The Case of the Ruby Slippers Read Online Free

Song is coming to sing at Aunt Jen’s party? Plus the ruby slippers disappeared for a while, but now they’re back.”
    Mom nodded and said, “I have been briefed,” which is president talk meaning one of her advisers, like Granny for example, had already told her. “In fact, Iunderstand two museum security people are coming over to interview Mrs. Silver tomorrow, and to take a look at the shoes.”
    â€œWhy?” I asked.
    â€œThe ruby slippers are a very popular exhibit,” Mom said. “So naturally the museum wants to make sure all’s well.”
    Tessa sighed dramatically. “Oh, dear. Then it looks like Cammie and I will have to stay home from school. The museum people are
definitely
going to want to talk to us.”
    â€œYou’re right, they do,” Mom said. “And they want to talk to Mr. Bryant as well.”
    â€œ
Yippe-e-e-e!
” Tessa said.
    Mom shook her head. “Sorry to disappoint you, muffin, but the museum security people aren’t coming till after school.”
    Tessa pouted, but I was glad. I had worked hard on my Movie-Story project. Tomorrow the posters would be displayed for the parents in the library, and—sorry for being a dork—I was looking forward to showing mine off.
    â€œThe security people know it was Hooligan who brought the shoes back, right?” I said. “It wasn’t us.”
    Mom had moved to the doorway by now. “Yes,” she said, “but there are . . . uh, a few things I’m not currently at liberty to discuss.” She smiled. “Sleep tight, muffins. I’m sure I’ll see you tomorrow.”
    The door had barely closed when Tessa asked, “What’s that mean, Cammie—‘not at liberty’?”
    â€œNot allowed,” I explained.
    â€œHow can it be not allowed? She’s the
president
!” Tessa said.
    â€œI know,” I said. “So I think what it really means is doesn’t want to . . . but I can’t figure out why not.”

CHAPTER SEVEN

    In the Secret Service van on the way to school the next morning, Nate asked Granny if Mr. Ross could move Mr. Will to a different room.
    â€œHow come?” Granny said. Either she or Aunt Jen usually rides along with us.
    Nate yawned. “Because his dog—what’s-its-name—woke me up in the middle of the night whining. And then I couldn’t fall back to sleep.”
    â€œ
I
didn’t hear anything,” Tessa said.
    â€œThat’s because your room’s about a mile away,” Nate said. “Mine and Mom’s apartment is right down the hall.”
    Granny shook her head. “That little dog is starting to make Hooligan look good. But they’ll only be here a couple of nights, Nathan. And if they move him now, we’ll never hear the end of it from Mrs. Hedges.”
    Malik was driving the van that morning. He pulled up to the curb by our school, and we waited a few secondsas usual. That’s because the agents already there waiting have to make sure it’s safe for us.
    Now Malik cocked his head, listening to something on the radio in his ear. “Copy that,” he said. Then he looked over his shoulder and smiled at us. “Have a good day, you guys.”
    â€œYou, too!” we said.
    â€œAnd don’t forget the Movie-Story displays,” Nate reminded Granny.
    â€œIn the library at ten thirty,” Granny said. “I’ll be there.”
    It was a normal Friday morning. We had the flag salute and announcements and turned in our homework. After that, Nate’s and my teacher, Ms. Nicols, told us to collect what we needed for our displays. Then it was time to go to the library.
    Courtney Lozana and I walked down the hall together. My tri-fold poster board bumped against my shins.
    â€œIs your mom coming later?” I asked Courtney.
    â€œShe has to work, so Dad is,” Courtney said.
    Uh-oh.