It was only when she got home Hazel realized she had left the horseshoes behind. It can’t matter, she told herself; Great-grandma won’t notice. She could go back but she had homework to do: Annie was the sort of person who insisted weekend homework should be done on Friday night or Saturday morning, but Lily Bagot, though loving, was less particular, and now she no longer had Nathan’s encouragement Hazel usually left it till Sunday night. She was sitting at her desk, her back to the door, writing – or trying to write – a history essay, with her CD Walkman on and earphones pumping Lemonjelly direct to her brain, so she never heard the sound of an entrance. Then a hand seized the nape of her neck, and someone ripped the earphones away. She was twisted round in her chair, and Effie Carlow’s face was thrust close to hers. At that range it seemed to be all hooked nose and wicked eyes. Hazel’s start of fright and surprise subsided, leaving just the fright. ‘Thief!’ said her great-grandmother.
What do You think about The Greenstone Grail (2005)?
