Granny Relda nodded. "Enough to put us over the top, I think. If you'll help Mr. Canis bring what's left back into the house, we can go down and pay the bill. It will be nice to have this off my shoulders."
The children carried the rest of the things back inside and put them in their original places. When everything was settled, the house seemed emptier. Paintings were gone, as was the overstuffed chair in the living room. Most of the rugs and kitchen utensils had been sold, including the toaster and the coffeepot. Daphne was heartbroken when she discovered Granny had sold the icecream scoop.
Suddenly, Charming's full-length mirror, which he had leaned on the wall of the living room, began to warp and shimmer. The prince stepped through the reflection and into the room. He sported a fresh shave and haircut, and he had swapped Uncle Jake's jeans for a stylish, clean suit. Apparently, the Hotel of Wonders lived up to its reputation as a full-service resort.
"Swanky," Daphne said.
"Perhaps later you'll give me a tour of your mirror," Granny Relda said. "I've never been inside any but our own." Charming nodded. "Perhaps."
"Well, I suppose I should go and fetch Mr. Canis and Jacob,"
Granny said as she hurried upstairs. "We've got the tax money. Oh, I do so hope that it ruins Mayor Heart's day."
When she was gone, the children turned to Charming.
"What did you find?" he asked.
"Whoever has the stolen items has got them stashed somewhere near the river. We were picking up big vibes down by Sacred Grounds and the radio station."
"Mucho huge-o vibes," Daphne added, and then her tone turned angry. "We also saw Ms. White."
"How is she?" Charming asked.
"Heartbroken!"
Charming lowered his eyes.
"She's a mess," Sabrina said. "You should send her a note, anything, just to let her know you are OK. She thinks you're dead."
"I can't," he said.
"But--"
"Stop! My decision is final," Charming shouted. "I know you don't understand. I can't expect you to. It's not easy to know she is hurt and that it is my fault, but you should know that I would do anything for her--anything!"
"Fine," Sabrina said, throwing her hands up. Daphne frowned but didn't argue.
Granny returned with Mr. Canis and Uncle Jake. The old man looked at Charming with distaste.
"Girls, how would you like to see the mayor's head pop off?" Granny asked. "Want to come with us to the tax office?"
"I wouldn't miss that for the world." Sabrina smiled.
Uncle Jake reached into his pocket and took out a camera. "I'm taking pictures!"
"William, since you are in hiding, would you mind looking after the house while we're gone?" the old woman asked.
"Do you think it is wise to leave him here alone?" Canis demanded before Charming could answer.
Granny flushed. "Mr. Canis!"
"You think I'm going to rob you blind?" Charming asked.
"I think you might try," Canis said, hovering close to Charming's face.
"Gentlemen! That's enough!" Granny shouted.
Canis nodded reluctantly and stormed outside. Sabrina could hear him slam the car door, and then the family's ancient car engine roared to life, spitting and knocking violently.
When everyone got into the car, Canis threw the old jalopy into reverse and whipped out into the street. When he put it into drive, the engine screamed like a cat in a bathtub. Canis ignored its protests and pounded his foot onto the accelerator.
"That was entirely uncalled for!" Granny shouted over the noise.
"Having him in the house is entirely uncalled for!" Canis yelled back.
Sabrina and Daphne were shocked. Even when they'd fought the last few days, the girls had never heard Mr. Canis raise his voice at their grandmother. In a world filled with people the old man couldn't stand, Granny Relda had always had his utmost respect.
"I know that the two of you have had your history," Granny said. "But the man is homeless."
"That man deserves no better than to be homeless."
"It is not in my habit to turn away a person in need," Granny said.
"Then you are a fool!" Canis declared.
"Was I a fool when I took you in?" Granny shouted back. "When even my husband told me you were untrustworthy, I turned a deaf ear. And you have become the dearest friend I have and my most trusted companion."
Canis was silent but steaming.
"I'm sorry about the angry words," Granny said when the family finally reached the courthouse. "Let's try to forget them. Today is a happy day."
Canis grunted and looked out of the window. "I'll wait here."
The crowd of protesters from the day before was gone. Only a few stragglers remained, and they looked even more desperate. This time they showed no resistance to letting the family pass. Granny, Uncle Jake, and the girls climbed the steps and went inside. The security guard they had met the day before was standing in the same spot. He seemed surprised to see the family. They waved to him and continued down the hallway to the tax office. Once inside, Granny rang the bell for service.
"I really can't wait to see her face," Granny said softly.