Chapter 1 THE BOOKStore at DaWN Get up Ella says Great Aunt Raven She pulls the thin cotton quilt from my bed and opens the window A gust of cold winter air hits my bare feet I shiver Time for another odd job she says Be ready in five minutes
She pulls the pocket watch from her long black skirt and flicks open the cover with bony fingers The gold chain sparkles in the dark room
The sun isn't up yet I complain What is it this time She snaps the watch shut Four minutes and fifty seconds she says
