by Lisa Orchard
Aunt June pulled up to the school and stopped by the front door. “Here you go girls. You can walk home can’t you?”
“Yeah,” Sarah said.
They climbed out of the car. Sarah slung her backpack over her shoulder and hurried inside. Lacey picked up her pace and followed.
Once inside, Sarah slowed and waited for her sister to catch up. “Lace?”
“What?” Lacey responded with a smile.
“That drug company isn’t all they say it is.”
Lacey leaned toward her sister and whispered. “I agree. They’re selling a drug that’s supposed to help people and it’s killing them.”
“I know. The problem is they’ve got all the money to play legal games. You heard Aunt June.”
“There must be some way we can stop them.” Lacey stared at her sister.
Sarah grabbed Lacey’s arm and squeezed. A thought popped into her head and her fingers tingled with excitement. “Do you remember when we were talking to the FBI agents about pinging Mom and Dad’s phone?”
“Yeah?”
“Remember that kid that puked in the lobby of the police station?”
Lacey grabbed Sarah’s arm, she seemed infected with Sarah’s enthusiasm. ”Sure, I do.”
“Do you remember the drug that kid got so sick on?”
Lacey dropped Sarah’s arm and disappointment clouded her eyes. “No.”
“I don’t either.” Sarah sighed. “But I do remember it was made by Dad’s company.”
“Do you think it could be the same drug that made the Robinson kid sick?”
“I don’t know. But I’m going to find out.” Sarah glanced at the clock. “Hey, we’ve got to get to first period. We’ll talk more about this at lunch.”
“Okay. See you then.”
“Bye.”
The girls split and Sarah hurried to her locker. She only had minutes to make it to her English class. Flustered, she hung up her coat, grabbed her books, and slammed her locker shut.
She was lucky. Her first class was on the same floor as her locker, and she made it there with seconds to spare. Sarah slid into her seat just as the bell rang. Her teacher, Mrs. Hopkins, was already at her podium organizing her notes for the morning’s lecture. Groaning silently, Sarah wondered again how she was going to make it through the day. She shifted in her seat as her teacher began speaking in her high, squeaky voice.
Studying her instructor, Sarah took in her thin frame and birdlike features. Her movements were twitchy and she expected her at any moment to peck at the ground and turn her head as if she were listening for a worm or a grub. Mrs. Hopkins’ dull, brown hair appeared thin and fuzzy and only enhanced her birdlike presence. Sarah suppressed a grin and glanced at the other students in the class. They seemed to be noticing their teacher’s appearance as well by the sly smiles that passed between them.
Looking out the window, Sarah zoned out thinking about her father’s situation. How are we going to get his flash drive? She bit her lip and doodled on her notebook. Scoop can get into the building but how do we get into Dad’s office?
She stared down into the street. The morning light had diluted the pitch black night into gray. Everything appeared drab. A telltale sign winter was coming. It started raining and large rain drops splashed across the window appearing to be flaws in the glass. Great! Now it’s going to rain.
Sarah propped up her book and used it as a shield. She pretended to be engrossed in it while Mrs. Hopkins chirped on about Ernest Hemingway. Hoping she could fool her, Sarah began writing in her notebook all the things her father would need to prove his case.
After writing down a comprehensive list, she glanced at the clock and realized she only had one more minute of class. She quickly gathered her books together while her teacher assigned homework for the night.
Dashing out into the hallway, Sarah almost ran into an upperclassman.
“Watch it there, girlie.”
“Sorry,” she squeaked as she rushed toward her second class of the day. It was Math and she wasn’t looking forward to an hour filled with Algebraic equations.
“Hey,” a voice said in her ear.
She recognized it instantly and turned. “Hi.”
“How’s it going?” Alex asked, giving her the grin that she loved.
His blue eyes seemed to brighten at the sight of her, and when she looked into them her insides turned to melted chocolate. I love chocolate.
“Good,” Sarah stuttered. She cleared her throat. “Well as good as can be expected.”
“I know what you mean.” Alex grabbed her hand and led her toward the windows at the end of the hall. “Do you want to talk about what was going down last night?”
Sarah brushed her hair away from her face. “Yeah. But it’s a long story, so I’ll tell you about it at lunch.”
“Okay.”
Sarah pointed to the clock. “We better get to class… we’ll talk more about this later, I promise.”
Alex gave her hand a squeeze. The touch of his warm fingers comforted her, and she gave him a grateful smile. He squeezed her hand again and released it, then dashed off. Sarah walked in the opposite direction and rubbed her hand against her cheek, hoping, the heat from Alex’s touch would still be there.
She made it to her math class and prepared herself for another boring lecture where she’d have to squirm and fidget to pass the time. Mr. Gordinski was up at the front board erasing the math problems from the previous class.
When the bell rang, he put down the eraser and faced his students, then walked to his podium. “Hello class. Let’s open our books to page forty-five.”
Sarah thought about her predicament as she faked paying attention in class, but soon she was engrossed in mathematical equations and the hour passed quickly. She liked math; figuring out the answer by using logic. That must be what makes me a great detective. The bell rang. Sarah jumped out of her seat and dashed to history.
She was the first one to make it to the classroom, so she had her pick of seats. Choosing one in the back, Sarah immediately opened her book and started going through the list she had been making in all her other classes. Hoping to appear as if she were engrossed in her homework, she prayed Mr. Green wouldn’t strike up a conversation. It worked. He gave her a smile but continued organizing his lecture notes.
Within minutes, the classroom filled and he began his lecture on the American Revolution. Sarah sighed and slouched in her seat. This is going to take forever. She fidgeted and chewed her nails the whole hour, but managed to make it through. One more class before lunch.
She made it to her business class and found Mr. Rowlings at the board. When the bell rang he put down the chalk and spun around and faced the students. “Hello, class.”
The students murmured their hellos as they ambled to their seats. The sounds of desk chairs scraping the floor, and papers being shuffled filled the air. Someone coughed and then all was quiet as they waited for Mr. Rowlings to begin.
“I’ve decided we need to go on a field trip,” he began, wiping his brow.
Sarah couldn’t believe he was sweating already. Mr. Rowling was a notorious sweater. She figured it was because he always gave animated lectures; flailing his arms wildly as he made his point. Stifling a smirk, Sarah doodled on her notebook, preparing to tune him out.
“As I said. I’m planning a field trip for this class. It will be an all-day event and I’m taking suggestions on what business you’d like to visit.”
Sarah’s heart skipped a beat and her hand shot up so fast, she was sure her body had been taken over by some sort of demon.
“Yes, Sarah? Do you have a suggestion?”
“I think we should tour Piper Drugs.”
Mr. Rowling raised his eyebrows and pressed his lips together in a line of approval. “That’s a great idea. Good company.”
“Yeah,” Sarah agreed. Yeah, sure it is. “When are you planning this field trip?”
“I don’t know we’ll have to see what kin
d of schedule the company has and where we can fit in.”
Sarah’s heart raced at the thought of getting inside the building. I’m sure a skinny kid like me would be able to sneak in and out of Dad’s office. Easy Peasy. Especially if there’s a bunch of kids in the building. A chill of anticipation danced down her spine and her fingers tingled. This could be just what we need. “When will you know what company we’re going to?”
“I’ll have to make some calls but I should know in a day or two.” Mr. Rowlings smiled.
Sarah grinned back, realizing he was impressed with her interest. If he only knew. Ideas flooded her mind. Now that we have a way inside… how do we get into Dad’s office and get the flash drive?
Mr. Rowlings began his lecture, but Sarah tuned him out, intent on finding solutions to all their problems. Before she knew it, the hour was up and she was on her way to lunch.
She rushed through the halls, intent on finding Jackie. When she spotted her on the way to the cafeteria, Sarah picked up her pace. “Jack.”
Jackie whirled around, startled. “You scared me.” She put her hand to her chest as if she were stopping her heart from bursting through. “I looked for you after school yesterday.”
Sarah nodded. “I know. I’ve got so much to tell you.”
“What?” Jackie asked, her eyes widened and darkened with the intensity of the moment. She grabbed Sarah’s arm. “Tell me. Tell me now or I’ll just die.”
Sarah rolled her eyes. “You are such a drama queen.”
“So, what’s your point?” Jackie asked and then giggled.
Sarah laughed. “I don’t have one. I’ll tell you everything at lunch.”
The girls made it to the cafeteria where they immediately stepped into the à la carte line.
“I don’t want to waste my time in the hot lunch line. It’s goulash today.” Sarah wrinkled her nose.
“No doubt.” Jackie glanced around the cafeteria. “So tell me all your news.”
“Let’s wait for Alex. That way I only have to tell it once.”
Jackie groaned. “The anticipation is killing me.”
“Drama Quee-een,” Sarah replied in a high pitched tone.
“I’m not going to dignify that remark with a response.”
Sarah ignored her and searched for Alex. When she saw him, she waved. His eyes lit up when he spotted her and Sarah decided she liked that. It warmed her insides.
“Hey,” he greeted when he stepped in line.
“Hi.”
“Hi,” Jackie said and then gazed at Sarah with wide eyes. “Now, tell us your news.”
She took a deep breath and told them about the new developments in the case. Speaking in a low urgent voice, she told them everything. She felt like she was in a great hurry, like there was no time to waste.
“Mr. Rowlings is planning a field trip and I suggested we go to Piper Drugs for the trip.” Sarah finished.
“Girlfriend, you’re not serious?”
“I am.”
“Totally?”
“Totally.” Sarah grinned at her friend.
“That gets us in the building, but you’ve got the same problem Scoop has. How are you going to get in his office?”
“I haven’t figured that out yet. But I figure I can use my sneaking around skills and get into the office quicker than Scoop can.”
“I wonder if I could go with you on your field trip.” Jackie furrowed her brow and tugged on a curl.
“I’d like to go too,” Alex added. He looked at Sarah, his eyes clouded with concern. He bit his lip as if he wanted to say something else, but chose not to.
Sarah gave him a perplexed look. “I don’t know. But it would be awesome if you guys could. Maybe your Moms could write the principal a note.”
Jackie snickered. “Maybe. Mom would be so excited I actually wanted to participate in something scholarly she’d sign anything.”
The Super Spies grew silent as they stepped forward in line. After they all had selected a pizza and a soda, Sarah searched the cafeteria for a table. Spotting one, she motioned with her head. “Guys, over here.” She stepped forward as anticipation sent tingles through her body. We finally have a direction. We can take action. She spied Scott and Lacey walking in and waved at them. They waved back, and Sarah pointed at the table where she was about to sit.
When Scott and Lacey joined them, Sarah put down her pizza and stared at her sister. “Guess what!”
“What?” Lacey asked.
“I think I found a way to get into Dad’s company.”
“How?”
“My business class is going on a field trip and I suggested we go to Piper Drugs. Mr. Rowlings is going to set it up… hopefully.” Sarah crossed her fingers.
“Isn’t that the coolest beans?” Jackie asked. She squeezed Sarah’s arm and flashed her grin.
“I guess. But it’s not definite, right?” Lacey gave her sister a worried look.
Sarah stifled a groan. “No… not yet.”
Lacey took a deep breath. “Good, because it sounds dangerous and I think we should let Scoop do his thing.”
Sarah bit her lip. “How dangerous can it be?” She gestured with her hands, holding them up with her palms toward the ceiling. “I mean I’ll be with a bunch of students and a teacher. “Nothing’s going to go wrong.”
“I don’t know, Sarah.” Lacey shook her head.
The sisters grew silent while the group finished their lunch.
“It’s not a bad idea, Sarah,” Alex said. He gave her a quick wink and then faced Lacey. “It’s probably the safest bet… I mean she’ll be with the whole class.”
Lacey sighed. “What’s your plan?”
Sarah shrugged. “I don’t know. I haven’t figured it all out yet.”
“You have to have a plan.”
“No kidding.” Sarah rolled her eyes and sighed.
Picking up her empty plate and cup, Sarah squelched her irritation with her sister. She knew Lacey was just worried about her, but she had this habit of always pointing out the obvious and it got on Sarah’s nerves. She sighed and gazed at the menu. “I’m going to throw this away, I’ll be right back.”
Her sister nodded but didn’t say anything.
Sarah returned and sat down. “I think my idea will work.” She eyed her friend, waiting to hear her opinion.
Jackie gave her a wide grin. “I do too. We’ll just have to come up with a fool proof plan. That’s all. We’re smart…we can do it.”
“I agree.”
“Have you ever been to your dad’s office?”
Sarah shrugged. “A couple of times. But I can’t remember where it is or anything like that.”
“Do you remember what floor it’s on?” Jackie asked.
Sarah glanced at the clock. “Holy cow! Lunch is almost over, guys.”
“Yeah. Everyone was in the à la carte’ line today, so it took longer than normal to get our food.” Alex stood and picked up his refuse from the table.
“I’ve got to call Scoop and tell him my plan.”
“Wait a minute,” Lacey protested. “You don’t have a plan yet.”
Sarah groaned. “No… not yet, but I’ve got an idea. Maybe Scoop can help us put it together.” She stood. “I’ll go call him. Maybe we can meet him at Hinkle’s. I’m sure he’ll want to help us. Meet me after school in front… by the parking lot.”
“Okay.” Lacey brushed her hair back and stood.
“Cool beans,” Jackie said with a grin. “Hold on and I’ll walk with you.”
“I’ll catch you later, Sarah.” Alex winked at her.
Sarah smiled at him. “I’ll see you.”
Jackie stood, grabbed her tray, and then nudged Sarah into motion. “Come on. Quit giving Alex that googley-eyed expression. You’ll scare him off.”
“Shut up.”
Jackie snickered. “Sarah’s in love…Sarah’s in love…” she chanted under her breath so only Sarah could hear.
Sarah pursed her lips
to keep the smile from breaking out on her face. “I said… shut up.”
Jackie laughed and put her arm around her friend, giving her a hug. “Don’t be embarrassed. It happens to everyone.”
Sarah giggled and gave her friend a good natured shove. “Get out of here.”
“Nope. You’re stuck with me. That’s just the way it is. You’ll have to accept your fate.”
Sarah gave Jackie her best horrified expression and then pretended to vomit. “Oh… the horror of it all.”
The girls cracked up laughing as they made their way to Sarah’s locker.
Glancing at the clock again, Sarah quickened her pace. “Come on. We’ve got to call Scoop.”
When Sarah reached her locker, she fumbled inside for her phone. Pulling it out, she glanced at the clock a second time before punching in Scoop’s number. He answered on the first ring.
“Hello?”
“Scoop?”
“Yep. It’s me.” He laughed. “Were you expecting someone else?”
Sarah giggled. “No. Of course not. Can you meet us at Hinkle’s around one thirty? I think I’ve got a plan.”
“A plan for what?”
Sarah sighed. “A plan to get into Dad’s office.”
“Oh…gotcha. Sure, I’ll meet you kids at Hinkle’s at one-thirty.”
“Awesome! See you then.”
“Bye.”
Sarah disconnected the call. “We’re on.”
“Cool beans.”
“I’ll see you after class, Jack.”
“See you then.” Her friend took off down the hall.
Sarah watched her go and smiled. Jackie’s hair bounced with the movement of her strides. No truer friend can be found. A stab of sadness invaded Sarah’s spirit. When this is all over are we going back to Walker? Her eyes misted over at the thought. She wiped them quickly and made her way to gym class.
Sarah dressed quickly, and hustled into the gym. The class was still playing volleyball.
Mrs. Anderson blew her whistle, signaling that everyone should get into position and begin. Sarah found her team and stepped into her spot. At least my brain will be occupied this hour and maybe it’ll go by fast. She took a deep breath and focused her attention on the game.
The gym teacher blew two short, shrill blasts on her whistle and Sarah almost cheered. Gym class was over. All she had to do was shower, dress, and meet everyone outside. She rushed inside to shower.
