فصل چهل و هفتم

chapter-47

“We’re kind of in the middle of something, Andrew,” Kyle said politely.

Andrew put his hand alongside his mouth and whispered, “I know who grabbed that last copy of Flora and Ulysses.” Kyle motioned for Andrew to step out of the room with him.

“First off,” said Kyle, “I’m really sorry about that garbage man crack I made the other day.” “You were under a lot of pressure. I know how that feels. When we played the escape game, Charles Chiltington put so much pressure on me I thought I might turn into a diamond.” Kyle must’ve looked confused.

“You know,” said Andrew. “The way Superman can squeeze a lump of coal so hard that it turns into a diamond?” “Riiight,” said Kyle. “So, who swiped the book off the shelf?” Andrew took a moment. “Marjory Muldauer. That’s why she’s with the priest. I think she feels bad and is giving him her full confession!” “But why would she take the book?”

“Because my uncle Woody told her to.”

Is that why Mr. Peckleman offered cheat cards to Miguel and Sierra? Kyle wondered. Maybe he wasn’t working for Mr. Lemoncello but against him!

“Late last night,” said Andrew, “I heard them both talking with Mrs. Chiltington about taking the book off the shelf. Uncle Woody had already checked out the other thirty-five copies, and he probably would’ve checked out the last one, too, except regular people weren’t allowed in the library for a whole week while they fixed up the place for the Olympics.” Now Kyle wondered if this was why Marjory had blocked him instead of going for the book during the hover ladder race.

She had known the last copy of Flora and Ulysses wouldn’t be on the shelf, because she’d already removed it. She probably didn’t think she was a good enough actress to be the one who found the empty slot. But she didn’t want Kyle finding it, either, because she assumed Mr. Lemoncello would give a medal to whoever found the spot where the book was supposed to be.

“Okay. So why did your uncle want the last copy of Flora and Ulysses?” “I’m not sure,” said Andrew. “But I am formulating a theory. It has to do with all those other books and encyclopedias you guys say are missing from the library. Do you have a complete list?” Kyle shook his head. He should’ve thought of that.

How were they going to return all the missing books if they didn’t even know what books were missing?

Then it hit him.

“Clarence does!”

“Who?”

“The head of security. Come on.”

Kyle and Andrew went back into the dining area.

“You guys?” said Kyle.

“What’s up?” asked Akimi.

“Andrew and I need to head back downtown. Sierra? Can you come with us?” Sierra looked at Andrew, the boy who had stolen her library card during the escape game.

“I never really wanted to steal your library card,” said Andrew. “Honestly. Charles made me do it.” “I know,” said Sierra. Then she took a deep breath. “Should I tell the driver to fire up the bookmobile?” “Definitely,” said Kyle. “Go with Sierra, Andrew. I’ll meet you guys out front.” “What’s up?” asked Miguel.

“We have a lead on who might’ve checked out all those books.” “So what do you need the rest of us to do while you guys are gone?” asked Akimi.

“Round up all the medals. Make a list. See if there is some kind of pattern or hidden code.” “Or a treasure map etched on their backs!” said Miguel.

“Riiight. Or that. You guys have your phones?” “Totally,” said Akimi.

“Cool. Whoever finds out something first—” “Calls the other ones.”

—

Clarence met Kyle, Sierra, and Andrew in the lobby.

“We’re looking for the missing books,” said Kyle.

“Well, not to bust your chops, Mr. Keeley,” said Clarence, “but I think you’re looking in the wrong place. The books aren’t here in the library. If they were, they wouldn’t be missing.” “We know,” said Kyle. “But we need to see your list.” “Why?”

“I have a theory,” said Andrew.

Clarence gestured for the three treasure hunters to follow him through the red door into the control room.

“Here’s the list. Hope it helps. I’ll be out in the lobby if you need anything else.” Clarence left. Andrew and Sierra studied the pages.

“Aha!” said Andrew. “I was right.”

“Good going, Andrew,” said Sierra. “It’s so obvious.” Kyle looked down at the list.

He had no idea what they were talking about.