The Case of the Vanished Sea Dragon Read Online Free Page B

secure?’
    â€˜Your future at Global Sands will be both secure and bright. Above all we reward loyalty.’
    â€˜Can I think about it?’
    Mr Buchanan turned and took a couple of steps towards the door. Holly saw him bite his lip in frustration before putting on a smile and turning around.
    â€˜Of course you can,’ he said, ‘but please remember I have spoken to you in confidence.’
    â€˜Yes, I understand and I am grateful. I know how valuable your time is.’
    â€˜Valuable and expensive,’ replied Mr Buchanan, inspecting another mini fishcake before thinking better of it and placing it back on the tray.
    â€˜Should I call you?’ asked Mr Bigsby.
    â€˜No, I’ll call you tomorrow. Please, don’t disappoint me, Malcolm.’
    Holly shut her eye again as Mr Buchanan opened the door and both men passed her. She heard Mr Buchanan thank Big Hair for the delicious food and leave.
    Dad and Big Hair came back into the room.
    â€˜Well? What did he say? Did he offer you a position?’ she asked.
    â€˜Yes.’
    â€˜That’s excellent,’ she squealed. ‘You’ve accepted, of course.’
    â€˜I’ve said I’ll think about it.’
    â€˜What’s to think about? Oh, I see, you don’t want toseem too keen; make it seem like you’ve got other offers to consider. Very clever. You’ll accept it, of course. Don’t leave it too long; I don’t think Mr Buchanan is used to waiting for anything. That’s such good news. Now you’ll have a decent income again we can get that new carpet.’
    She picked up the tray of food and took it to the kitchen. Holly’s dad followed her in.
    Holly reappeared and ran upstairs to the phone on the landing. She picked up the receiver and dialled Dirk’s number.

Chapter Six

    Dirk yanked the television plug out of the socket with his tail. The rock band stopped rocking, the banging from next door stopped banging, Mrs Klingerflim stopped shouting and Alba stopped screaming. He picked up the ringing phone.
    â€˜The Dragon Detective Agency,’ he said, catching his breath. ‘Dirk Dilly speaking. How can I help you?’
    â€˜It’s me …’
    It was Holly’s voice, but he couldn’t hear what she said next because Alba spoke over her, saying, ‘I have been telling you, already. I want you to help finding my sister.’
    â€˜I’m not speaking to you,’ said Dirk to Alba, causingthe Sea Dragon to lower her head apologetically.
    â€˜What have I done?’ said Holly, thinking he meant her.
    â€˜Not you,’ replied Dirk.
    â€˜Then you will help me?’ said Alba.
    â€˜Dirk, I need your help,’ said Holly.
    â€˜No, I won’t help you,’ replied Dirk, again speaking to Alba.
    â€˜Why? What’s wrong?’ said Holly.
    â€˜You are very indecisive,’ said Alba.
    â€˜Look, can I call you back?’ he said into the phone, turning away from Alba.
    â€˜What’s going on?’ asked Holly.
    â€˜Why do you want to call me Back?’ asked Alba. ‘My name is Alba.’
    â€˜Nothing. I’ll call you back,’ said Dirk, hanging up.
    â€˜OK, I let you call me Back if you promise to help me,’ said the Sea Dragon.
    â€˜Haven’t you ever heard of a phone?’ asked Dirk.
    â€˜Afone?’ repeated Alba. ‘I have not heard of Afone. Is this another of your crunchy-shelled humano foodstuffs?’
    â€˜Never mind. You have to go,’ said Dirk, picking up the broken TV and placing it back on the filingcabinet. ‘You’ve caused enough damage for one day.’
    â€˜But I will not go without you,’ she replied. ‘I need your help. I need the help of the great Mr Dirk Dilly, dragon detective.’
    â€˜How do you know about me anyway?’ asked Dirk, turning on her. ‘How do you know where I live?’
    â€˜The Shade-Hugger said not to say …