Matt Finds A Lead

"I don't want you going anywhere," Lisa scolded Evie sharply. "not with Ri in the state she's in right now anyway!"

"But, Mom," Evie protested. "Matt is waiting for me at Pine Hollow! May I please go? I think he may even have some information for me!"

Lisa was about to shoot back, when Rafael intervened.

"Let Evie go, Lisa." Rafael said gently.

"But, Rafael..." Lisa began.

"Lisa Honey," Rafael said in a calm voice. "you and I met when you were 13-years-old and I was but 16-years-old, we both love playing gumshoes, where do you think Ri and Evie get it from?"

Evie noticed her mother's expression beginning to soften.

"Very well, Evie," Lisa said reluctantly. "you may go to Pine Hollow to spend time with Matt."

"Yes! Yes! Yes! Oh, thank you, Mother," Evie exclaimed. "thank you a million times!"

Evie raced outside to call Gustdance.

When she arrived at Pine Hollow, Evie found Matt waiting for her in the lounge.

"Evie," Matt greeted. "come and sit down."

Evie sat down and began to talk to Matt.

"When the other Saddle Club girls, Risa, and I cooled our horses out at the quarry after our riding lesson this morning, Risa passed out due to Bendozine poisoning and she's now in a deep coma," Evie answered Matt. "I don't know who was behind the dirty deed."

"Hmmm," Matt said out loud. "I thought that smug little brat was a bit too pleased with herself."

Evie gave Matt a quizzical look, "What are you talking about?" she asked.

"Vanessa DiAngelo," Matt answered Evie. "I saw her put something on the inside of the right sleeve of your twin's riding jacket."

"Vanessa may be a brat, but I don't think she could pull off a stunt like this on her own." Evie said to Matt.

"What are you saying?" Matt asked Evie.

"I'm saying, Vanessa might be working with someone from the WRI," Evie theorized. "however, we are going to be needing some proof."

"Even if that is true, Evie," Matt pointed out. "where are we going to get the proof we need?"

"I've got it! Call Wisteria," Evie suggested. "and meet me back at my camp in about two hours!"

"Okay, Evie." Matt agreed.