Read Online Ear-Witness by Mary Ann Scott - Free Book Online

clutching-her-elbows-with-her-opposite-hands cow. Not about Carlos and me, because you can’t get all upset about something you don’t even know about. What got her going was me being in Tammi’s apartment and the killer coming back. Not that I blamed her — it got me going too.
    â€œThat’s it,” she roared. “No more babysitting!”
    She hadn’t been that upset since she and my father had their big fight when I was twelve. “No more babysitting?” I said. “What am I supposed to do for spending money?”
    â€œUse your head, less. No more babysitting for Tammi. Oh, I feel so guilty! I should never have let you go, never! You could have been k-k-killed!”
    Mom was so nice sometimes, but I wished she wouldn’t bawl, it made me feel guilty, like everything was my fault. I put my arm around her. “You couldn’t have known,” I said.

CHAPTER 8
    When I passed the Orellanas’ door the next morning, I heard Flavia and Carlos inside getting ready for school, but I couldn’t wait for them. I had an appointment with the principal. I was jogging along Jameson, paying no attention to anyone, when I almost bumped into the tall skinny back of Jon Bell. As usual, he was alone.
    â€œHey, Jess!” he called, as I sprinted by him. “What’s the rush?”
    I checked my watch, and slowed down. “Mrs. Carelli,” I said. “Can’t keep her waiting.”
    â€œOh oh.”
    â€œNo, it’s not like that. And she’s really nice.”
    â€œSo if you aren’t in trouble, what’s ... or am I being too nosy?”
    â€œIt’s sort of embarrassing,” I said. “I’m reporting someone for harassing me.”
    â€œThe Roach?”
    My mouth dropped open. “How did you know?”
    â€œI heard him the day you did your book report in English. I followed you into the hall. I wanted to say something, but you took off, so ... I didn’t. What he said to you was complete garbage. I mean, you’re not heavy at all. You look just right to me.”
    How do you answer someone who says you’re not fat when you
know
you are? “Uh, thanks,” I said.
    â€œYou’re on your way to report him now? This minute?”
    I nodded.
    â€œDo you want me to come? It might help. I heard everything he said.”
    I looked up at him, eyeball to eyeball, even though I had to stretch my neck to do it. “Wow!” I said. “Great!” I checked my watch again. “We’re a few minutes early. Do you want to stay outside?”
    â€œSure.”
    We found an empty bench by the day-care playground. When Jon sat, his knees folded up just like a grasshopper’s. I slipped my knapsack off my shoulder, and leaned back, tilting my head to catch the sun. I was wearing tights, and a short skirt. I have nice legs. I crossed them.
    â€œHow come you know Mrs. Carelli?” he said. “Have you reported the Roach before?”
    â€œNo. I was in her office on the day of the murder, when a cop came to ask me to make a statement.” I looked at his face as we talked. One of the nice things about Jon is that he never tries to be cool. I uncrossed my legs and tucked them under the bench.
    â€œWhat murder?” he said. “The one a couple of weeks ago over on Telrose?”
    I nodded. “It was in the apartment underneath us. The whole thing’s pretty weird.”
    â€œHey!” he said. “Could we talk about it sometime? I’m really interested in stuff like that.” Then he frowned. “Unless it makes you feel bad? I don’t want to make it seem like a joke.”
    I looked at him some more. “No, that would be good,” I said. I almost mentioned Flavia and Carlos, and Kelly, but I didn’t. Flavia and Carlos were too weird about the cops, and Kelly hardly even had time for me any more.
    â€œHey, it’s time to go,” I said. “I