Giant Yo-Yo Mystery Read Online Free

There were a lot of extra directions written on the margins of the paper. The directions were written in red pen with a different handwriting.
    “Who made all these red notes?” Jessie asked Jeff.

    “Are we supposed to do what the notes say or follow the original plans?”
    Jeff peered at the plans. “Just follow the original plan,” he said stiffly. “Those red notes were made by my former partner, Gary Richmond.”
    “Were you and Gary going to build this yo-yo together?” Violet asked.
    Jeff sighed. “At one time, yes. Gary and I always talked about breaking a world’s record together. Ever since we were kids. First we were going to build the world’s tallest house of cards. We were both good at building houses of cards, but not that good.
    “Then we decided we were going to make the world’s largest pizza. But we couldn’t figure out how to bake it. A few years ago we decided we should go for a record that involved woodworking, since we both know something about that. So we started making plans to build the world’s largest yo-yo.”
    “Why isn’t Gary working on the yo-yo with you now?” Violet asked.
    “We had a falling out a few months ago,” Jeff said sadly. “We’re not friends anymore.”
    “Can’t you just be friends again?” Benny asked.
    “I thought so at first,” Jeff said. “That’s why I held off on building the yo-yo for a little while. But the more time that went by, the clearer it became that Gary and I would never be friends again. I knew that if I still wanted to build the yo-yo, I would have to do it without him.”
    “What happened between the two of you?” Jessie asked.
    Jeff sighed. “It’s a long story. But basically, we had a difference of opinion on where to take the business. He wanted to grow the business and bring in new employees. I prefer to stay small. This difference of opinion grew and grew until it finally broke up our friendship.”
    “I’m sorry to hear that,” Violet said.
    “Me too,” Jeff said.
    “Does Gary know you’re building this yo-yo?” Henry asked.
    “I don’t think so,” Jeff said. “We haven’t spoken in months. Look, I don’t want to talk about this anymore. If you have questions about the plans, just follow the original instructions. I don’t feel right using Gary’s notes when he’s not involved in the project anymore.”
    With that, Jeff strolled over to the door and stared outside.
    “What a sad story about Jeff and his friend,” Violet said. “I wish there was something we could do to help.”
    “Maybe if we think about it for a while, we’ll come up with something.” Henry said.
    “Maybe,” Jessie agreed.
    The children got back to work. They screwed together all the boards that were left. When they finished, the first half of the yo-yo was almost complete.
    “You kids did a great job,” Jeff said.
    “Thanks,” Jessie said. “It was fun.”
    Benny stopped the camera. “Do you want to back up what’s on the flash card, Jeff?”
    “Since I seem to have lost my other flash card, yes, I think that would be a good idea,” Jeff replied.
    Benny took the flash card out of the camera and handed it to Jeff.
    “Thanks, Benny,” Jeff said. He rubbed his chin. “I sure wish I knew what happened to that other card. I’ve looked all over my desk for it. I just don’t know where it could be.”
    “It’ll turn up,” Jessie said confidently.
    “Hey, Jeff,” Benny said, reaching into his pocket. “Grandfather said you know a lot of yo-yo tricks. Can you show us one before we leave?” He handed Jeff his yo-yo.
    Jeff smiled. “What kind of trick would you like to see?”
    “What’s the hardest trick you know?” Benny asked.
    “Hmm. The hardest trick I know …” Jeff had to think about it for a few seconds. “That would probably be the atom smasher.”
    “Can you show us?” Jessie asked.
    “Sure.” Jeff said. He dribbled Benny’s yo-yo up and down a couple times to get a feel for it. Then he threw a