The Soulkeepers

  Chapter 26

  Master Lee

  The knuckles on Jacob’s right hand were pale from gripping his phone so tightly. He’d been in this position a couple of times, chickening out before he dialed the numbers. What would he say? He didn’t even know if he had the right place. But he wanted to try. He wanted to know why his mother had a box of knives among her things, and why she had so carefully kept it a secret.

  Jacob took a deep breath and dialed. The sound of the phone ringing made him nervous and he was tempted to hang up again, but the call was answered before he could.

  “Red Door Martial Arts,” a young female voice said into his ear.

  “Hi … I mean, hello. I have a question about something that I think was purchased there?”

  “Okay, what’s your question?”

  “Well, I have this wood box that has knives in it and I was wondering if you sell many of those?”

  “Not too many. Why?”

  “Well, the key is missing and I was wondering if you can replace it. Your number was on the bottom of the box.”

  “Sure, we should be able to do that. Is it the black one?”

  “No, it’s a natural wood. Koa, I think.”

  “Koa, really? And you’re sure you got it here?”

  “Well, your number was on the bottom of the box. It has an engraving of a phoenix on the lid, if that helps.”

  “A phoenix?” The girl paused. “What did you say your name was?”

  “I didn’t, but it’s Jacob.”

  “Hold on, I need to check something with the owner.”

  Jacob heard the girl’s footsteps and then abrupt silence as if she’d muted the phone. A minute or two later the deep voice he’d heard on the answering machine came on the line.

  “Hello, this is Master Lee. Who is this?”

  “Um, my name’s Jacob.”

  “Hi, Jacob. So, where did you find that box?”

  “It was my mom’s.”

  “And, where is your mom now?” The voice was calming, older, like a grandpa’s voice should sound.

  He hesitated. “Did you know my mom?”

  “Where is Lilly now, Jacob?” Master Lee said more firmly.

  “How did you know my mom?”

  “Jacob, that question isn’t easy to answer. If you bring the box to me, we can talk more. Can you come here?”

  “I’m living on the mainland now. I don’t know when I’ll be back,” he said.

  “Can you tell me, where is Lilly? Is she with you?”

  “No. I don’t know where she is,” Jacob admitted. “Nobody knows.”

  Master Lee made a sound like a sob. “We’d heard, but still we hoped. Jacob, this call isn’t about a key, is it?”

  “No. The box is open. I know what’s inside. But I don’t understand why my mom had these. And, how did you know her?”

  “I’m sorry, Jacob, but I can’t help you.”

  Jacob heard a click and then a dial tone. He’d hung up. Still, he’d learned what he wanted to learn. His mother had known Master Lee. The box did come from the Red Door. And, when Jacob made it back to Oahu, he knew just whom he’d visit first. He’d find a way to visit Master Lee—in person. Then he would find his mom.