The Case of the Bug on the Run Read Online Free Page A

way,” Tessa whispered, “no one will remember he’s our dog and they’re our kittens.”
    â€œRight,” I said, “and maybe if we close our eyes, we’ll disappear.”
    In the end it was Granny who stopped Hooligan in his tracks, using one of her patented laser glares. Once our dog had been corralled, Mr. Ross, the White House staff and the lunch ladies got the jump on the kittens one by one, then began to sweep up the wreckage.
    By eight-thirty, Mom and Aunt Jen had herded the guests into the Entrance Hall so we could say good night. I made sure to apologize to the lunch ladies from Pennsylvania who had sat at our table.
    â€œOh, don’t mention it,” said one. “I’ve been working in school cafeterias for thirty years. A few domestic animals run amok are no problem.”

CHAPTER NINE
    The second Granny opened the door to say good night, Tessa and I knew we were in trouble.
    Tessa spoke first. “It wasn’t us that let the Ks out.”
    Granny crossed her arms over her chest. “It doesn’t matter who let them out. They are your pets, and you are responsible. The kittens must go, and the sooner the better.”
    There is never any point arguing with Granny.
    â€œYes, ma’am,” we said at the same time.
    Granny had been standing near the door. Now she walked toward the table that held James Madison’s tank. “After what happened this evening,” she said, “it seems funny that this is the pet I was worried about. In fact, he’s the only one that didn’t cause trouble.”
    Oh, no! In about one second, Granny would look into the tank and see that our cockroach was gone. Was it possible for us to be in more trouble?
    â€œDon’t disturb him, Granny!” Tessa said. “He needs his beauty sleep.”
    Granny looked down into the tank and frowned. “No amount of sleep would make him beautiful.”
    â€œWait,” said Tessa, “he’s there?”
    Granny looked up. “Where else would he be? Oh, no. Don’t tell me—”
    â€œOkay, we won’t,” Tessa said.
    I was afraid Granny might ask questions, but instead she checked her watch and announced, “It’s almost time for the news with Jan and Larry. They’re supposed to have a story on your visit to the zoo today, and I want to see it.”
    Angry as she was, Granny still kissed us each good night. The door closed. Then Tessa and I waited for a count of five before bouncing up, running across the room and staring down into the tank.
    James Madison was there, big as life and relaxing on a magnolia leaf.
    Tessa wagged her finger. “You are a bad, bad bug!”
    James Madison did not reply.
    Had he come back on his own? Had someone brought him back? And where had he been, anyway?
    If this really was a mystery, it was getting more mysterious.

CHAPTER TEN
    Tessa and I were too tired to stay up talking, so we turned off our lights. I was dreaming of exploding sunflowers when Mom came in.
    â€œOh, so sorry, muffins,” she said. “I didn’t realize how late it was, but—to tell you the truth—I miss you.”
    â€œThat’s okay, Mama.” Tessa yawned and switched on her lamp. “We miss you, too. Are you mad at us like everybody else is?”
    Mom sat down on the edge of Tessa’s bed. “I might be if I had the energy. But running the country has tired me out lately.”
    â€œPoor Mama. What’s the trouble?” Tessa asked.
    Mom sighed. “There’s more than one, I’m sorry to say. But here’s an example. I don’t know what to do about those miniaturized drones.”
    Tessa said, “I happen to know something about drones. They are airplanes without pilots. Does that help?”
    â€œActually, I already knew that,” Mom said.
    â€œSo then what’s the problem?” Tessa asked.
    â€œWell,” Mom said, “Mr. Schott’s top