Unwritten Books 2 - Fathom Five Read Free Page A

creaks of settling that he’d remembered from the townhouse in Toronto.
    He picked up the phone and dialled. “Rosemary? You eaten yet? Want to grab a pizza?”
***
    Rosemary’s father drove Peter and Rosemary into town.
    “I don’t mean to impose,” said Peter from the backseat. “I can’t wait until I have a driver’s licence.”
    “It’s no imposition at all.” Mr. Watson grinned. “Indeed, it gives us a chance to chat. How have you been, Peter?”
    “Um, fine,” said Peter. He shot a “save me” look at Rosemary, but she didn’t.
    “How are things at school?”
    “Uh … good!”
    “How’s your uncle? In good form, is he?”
    “Yes. He is.”
    “So, when can I expect Rosemary back from this hot date?”
    “Bluh,” said Peter.
    “Dad!” Rosemary cuffed her father on the shoulder. “We’ll call for a ride before ten, okay?”
    Peter stared out the car window. Night was falling earlier every day, and the lights were already on, washing a sickly orange glow over the road’s rocky embankments.
    The shadows flickered as they passed, like frames of a moving picture. Peter thought he could make out a lithe figure running along the rock wall, keeping pace with the car, but when he looked closer, there was nothing there.
    A few minutes later, the car pulled up in front of a restaurant in the middle of Clarksbury’s downtown strip. The sign above the door read Luigi’s Pizzeria and Bait Shop .
    “Here you are, kids!” said Mr. Watson. “Enjoy yourselves!”
    Peter got out and held the car door for Rosemary. She raised her eyebrows, but did not comment.
    Mr. Watson leaned out the car window. “And don’t do anything I wouldn’t do!” he said, giving Peter a nod and a wink.
    He drove off, leaving Peter staring. “I wish he wouldn’t do that.”
    “He’s my father,” said Rosemary. “Try and stop him.”
    Luigi’s Pizzeria and Bait Shop had last been decorated in the 1970s. Its look had only recently moved, of its own accord, from dated to retro. Battered wooden booths lined one wall opposite a long counter. The counter and the sides of all the tables were rimmed with black plastic and the seats and counter stools were covered in worn brown vinyl. Top 40 rock music played over the conversations. Nobody cared that it was too bright. Everything was spotless, and was kept that way by the proprietor, who greeted Peter at the door.
    “Peter!” exclaimed the portly, silver-haired man.
    “Hi, Luigi,” said Peter. “Two, please.”
    “I can see that,” said Luigi. “And who is this with you, this goddess, this vision? Why, can it be little Rosie Watson? You grow taller every day! I remember when you barely went up to my knee, but you still have the cutest cheeks!”
    Rosemary gave Luigi a long-suffering scowl as he pinched her cheek. “I have a little sister, you know. Why don’t you do this to her?”
    “Well, your little sister isn’t here, is she?” Luigi beamed at them. “Come on, come on! I’ll show you to your booth!”
    Some patrons’ heads had turned during this exchange. Most were students at Clarksbury High. Some snickered as Peter and Rosemary passed. Others nodded in greeting or said hello. Peter acknowledged everyone with a smile and a nod.
    They were seated at a booth three-quarters of the way to the back. Peter ordered a deluxe pizza.
    “Great!” said Luigi. “With anchovies?”
    “No, Luigi,” said Peter.
    “Are you sure? We have plenty of anchovies.”
    “Hold the anchovies.”
    Luigi smiled, patted Peter on the head, and departed, leaving the two alone to talk.
    “He’s gone to sneak in some anchovies, hasn’t he?” said Peter.
    Rosemary peered over his shoulder. “No, he’s staying away from the bait fridge this time.” She looked at him. “So, what’s the occasion?”
    Peter blinked. “What do you mean?”
    “It’s Tuesday. Pizza on Tuesday makes me wonder what’s up.”
    “Nothing’s up. Can’t I take my friend out to pizza whenever I