The Secret Talent Read Online Free PDF Page A

. . Where did the dolphins come in?”
    â€œI bought this for him yesterday at the museum gift shop.” Vanessa reached into her bag and pulled out a stuffed dolphin toy. “You know, because he was born in Hawaii.” She squeezed its middle and it squeaked, “Help me!”
    I cocked my head to one side. “Did that dolphin just say ‘Help me’?”
    V nodded. “Apparently, a lot of real ones are being killed by offshore oil drilling.”
    â€œAh.” I gave her a tight smile. “Well, nothing says happy holidays like cold-blooded murder.”
    â€œHa!” Brooke pointed at Vanessa. “That’s coming from a guy. Told you it was a bad idea.”
    Vanessa stuck her tongue out at Brooke and hugged the dolphin close.
    â€œI thought it was sweet,” said Heather.
    â€œAnd I didn’t say it was a bad idea,” I corrected Brooke. “I just don’t think it’s the perfect holiday gift.”
    Vanessa put her other hand on her hip and looked from me to Brooke. “All right. Since you two are the experts, what is the perfect holiday gift?”
    I scratched my head. “Gil’s from Hawaii, right? How about a pineapple?”
    â€œOoh!” Brooke snapped her fingers. “A whole basket of Hawaiian treats! And maybe a CD of Hawaiian music.”
    Vanessa considered this, a wide grin appearing on her face. “That’s actually not a bad idea, guys! I could even—”
    â€œUh-oh!” Heather was peering past V. “Gil’s coming. Ditch the dolphin!”
    V flung the toy aside.
    â€œHelp me!” it cried as it landed in a potted plant. Brooke and I snickered behind our hands.
    â€œHey, Gil!” Vanessa called as he approached.
    â€œHey, you.” He hugged her when he got closer, waving to the rest of us. “What did you just throw away?” He squinted at the planter. “Is that a dolphin?”
    â€œOf course not. They can’t survive out of water, silly!” Vanessa laughed nervously. “Hey, look over there! Is that a light switch?” She took his hand and pulled him far, far away.
    I turned to Brooke. “Since you’re the gift whisperer, what are you getting Abel?”
    Abel Hart was Brooke’s boyfriend, a kid whoused to be in our grade but was so smart they bumped him up to seventh.
    Brooke puffed out her chest. “The girlfriend gift to end all girlfriend gifts. A murder mystery train party.”
    I smiled. “Nothing says happy holidays like cold—”
    She smacked my arm, and Heather laughed.
    â€œIn this case, it makes sense,” Brooke informed me.
    Abel had started a club called Young Sherlocks and was big into detective stuff. It’s how he and Brooke met, which is nice, although now, Brooke tries to unravel any mystery she can find. Last week it was the mystery of who put melted chocolate in her gym bag.
    It turned out to be her.
    â€œOh! Change the subject,” Brooke said, pointing out Abel, who was walking toward us.
    â€œLet me guess,” Abel said with a smile, sidlingup next to Brooke. “Someone just asked who the most awesome guy in school was.”
    Brooke grinned. “I wouldn’t give that secret up! One of these girls might try to steal you away!”
    â€œNot a chance.” Abel hugged her. “Besides, all the girls are gaga for Tim.”
    I smiled. Heather and Brooke groaned.
    â€œPlease don’t tell him that!” said Heather.
    â€œYeah, now we have to spend all day lowering his self-esteem,” added Brooke.
    â€œI have great friends,” I told Abel while the girls laughed.
    â€œYou also have a great watch,” he said, staring at my wrist. “Seriously. I’ve been looking for something like that for spring training.”
    Abel was our school’s track star. He had speed and endurance. Most runners have one or the other.
    â€œThanks! It’s shockproof since I play so