The Icarus Project (31 page)

Zoey and Dad took the dinner into the dining room. Alone, I stroked the feather a few times before putting it in a small box in my dresser drawer.

In fairy tales, the princess is always encased in a glass coffin, waiting for her prince to come and wake her up. When we found Charlie, we took the fairy tale into our own hands and breathed life into him, not with a kiss but with a push. Had Charlie been like the mythical boy Icarus, tumbling from the sky after his curiosity got the better of him and he flew too close to the sun? Charlie had fallen into a frozen world, stranding him in an icy tomb until we cracked open his prison and set him free.

Scientists always look for links to connect the steps that people have taken on their journey, moving from the past through the present to the future. But Charlie was more than a link. He was a bridge, but a bridge to where, none of us knew.

But maybe one day I would find out.

Special thanks to my critique group members Elizabeth Buck, Robin Galbraith, and Farrar Williams for all their help and support. And thanks to my editor, Maggie Lehrman.

Laura Quimby is the author of
The Carnival of Lost Souls,
which
Booklist
called “a nicely paced, clever mix of ghost story and sideshow spectacle.” She holds a degree in English literature from Towson University. She lives with her family in Maryland. Visit her online at
www.lauraquimby.com
.

This book was designed by Maria T. Middleton. Production of this book was overseen by Alison Gervais.

LAURA QUIMBY
is the author of The Carnival of Lost Souls, about which the Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books says: “Young fans will be as intrigued by glimpses into the always mysterious and fascinating Houdini as by Jack’s compelling quest.” Laura holds a degree in English literature from Towson University. She lives with her family in Maryland. Visit her online at
www.lauraquimby.com
.

JACKET ART © 2012 ERWIN MADRID
JACKET DESIGN BY MARIA T. MIDDLETON

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