Read Online Eleven and Holding by Mary Penney - Free Book Online Page B

me. You got that? I want you to try real, real hard to remember what the writing said on the van. I’ll give you ten dollars for that.”
    â€œTen bucks!” Twee elbowed her way in between Buster and me. “No way!” She looked at me, stunned, like I’d just promised the kid he could be our date for our junior prom.
    I shushed her with a look that silenced her.
    â€œYou can leave me a note over at Caffeine Nana’s, Buster. You know where that is over on Alameda?”
    He nodded, solemn, ever the good double agent.
    â€œGive it to Chuck, the owner. Tell him the note is for Macy and that I promised you a free double-chocolate mocha. He’s good for it.”
    Buster ran his tongue over his lower lip. “With alotta whipped cream?”
    â€œThe works. Now, get out of here before your mom dies of old age waiting for you.”
    Buster hurried toward his house, hooting as he mounted the porch stairs, his life suddenly more exciting than he could bear.
    I blew out a big gust and wiped the sweat off my forehead. This latest development changed everything! Twee and I traded a long, serious look, a silent conversation about our next move. Twin-speak had nothing on the two of us.
    She bobbed her head in agreement. “Cops.”
    â€œYep, let’s try Divine—” I said.
    â€œDoughnuts,” she finished. “On our way to—”
    I nodded. “The library.”

Dear Mr. Jimenez,
    The Third Thing About Me: I’m a very curious kid, so I just went by Kit Carson Middle School and looked in the window where I will have my homeroom with you. Your name was on the door. Someone forgot to lock your room, which I accidentally discovered when I turned the knob. I went and sat in the second row, fourth seat, which is where I sat in sixth grade at my old school. There is nothing but buildings outside your window. You should ask for a classroom with a better view. A kid could go crazy in there without any trees to look at.
    I will let you know when my dad finally comes home, because you should invite him to come to our class as a guest speaker. Like I said before, he is an Airborne combat hero, which is about the bravest thing you can be. He is very inspiring, and funny, too. He can do push-ups with me standing on his back. Maybe you and he could have a push-up contest! If you’re not already in shape, you better get to work on it.
    Yours very sincerely,
    Macy L. Hollinquest

CHAPTER SIX
    O fficer Marley had legs as long as a giraffe, and he kept trying to fold them under the table, but knees kept popping out everywhere. He took a giant bite into what looked like a small meat loaf but was actually a low-fat, no sugar, whole-wheat, apple-and-oat-bran muffin. What Nana called a “Why Bother? Muffin.” Might as well just eat a bale of hay, she’d say.
    He rolled his eyes upward, thinking, as he gnashed through his breakfast with large white teeth. I scooted my chair closer, trying to avoid the tangle of his legs.
    â€œMaybe they weren’t lima beans,” I said. “Could be some other kind of beans.” He dabbed at the corners of his mouth with a napkin. I stared at his hands. They were immense. His fingers had to be seven inches long. My longest was about four and a half. Ibrought them out from their usual hiding place under my legs and laid them casually on the table. Next to his, mine looked downright dainty. I could marry a man with big, giant hands like Officer Marley.
    â€œBut then, I can’t say I remember seeing any vans around here with any kind of beans detailed on them. And you don’t remember anything else about the vehicle?” He took a long swig of coffee, never taking his eyes off me.
    â€œNo, that’s all I remember, Officer. It was really stupid of me to leave my good bracelet on the van like that, but I didn’t want to lose it.” I leaned in confidentially. “I’m only supposed to wear it for dress up,