Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Benjamin’s POV

The evening air felt cool and crisp against my fur as I skated down the empty sidewalks of New Mouse City. The streets were quieter than usual, bathed in the orange glow of the setting sun. I pushed off harder, feeling the rush of wind as I picked up speed, weaving around lampposts and benches. It was perfect—the kind of peaceful, solo skateboarding session I loved.

As I rounded a corner, something felt… off. The street was empty, too empty, and the quiet seemed almost unnatural. I tried to shake off the feeling, chalking it up to my overactive imagination, but then I saw them—three large figures standing in the middle of the sidewalk, blocking my path.

I skidded to a halt, my feet squeaking on the pavement as I took them in. They were big, even bigger than most grown-ups I knew, dressed in matching leopard-print suits and dark sunglasses. And they were staring right at me.

“Hello there kid!” the one in the middle growled, his voice deep and menacing. The other two nodded, crossing their arms and smirking in a way that made my stomach twist.

I swallowed hard, clutching my skateboard a little tighter. “Uh… can I help you guys?” I tried to sound brave, but my voice came out shaky. I’d seen these types before—in Uncle Geronimo’s stories, in movies, and in the occasional close call I’d had with trouble in the city. These were Madame No’s goons, and they didn’t exactly look like they were here for a friendly chat.

“What do you want?” I managed to ask, hoping they’d just leave me alone if I didn’t act scared. But that hope vanished when the one in front stepped forward, his smile cold and unfriendly.

“Madame No has a message for your uncle,” he sneered. “She’s tired of him meddling in her business. This time, she’s decided to make things… personal.”

Before I could even react, they lunged. I tried to dodge, tried to twist out of their way, but they were fast. One of them grabbed my arm, twisting it painfully behind my back. I yelped, kicking out with my legs, but it didn’t do any good. The second guy grabbed my skateboard, attached a letter and tossed it aside like it was nothing. Panic surged through me as I realized just how trapped I was.

“Let me go!” I yelled, my heart pounding as I struggled against their grip. I kicked and twisted, but their hands were like steel, unyielding. My mind raced, trying to think of a way out, but they had me completely surrounded.

“Get in,” one of them muttered as they dragged me toward a black van parked just a few steps away. I tried to dig my heels into the ground, but they just lifted me up and shoved me into the back, slamming the doors shut behind me. The engine roared to life, and within seconds, we were speeding down the street, the lights of the city fading into the distance.

I looked around the dark interior of the van, my heart thundering in my chest. This couldn’t be happening. Madame No had taken things too far this time—using me to get to Uncle Geronimo? I’d always thought I could handle myself, that I was brave enough for anything, but right now, I felt small and scared.

I thought of my uncle, of my Aunt Thea, and even of Trap. They’d realize I was missing, right? They’d know something was wrong and come looking for me. Uncle Geronimo always managed to save the day… but a part of me wondered if even he could outsmart Madame No this time.

As the van continued to rumble through the city, I felt a flicker of hope. I knew one thing for sure—if anyone could find me, it was my family. They wouldn’t give up. I just had to hold on until they came.

Hours later

I don’t know how long we’d been driving. Time felt strange in the back of that van, trapped in the darkness with my heart hammering in my chest. My wrists ached from where they’d tied me up, and every bump in the road made me wince. Eventually, the van slowed, then stopped. I held my breath, listening as the doors creaked open.

Before I could even catch a glimpse of where we were, a thick, scratchy bag was shoved over my head. Everything went dark, and I felt a hand grip my arm, dragging me forward. My sneakers scraped against the ground as I stumbled along, trying to keep my balance. I could hear the muffled sounds of footsteps around me, the murmuring voices of Madame No’s goons as they guided me through… wherever we were.

Finally, we stopped. The bag was yanked off my head, and I squinted, blinking in the bright lights. My eyes adjusted, and I took in my surroundings—a cold, empty room, the walls painted in shades of dull gray. And standing around me were Madame No’s henchmen, their expressions smug and intimidating as they closed in.

I gulped, trying to stay calm. I was alone, surrounded, but I wasn’t going to let them see me scared.

Then, I heard the unmistakable sound of high heels clicking against the concrete floor. The goons shifted aside, and there she was—Madame No herself. She stepped forward, her leopard-print suit practically gleaming under the harsh lights, a smug smile stretched across her face. Her eyes glinted with a kind of cruel amusement, like she was savoring every second of this.

“Hello, Benjamin,” she said, her voice smooth and sharp like the edge of a knife. “It’s so nice to finally meet you in person.”

I straightened, forcing myself to meet her gaze. “Let me go!” I spat, my voice louder than I expected. “Uncle Geronimo won’t stand for this. He’ll stop you, like he always does.”

Madame No chuckled, an eerie sound that sent shivers down my spine. She took a few steps closer, circling me like a predator sizing up its prey. “Oh, your uncle,” she sneered. “Always sticking his nose where it doesn’t belong. Meddling in my affairs, foiling my perfectly crafted plans…”

She leaned in close, her face inches from mine. “But not this time. No, this time, I have the upper hand.” Her voice dropped to a whisper, but the words felt like a threat echoing around the room. “I’ve taken you, his precious nephew, as a little… bargaining chip. I gave a little message for your uncle once he finds out you’re missing and that I have you he will hand over the Rodents Gazette to me, if he refuses let’s just say things won’t end well for you, little Benjamin.”

I gritted my teeth, trying not to let her see the fear that clawed at my insides. “You won’t win,” I said, my voice steady, defiant. “No matter what you do, my uncle and my family won’t let you get away with this. They’re coming for me, and when they do, you’re going down.”

She raised an eyebrow, amused. “Oh, aren’t you a brave little thing?” She straightened, brushing imaginary dust off her sleeve. “But you clearly don’t know who you’re dealing with. I always win, no matter what, and no matter how!”

Her words hung in the air, cold and certain, like she was declaring some universal truth. My heart pounded, but I didn’t look away. I couldn’t let her see me falter, not now. I needed to hold on to hope, to believe that my family was out there, that they were looking for me.

“You’re wrong,” I said, trying to keep the tremor out of my voice. “My uncle’s smarter than you. He’ll figure it out, and he’ll beat you.”

She laughed again, turning away from me with a dismissive wave of her hand. “Oh, we’ll see about that,” she said, her voice dripping with mockery. “But for now, you’ll be staying here as my… guest. Make yourself comfortable, Benjamin. It might be a while before your dear uncle arrives.”

With that, she swept out of the room, her henchmen falling in line behind her, leaving me alone in the cold, empty space. The door slammed shut, the lock clicking into place with a final, ominous sound.

I took a shaky breath, looking around at the barren walls and the dim lights. I was trapped, no doubt about it. But I wasn’t giving up. I have faith that Uncle Geronimo and my family will find me and rescue me. I just have to be brave and patient.

Chapter Text

Thea’s POV

I revved my motorcycle engine, feeling the familiar rumble beneath me. The city lights streaked by as I sped through New Mouse City, my mind racing faster than the bike. Geronimo had sent me out as soon as we’d realized Benjamin was missing. It wasn’t like him to just vanish without telling us and the knot of worry in my chest grew tighter with every second that passed.

I’ve been searching for hours, combing every street, every alley, every place Benjamin loved to hang out. Skateparks, comic shops, arcades—you name it, I’d checked each place, but there was no sign of him. I tried to keep calm, to stay focused, but the more I searched, the more a sense of dread started creeping in.

Where are you, Benjamin? I thought, gritting my teeth as I tore down yet another street. My eyes scanned every corner, hoping for some clue, anything that could tell me where he’d gone. I wouldn’t let myself think the worst. Not yet.

Just as I was about to turn around and head back, something caught my eye. I slowed down, squinting at the sidewalk up ahead. My heart skipped a beat as I saw it—a familiar yellow skateboard with red wheels, lying abandoned next to the curb. My stomach dropped. I knew that board. It was Benjamin’s.

I parked my bike in a hurry, practically jumping off as I ran over to it. Kneeling down, I picked up the skateboard, my fingers brushing over the scratches on its surface. There was no doubt about it—this was his.

“Ben…” I whispered, gripping the skateboard tightly. My mind raced with a thousand questions, none of them good. Why would he leave it here? Where was he?

And then I saw it. Something else lying next to the board, half-hidden in the shadows—a piece of paper, folded neatly and covered in a pattern that made my fur bristle. Leopard print.

I snatched it up, unfolding the paper with trembling hands. I didn’t need to read it to know who it was from. Madame No. That conniving, cold-blooded snake. Only she would leave a message like this.

The letter was short, written in that perfect, precise handwriting of hers.

"To the Stinktons. Looking for your precious nephew? I have him. If Geronimo wants him back, come to this address and bring me the deed to the Rodents Gazette or say goodbye to your precious nephew. Until then... I’ll be waiting. PS NO dillydallying!”

I clenched my teeth, crumpling the letter in my fist as a wave of anger washed over me. Madame No had gone too far this time. Using Benjamin as a pawn to get to Geronimo? To get him to sell the Rodents Gazette? She was going to pay for this.

I stood up, my grip tightening on Benjamin’s skateboard. My mind was set. No matter what it took. I was done playing her twisted games.

I took a deep breath, forcing myself to stay calm, to focus. Right now, the only thing that mattered was finding Benjamin and bringing him home safe. I knew Geronimo would be worried sick, and I couldn’t let my big brother down. Not when our nephews life was on the line.

“Hang in there, Ben,” I murmured, looking down at the skateboard in my hand. “Were coming for you.”

I turned back to my motorcycle, the letter clutched tightly in one hand and Benjamin’s skateboard in the other. I had a lead now, a clue. And that was all I needed.

I strapped the board to my bike, took one last look at the empty street, and revved the engine. My heart pounded with a mix of fear and determination as I sped off into the night, following the faint trail left behind. Madame No might think she’s won, but she doesn’t know who she’s dealing with. She is gonna learn the hard way that nobody messes with the Stiltons!

Chapter Text

Geronimo’s POV

I sat in my office, staring at the phone on my desk, willing it to ring. My hand hovered over it, ready to grab it at the first sound. But all I heard was silence. Aunt Sweetfur called me saying that if I had seen Benjamin as she says that he hasn’t come home. I’d already called every number I could think of—Pandora’s parents, the parents of Benjamin’s other friends, even the local skate park manager. No one had seen him. My heart pounded with worry, and I could feel my fur bristling with dread.

“Come on, Benjamin,” I murmured, glancing at the clock. “Answer your phone…”

I tried to calm myself, to think rationally. He was a responsible kid; maybe he’d just lost track of time or forgotten to charge his phone. But deep down, I knew something was wrong. This wasn’t like him. I’d raised him to check in, to let us know where he was. A dozen scenarios raced through my mind, each worse than the last. I took a deep breath, trying to keep the panic at bay.

Just then, the door to my office swung open, and Thea walked in. I sent her out hours ago to go search for Benjamin around the city and the look on her face told me everything I needed to know.

I rose from my chair, my heart pounding as I tried to keep my voice steady.
"Thea... did you find anything?"

She shook her head, her expression grim. "I searched everywhere, Geronimo. Every spot he likes, every place he might have gone. There's no sign of him." She held out her hand, and I noticed she was holding something—a skateboard. My heart dropped as I recognized it.

"Is that...?" I asked, my voice barely a whisper.

"It's his skateboard," she confirmed, placing it on my desk. My fingers traced over the scratches and scuffs on the board, each one familiar, each one telling me that this was definitely Benjamin's. But what was it doing abandoned on the street?

Then Thea held out something else
—a folded piece of paper, covered in an all-too-familiar leopard print pattern. My chest tightened as I took it from her, unfolding it with trembling hands. I knew this pattern, this style. Only one person on Mouse Island would leave a letter like this.

Madame No.

I read the letter, each word hitting me like a punch to the gut.

"To the Stinktons. Looking for your precious nephew? I have him. If Geronimo wants him back, come to this address and bring me the deed to the Rodents Gazette or say goodbye to your precious nephew. Until then... I’ll be waiting. PS NO dillydallying!”

My heart pounded so loudly I could barely hear anything else. Madame No. That ruthless, relentless woman... she'd taken my nephew, my sweet, innocent Benjamin, and she was holding him hostage to force me into selling her the Rodent's Gazette as a form of revenge. I could hardly believe the words on the paper, yet here they were, staring back at me with cruel certainty.

"Geronimo," Thea said gently, placing a hand on my shoulder. "We'll find him. We just have to think this through. Besides I think Madame No might sell Benjamin for ransom if we’re not careful with this.”

But it was hard to calm down. My mind raced with images of Benjamin, scared and alone, wondering where his family was. Thea's voice was steady, and her hand on my shoulder was firm, but my heart was already in a tailspin. I took a deep breath, trying to focus. Panicking wouldn't help Benjamin. I knew that much. But the fear was there, creeping up my spine.

“Geronimo?” a voice called from the hallway, breaking the tense silence. Trap and Trappy, my cousin and niece, walked into the office, both of them looking concerned.

“Hey, Cousin!” Trap greeted, trying to keep his usual upbeat tone but clearly sensing the tension in the room. “Did you and Thea find Ben? Trappy and I checked the old arcade, but no sign of him.”

I shook my head, holding up the crumpled letter. "No, and I'm... I'm afraid it's worse than we thought." I handed the note to Trap, watching as his eyes scanned the words, his expression shifting from confusion to anger.

"Madame No," he muttered, his fists clenching. "That low-down, no-good-"

"Wait, she has Benjamin?" Trappy gasped, her eyes wide with alarm. "How could she..? Why would she..?"

"She wants the Gazette, “I said, my voice shaking. "She knows how much it means to us, to me. She knows l'd do anything to protect my family, and she's... she's using Benjamin to get to me."

The room fell silent as the weight of the situation sank in. My family looked back at me, all of them just as worried and outraged as I was. Trap opened his mouth, probably to launch into some tirade against Madame No, but Thea stepped forward, her gaze fierce.

I took a deep breath, my mind racing. Every instinct in me was screaming to protect Benjamin, to do whatever it took to bring him back safely. But this was my life’s work—our family’s legacy—my Grandfathers legacy. Could I really just hand it over? And what if she didn’t keep her word?

"Listen, Geronimo," she said firmly.
"We're going to get him back. We're not going to let Madame No take him-or the Gazette-from you. We just need to keep our heads, think carefully, and come up with a plan."

Trap nodded, surprising me with the seriousness in his expression. "Yeah, G we’re in this together. She doesn't get to mess with our family like this."

I looked around the room, at Thea, Trap, and Trappy. They were my family, my team, and I could see that same determination in their eyes. We’d been through plenty of scrapes together before, but this was different. This was personal.

Taking a deep breath, I spoke.“We’re going to bring him home,” I continued, trying to muster all the courage I had. “No matter what it takes, we’re going to find him and put an end to Madame No’s schemes once and for all.”

They nodded, and I could feel a spark of hope reigniting in my chest. Benjamin was out there, somewhere in Madame No’s clutches, waiting for us. And I wasn’t about to let him down. Not now, not ever.

We had a plan to make and the clock was ticking. Madame No wasn't someone who played fair. And with Benjamin's life on the line, I knew we were in for one of the hardest fights we'd ever faced. But for my nephew... l will face anything.

Meanwhile, Back at Madame No’s Mansion

Benjamin’s POV

The room was cold and sterile, the walls a harsh white that made everything feel even more unsettling. I tried not to show how nervous I was as I shifted in the chair they’d tied me to. My wrists were sore, and every muscle in my body was tense, ready to react if I had any chance of escape. But for now, there was nothing to do but wait. Time had stopped making sense though. I wasn't sure how long l'd been stuck in this room maybe hours, maybe longer. There were no windows, no clocks, nothing but the cold, bare walls and the low hum of the air vents. I'd tried counting the seconds, but eventually, I lost track. All I could do was wait and hope that Uncle Geronimo and the others were out there, figuring things out.

Just as I was about to give up on hearing anything other than my own thoughts, the door creaked open again. Madame No stepped in, as if she owned the place-well, she did, but you get the point. She moved with that same cold, confident stride, her leopard-print heels clicking against the floor. I forced myself to sit up straighter, ignoring the ache in my wrists.

“Ah, Benjamin," she said, her voice dripping with false sweetness. "I do hope you haven't been too uncomfortable."

I forced myself to meet her gaze, refusing to back down. "Can't say it's been great," I shot back, refusing to show any weakness. "You really need to work on your hospitality."

She smiled, but it didn't reach her eyes.
"The youngest Stilton. I must say, you and your family have caused me more trouble than I care to count."

"Guess it's a family tradition," I said, keeping my tone light, even though every muscle in my body was tense. "We're nosy like that."

Her smile disappeared, replaced by a thin line of irritation. "Indeed. And that nosiness is precisely why you're here. Your uncle can't seem to keep his whiskers out of my affairs. Always meddling, always in my way."

I leaned back, trying to look casual despite the situation. "Well, you know what they say. Curiosity runs in the family." I paused, pretending to consider something. "Kind of like... leopard print seems to run in yours. Seriously, it’s everywhere. Clothes, letters, decor… It’s like you have a theme and you don’t know when to stop.”

Her eyes narrowed, and I knew l'd hit a nerve. "Watch yourself, boy," she said, her voice low and dangerous. "You may find that my patience has limits."

I held her gaze, refusing to look away.
"You think capturing me is going to change anything? You really don't get how we Stiltons work, do you? Underestimating us is how my uncle kept beating you. Also, kidnapping me? That was a mistake."

Madame No's eyes flashed, but she didn't respond. Instead, she stepped closer, her heels clicking ominously. "Your uncle will have no choice but to give me what I want," she said smoothly.
"It's only a matter of time."

I swallowed, trying to keep my voice steady. "What do you even want with The Rodent's Gazette?" I demanded. "You're already one of the richest mice on Mouse Island. It’s just a newspaper?"

Madame No's smile returned, more smug than before. "It's not about money, Benjamin," she said, "It's about revenge. And... let's just say, a mutual acquaintance of ours has been wanting The Rodent's Gazette for a very long time."

I stared at her, trying to make sense of her words. A mutual acquaintance?

I frowned, trying to piece it together.
She didn't say who, but something in her tone, the way she avoided the details... It clicked in my mind like a puzzle piece falling into place. There was only one other person with that kind of interest, someone who'd stop at nothing to get their hands on the Gazette.

“Oh no,” I whispered, the realization sinking in.

Madame No smiled, a cold, triumphant smile. "Yes, Benjamin. Now you understand. And your uncle will, too-soon enough."

With that, she turned and walked out, leaving me alone in the cold, empty room. The door clicked shut behind her, and I was left with nothing but the sound of my own breathing and the sinking feeling in my gut. I know who this "mutual acquaintance" was, she was playing a dangerous game-and I was caught right in the middle of it. But one thing was clear: whatever happened next, l had to stay strong. My family was out there and they will come for me.

They have to.

Chapter Text

Geronimo’s Plan

The letter from Madame No sat on my desk like a ticking time bomb. Benjamin’s life hung in the balance, and every word scrawled across that taunting piece of paper made my fur bristle. I could practically hear her gloating as I reread the threat, confirming what I already knew: she has my nephew and she wasn’t playing around. I had to be careful. One wrong move, and…

“Geronimo?” Thea’s voice pulled me out of my thoughts. She stood across from me, her eyes full of worry and determination. “Do you have a plan?”

I took a deep breath, steadying myself. “Yes,” I said, my voice firm. “I’m going to beat Madame No at her own game.”

The room went silent. Trap and Trappy, who had been standing nearby, exchanged looks of disbelief. Thea stared at me, her eyebrows shooting up. “You’re… what? You can’t be serious.” She said in disbelief.

“I am,” I replied, keeping my gaze steady. “I’m going to hand over the Rodent’s Gazette to her.”

“Wait, what?!” Trap’s voice rose in a mix of shock and outrage. “You’re just going to give it to her? After everything she’s done? Especially since this is our family’s legacy, your grandfathers legacy! If he finds out about this cuz he will kill you!” Trap said.

I raised a hand to calm him down. “Not exactly.” I reached for a pen and a piece of paper, my mind already working. “I’m going to create a fake deed for the Gazette. A convincing one. I’ll make her think she’s getting what she wants.”

Thea blinked, clearly trying to process what I was saying. "A fake deed? Geronimo, she's not stupid. She'll see through that."

"She might," I admitted, feeling the weight of the plan settle on my shoulders. "But it's our best shot. I'll create a convincing enough fake to stall her, at least long enough for us to get Benjamin back. I'm going to confront her personally and act like I'm giving in to her demands. That'll be the distraction we need." I said in a confident tone.

"While you're doing that, what do you want me to do?" Thea asked, her voice steady despite the tension in her eyes

"You're going to rescue Benjamin," I said, meeting her gaze. "While I'm keeping Madame No occupied, you will have find him.

She hesitated, her jaw tight. “And what if things go south? You’ll be in there alone.”

“I know.” I swallowed hard. “But it’s our best chance. Once you find Benjamin, you and he will go to find her server room. Madame No has to have evidence of her crimes there. If we’re going to take her down for good, we need it.”

She hesitated, then nodded. "Got it bro."

Trap, who had been pacing nervously, finally stopped. “And what about us?” he asked, his voice a mix of fear and determination.

“You and Trappy will stay outside, in a van,” I said. “You’ll watch the cameras, guide Thea and me through Bluetooth ear speakers. We’ll need every bit of information you can give us.”

Trap nodded, though I could see the tension in his shoulders. “Got it, G.”

But as I outlined the plan, a nagging thought wormed its way into my mind. Why now? Why the Rodent’s Gazette? Madame No had never shown much interest in the paper before. It didn’t make sense. Unless… she wasn’t acting alone. The thought made my stomach twist, but I pushed it aside. I couldn’t let doubts cloud my focus. Right now, saving Benjamin was all that mattered.

“Geronimo,” Thea said, her voice softer now. “Are you sure about this?”

I nodded, more determined than ever. “We’ll make it work. We have to.”

With that, the plan was set. There was no turning back. We had to outsmart Madame No, save Benjamin, and make sure this was the last time she ever threatened our family. One way or another, we were going to end this.

The plan was set, and now there was no time to second-guess myself. As we stood in the dimly lit office, every second felt heavy, each one a reminder that Benjamin was out there, waiting for us to save him. I had to believe that this would work—that the fake deed, the distraction, and all our combined efforts would be enough to bring him home.

“Are you ready?” I asked, looking around at my family. I could see the tension in their eyes, but also the determination. They nodded, each of them more serious than I’d ever seen. Even Trap, who usually couldn’t resist a joke or a sarcastic comment, was stone-faced.

“All right,” I said, my voice firm. “Trap, Trappy—you know what to do.”

The two of them exchanged a glance before heading out. I followed them to the parking garage, where a nondescript surveillance van was waiting. Trap climbed in first, fiddling with the equipment inside, while Trappy settled into the passenger seat. She turned to me, giving a reassuring nod.

“We’ll keep an eye on everything, Uncle G,” she said, her voice steady despite the gravity of the situation. “You can count on us.”

I nodded, trying to ignore the lump in my throat. “I know I can.”

With that, I turned to Thea. Her motorcycle was parked nearby, gleaming under the dim lights. She was already strapping on her helmet, her movements quick and efficient. When she looked at me, there was a fire in her eyes—a fierce determination that made me feel a little less afraid.

“Hop on,” she said, patting the seat behind her. “We’ve got work to do.”

I hesitated for a split second. Riding a motorcycle was… well, let’s just say it wasn’t on my list of favorite things. But there was no time for fear. I climbed on behind her, wrapping my arms tightly around her waist.

“Don’t worry,” Thea said over her shoulder, a hint of a smile in her voice despite everything. “I’ll go easy on you.”

“Somehow, that doesn’t make me feel better,” I muttered, but it was half-hearted. Deep down, I knew I was in good hands.

The motorcycle roared to life, and I felt a jolt of nerves as Thea accelerated, the world blurring around us. The wind whipped past, and I focused on the task ahead, on what needed to be done. I couldn’t let my fear of speed—or heights, or anything else—get in the way. Benjamin needed me, no he needed us.

As we sped through the streets, Trap’s voice crackled through the Bluetooth earpiece. “All right, G, we’ve got eyes on the mansion. Cameras are live. You’re clear for now and let me tell you Madame No has some weak firewalls in her surveillance systems, but watch yourselves.”

“Understood,” I replied, keeping my voice steady. “Stay sharp.”

The mansion loomed in the distance, its dark silhouette a stark reminder of what lay ahead. I felt a surge of determination. Madame No thought she had the upper hand, but she was about to learn that she’d underestimated us—underestimated me once again. Whatever she had planned, whoever she was working with, it didn’t matter right now. All that mattered was saving Benjamin.

Thea slowed as we approached the mansion, parking the motorcycle in a concealed spot. I climbed off, feeling the weight of what we were about to do settle over me. There was no turning back.

“You ready for this?” Thea asked, her voice low.

“Not really,” I admitted, managing a small, nervous smile. “But I’m doing it anyway.”

“Good,” she said, her expression softening for just a moment. “Let’s go show Madame No what happens when you mess with the Stiltons.”

I nodded, taking a deep breath. “Let’s do this.”