Kidnapped at the Capital Read Online Free

breath. Then she bent over and picked up a small rock from the pile beneath the Apollo 11.
    “Thank goodness you’re here!” she said, holding out the rock. “Look, I’ve found a clue about the missing president!”
    The man’s frown turned to a look of puzzlement. He stared first at the rock in KC’s hand, then turned his eyes upward toward the two space suits.
    Which is exactly what KC hoped he would do.
    “Run!” she screamed at Marshall.
    The man reached for KC, but she dodged away. He positioned himself in front of the exit with an evil sneer on his face.
    Marshall charged right for the man, as ifhe was going to knock him over. But at the last second, Marshall flung himself down like a kid sliding into second base. He slid across the floor, slipping right between the man’s long legs. When the man whirled around, KC darted past him.
    KC and Marshall dashed down the stairs and out into the crowded main room.
    “This way!” KC said, running over to a group of kids. She and Marshall wiggled to the front, right next to one of the chaperones.
    Safe for now, KC caught her breath. She was still holding the rock, so she slipped it into her pocket. Cautiously, she looked over her shoulder.
    The man glared back at her. His face was red and his eyes flashed with anger.She saw him start walking toward the school group.

    KC forced herself to stay calm and think. He wouldn’t dare grab two kids in front of all these people, would he?
    She decided he would. He’d just say that these children had stolen a moon rock from the Apollo exhibit. Then he’d take her and Marshall away and …
    KC felt herself begin to panic. The man was coming closer. Should she yell out that this guy had kidnapped the president and hidden him in a space suit?
    KC realized that nobody would believe her. They’d laugh or think she was lying to get out of trouble.
    Marshall tugged on her arm. “KC, that guy’s getting closer! What are we gonna do?”
    KC made a decision. “We have to split up,” she whispered, slipping Marshall the phone number. “You call the president. Tell him we found my mom and Casey. I’ll try to get that guy to follow me.”
    Marshall hesitated. “Okay. Be careful, KC.”
    “I will,” KC said. “Tell the president to send the SWAT team!” Then KC turned to the group’s chaperone.
    “Excuse me!” she said loudly. Out of the corner of her eye, KC saw the janitor stop and watch her. “Would you please take me to the bathroom?” she asked the chaperone.
    The woman looked puzzled. “You’re not part of my group, are you?” she asked.
    “I know,” KC said. “I lost my group, and I really have to go!”
    “Of course I’ll take you,” the chaperone said. “It’s this way.” She took KC’s hand and they headed away from the group.
    KC glanced over her shoulder. Yes! The man was following her, not Marshall. She shuddered. He reminded her of a lion stalking its prey.
    The chaperone paused in front of the bathrooms. Before KC could thank her and dash inside, the man put his hand on her shoulder.
    “I’m sorry,” he said to the chaperone. “This girl stole something from the Apollo exhibit.” He held out his large hand. “May I have it, please?”
    KC gulped and looked down. The rock she had picked up made a bulge in her pocket. She slowly took it out and gave it to the man.
    The kind chaperone was staring at her. KC felt her face turn red.
    “Now, if you’ll come with me,” the man said, “I’m taking you to security.”
    “Is that necessary?” the chaperone asked, smiling at the fake janitor. “She’s returned the rock.”
    The man glared at the woman. “Stealing moon rocks is a federal offense!” he said. He put his hand on KC’s shoulder and led her away.
    “Where are you taking me?” KC demanded.
    “Quiet,” the man said. His hand felt as if it were burning KC’s shoulder.
    They came to the Apollo exhibit. The wet floor sign was gone, and the door was closed. The man pulled a key