Read Online The Case of the Bug on the Run by Martha Freeman - Free Book Online

The lid was still on top, but was James Madison inside?
    I had to stare for a moment, but then a couple of twigs rustled and finally two curious black antennae appeared.
    By this time, Nate, Tessa and Lily were standing beside me. “Do you think he’s okay?” Tessa asked.
    I caught my breath before answering. “Why, of course, dear sister,” I said, sounding exactly normal. “Our pet is perfectly fine.”
    â€œBut what about the spy—” Tessa started to ask, but then she interrupted herself. “Never mind. Uh, Cameron? Our pet has had such a stressful day. Maybehe would feel better if he could listen to that calming waterfall sound from his childhood?”
    â€œGood idea,” I said, and together we carried the tank into the bathroom and turned on the water.
    â€œNate says you guys kwazy,” Lily said when we came out again.
    â€œBecause they are,” said Nate.
    â€œBut now we can talk without the bug listening,” I said. “Someone came in, set off the doggy alarm and ran away. Was it the spy?”
    â€œOr maybe just Mrs. Hedges,” said Nate.
    â€œWhy would Hooligan howl at Mrs. Hedges?” Tessa asked. “And even if he did, she wouldn’t run away. She’s not afraid of Hooligan.”
    I looked down at our dog, who was sitting beside me looking up hopefully, expecting his doggy reward. Unfortunately, I was fresh out. “Sorry, puppy,” I said.
    â€œGive him a pretzel,” said Tessa.
    â€œWho says I’ve got a pretzel?” I asked.
    â€œPretzuh?” said Lily.
    â€œYou have them in your secret snack stash,” said Nate.
    Hooligan woofed hopefully.
    â€œOh, fine.” I went to my dresser and opened my underwear drawer.
    â€œYou know, Cammie, we’ve been working hard, too,” said Tessa.
    Lily nodded. “Vewy hawd.”
    I passed around my last bag of pretzels. We werecrunching when we heard Mrs. Verity’s voice from the Center Hall. “Lily?”
    â€œWe’re in here!” Tessa answered.
    Mrs. Verity appeared in our doorway. She was dressed all glamorous in a clingy gold gown. Her blond hair was pinned up. She had on a lot of eye shadow.
    â€œWow, you look like a Barbie!” said Tessa.
    â€œThanks . . . I think,” said Mrs. Verity.
    â€œDid you find Mr. Verity?” Tessa asked.
    â€œMax is working on it for me,” Mrs. Verity said. Then she looked down at Lily. “Did you do anything fun with the big kids, sweet pea?”
    â€œEat pretzuhs and talk ’bout spies,” Lily said.
    Mrs. Verity winked at us. “Spies and pretzels? Well, isn’t that nice? Come along now. Kids, I can’t thank you enough.”
    When they were gone, Tessa, Nate and I looked at each other. Spies? Uh-oh. Maybe talking in front of a little kid hadn’t been such a good idea.

CHAPTER TWENTY - FOUR
    There was still an hour before dinner. If we hurried, we could squeeze in one more round of detecting. I told Nate and Tessa my plan.
    â€œWait—I have to take the bug?” Nate said.
    â€œYou don’t even have to touch him,” I said.
    We retrieved James Madison from the bathroom and put him in his mobile home. I handed the mobile home to Nate. He held it at arm’s length like our cockroach had cooties or something.
    James Madison hissed.
    â€œDon’t take it personally,” Tessa told Nate.
    When they were gone, Tessa turned to me. “What next, Cammie?”
    â€œI’m going to find Mr. Bryant and give Hooligan back. Then you and I are going to interview Mr. Schott—provided we can find him, that is.”
    What I told Tessa was true, but there was something I didn’t mention. I wanted Granny’s advice. I found her with Mr. Bryant in the Queens’ Sitting Room.Along with the Queens’ Bedroom, it’s basically Granny’s apartment. They’re at the east end of the second floor. The sitting room