فصل دوازدهم

chapter-12

On March 18, two days before the Library Olympic Games were scheduled to start, Mrs. Yunghans, the middle school librarian, showed Team Kyle a viral video of Marjory Muldauer’s brilliant performance at the Midwest finals.

“Wow,” said Akimi.

“Yikes,” added Miguel. “She’s amazing.”

“She’s also incredibly tall,” said Akimi. “Like a praying mantis.” “She looks sort of sad,” said Sierra.

Kyle didn’t say a word.

This was the last straw.

Seeing Marjory Muldauer in action, watching her guess first sentences of books with just one or two words for a clue, Kyle knew he didn’t stand a chance. Not against that kind of competition. The girl knew Dewey decimal codes down to the one-thousandths place. Kyle still wasn’t sure what “the four-two-three” meant.

Plus, the Lemoncello Library had been closed to the public for a week. Mysterious imagineers from Mr. Lemoncello’s headquarters in New York City had come to Alexandriaville to make what the local newspaper called “a few minor alterations.” They’d been working inside the locked building under the supervision of Dr. Zinchenko, adding new surprises for the Olympic Games.

Surprises Kyle knew would totally baffle him.

He would go into the Lemoncello Library a champion and come out a chump. There would be no more cake days.

It wasn’t so much that Kyle was afraid of losing (even though he was). He didn’t want to be the reason everybody else lost, too.

“What kind of new gadgets and gizmos do you guys think Mr. Lemoncello has added to his library?” asked Mrs. Yunghans.

“It’s top-secret,” said Miguel.

“Nobody knows,” added Akimi.

“Probably not even Mr. Lemoncello,” said Sierra.

Once again, Kyle remained silent.

“I guess all we can do now to prep is read more books,” said Miguel.

But the books would have to come from the middle school media center. The week the library was closed for its “alterations,” nobody could check out books, which made the League of Concerned Library Lovers very upset.

“A public library should serve the public,” said Charles Chiltington’s mother on the radio and TV. “Not the whims of an eccentric billionaire.” Fortunately, nobody in Alexandriaville paid much attention to Mrs. Chiltington or her group. They were too excited about the upcoming Library Olympics. All the local hotels and motels lit their “No Vacancies” neons. Restaurants hired more staff. Mr. Lemoncello’s wacky idea was an economic boon for the whole town.

The opening ceremonies were scheduled for the first day of spring, March 20. The twelve games of the duodecimalthon would start on the twenty-first and run for six days (two games a day). Closing ceremonies would take place the following night.

The public was invited to attend and watch. For free. The games would also be broadcast on many PBS stations, the Book Network cable channel, and NPR.

That meant everybody in America would be able to watch and/or listen to Marjory Muldauer destroy Kyle Keeley, big-time.

The Alexandriaville four, as well as the seven visiting teams, their coaches, and tutors (so they could keep up with their schoolwork for the week) would be staying at what Mr. Lemoncello had dubbed Olympia Village. It was actually the Blue Jay Extended Stay Lodge, where Andrew Peckleman had a part-time job.

And that’s where Kyle was headed—as soon as Mrs. Yunghans wrapped up this final team meeting.

“You guys have done a great job,” said the school librarian. “And, Kyle? We’re all very glad you’re still on the team.” “Thanks.”

“Yo, Kyle,” said Miguel, “don’t let this Marjory Muldauer get under your dome. We can take her.” “You’re not thinking about quitting again, are you?” asked Akimi.

That was the problem with best friends. They knew what you were thinking even when you were pretending not to be thinking it.

“I’m fine,” said Kyle. “Just, you know, nervous.”

“I think we all are,” said Mrs. Yunghans, who’d be staying with the team at Olympia Village as one of their chaperones. “Look, guys—tomorrow’s Saturday. I think we should all take a break. No more studying. No games. Just head over to Liberty Park, take in some fresh air, and don’t read anything.” Sierra raised her hand. “Is that an order, Mrs. Yunghans?” “No, Sierra. You can read if you want to. But read something for yourself—not the competition.” Kyle said goodbye to his friends, and when he was absolutely certain nobody was following him, he biked to the Blue Jay Extended Stay Lodge.

He needed to talk to Andrew Peckleman now—before Marjory Muldauer came to town.