فصل چهل و سوم

chapter-43

“Oh-kay,” Akimi said to Kyle. “Now you’ve completely flipped your lid. We’re going to go all ninja-slash–Mission: Impossible and break into the heavily guarded library building?” “We have to,” said Kyle. “This is the real race. We have to go back to the library, find the proof we need, and show it to the world before the Krinkle brothers find it and destroy it!” “Might I offer a suggestion?” said Mr. Lemoncello.

“Only if it’s ‘quit,’ ” said Akimi.

“Oh, no. If you quit once, it becomes a habit. Never quit! My new chum Michael Jordan taught me that.” “What’s the suggestion?” asked Kyle.

“While you’re down in the basement, you might also look for a box labeled ‘The Benjamin Bean Affair.’ I never pressed any charges against the Krinkle brothers, even though Max, my lawyer, said we had more than enough evidence. The contents of that particular carton might prove extremely embarrassing to the Krinkle brothers.” “It might also show the world who the real thieves and plagiarists are,” said Kyle, his competitive drive kicking into gear big-time.

“Oh, that would be wondermous,” said Mr. Lemoncello. “It would also be hazardific. The getting-back-into- the-library part, I mean. I feel quite certain Mayor O’Brady has beefed up security.” “I don’t care,” said Kyle. “The truth is the truth, and people need to know it.” “But how are we going to get into the library?” asked Akimi. “One of those deals where we drop through a skylight in a zip-line harness?” Kyle shook his head. “No need. Mr. Lemoncello already gave us the combination to the front door. The same one he uses for everything: R-E-A-D!” “Actually,” said Mr. Lemoncello, “Mr. Raymo changed that lock.” Once again, Kyle and Akimi were gobsmacked.

“You don’t know how to open your own front door?” said Kyle.

“No. Not anymore. You see, once we installed the Nonfictionator, Mr. Raymo insisted that he take over major security issues such as front door lock combinations. As you two have pointed out, I tend to be a little lax in that department.” “But Mr. Raymo is working for the Krinkle brothers!” Mr. Lemoncello arched a bushy eyebrow. “Kyle Keeley, must you always jump to conclusions?” “You mean he isn’t?” said Kyle.

“What I mean is, like all of us, Mr. Raymo is innocent until proven guilty.” “He walked into the building with those oily Krinkle brothers,” said Akimi, throwing up her arms in exasperation. “What more proof do you need?” “More than that,” said Mr. Lemoncello. “Who’s to say Mr. Raymo isn’t one of my most loyal employees and that he volunteered to risk his life, fortune, and sacred honor to go undercover and keep an eye on the nefarious Krinkle brothers for me?” “Seriously?” said Kyle. “He’s still a good guy?”

“One of the best,” said Mr. Lemoncello proudly. “He may be new to the library, but he has worked for me in New York City for three decades!” “Would he let us in?” asked Akimi.

“Undoubtedly.”

“Then what are we waiting for?” said Kyle. “Come on, Akimi. We need to find out where Andrew and Miguel stored those cartons!”