, then he gave another shrug. ‘So who’s coming to this party tonight?’ he asked.
    â€˜At last count it was a couple of hundred people,’ Gerald said. ‘But Mum’s phoning around to try to boost the numbers. She wants it to be an “event”. And you’ll finally get to meet Walter.’
    â€˜Who is this Walter?’ Ruby asked.
    Gerald closed his eyes and took in a deep breath. ‘Mum’s life coach,’ he said. ‘She brought him back from America. They met at some party at Martha’s Vineyard. He’s supposed to help her achieve her full potential, or something.’
    â€˜How does he do that?’ Sam said.
    â€˜He’s putting her through some course that’s meant to make her vibrant and fresh and happy.’
    â€˜She’s sitting on a fortune worth twenty billion pounds,’ Sam said. ‘What’s not to be happy about?’
    â€˜Ah, but it’s not her money,’ Ruby said. ‘All the money was left to Gerald—his parents are just looking after it till he turns eighteen.’
    â€˜That’s another five years,’ Sam said. ‘That’s forever. Plenty of time for her to play at being a gazillionaire.’
    â€˜Sam!’ Ruby frowned at her brother. ‘Don’t be so rude.’
    â€˜That’s okay,’ said Gerald. ‘One thing I’ve learned from Walter is that sometimes you’ve got to take what comes. You can’t control everything that happens to you.’
    â€˜Really?’ Ruby said. ‘So nothing is certain?’
    Gerald cringed. Ever since his last day of school back in Sydney, the phrase ‘Nothing is certain’ had been popping up all over the place.
    â€˜Very funny,’ Gerald said, as Ruby and Sam burst out laughing. ‘All I’m saying is if the fates have it in for you, there’s not much you can do to change