Two big tears rolled down Vevi’s face.
“Don’t start bawling,” Jamie said quickly. “Turtles are a dime a dozen. There’s only one I know of that would be worth keeping.”
“What one is that?” Vevi asked him.
“A young snapper that won every race here last summer. His name was Clover and it was painted in yellow on his shell. If you had him you might win.”
“What became of the turtle, Jamie?”
“He was tossed back into the pond.”
“He’s still there then?”
“Might be. Turtles live for years and years.”
Already Vevi had lost interest in Lightning. Clover, she decided, would be a much better turtle to own.
“Oh, Jamie,” she said, catching her breath. “I’d give anything to own Clover. Couldn’t you find him for me?”