Mystery of the Mixed-Up Zoo

Mystery of the Mixed-Up Zoo by Charles Tang Read Free Book Online Page A

Book: Mystery of the Mixed-Up Zoo by Charles Tang Read Free Book Online
Authors: Charles Tang
Tags: Ebook
down.”
    That night the children had planned a special dinner, and they were glad they had. Edward needed something to take his mind off the animals.
    As soon as they got home they began preparing meat loaf, broccoli with cheese, mashed potatoes, and apple salad, plus lemon cake for dessert.
    As the meat loaf baked, the children fixed the rest of the dinner and discussed the case.
    â€œWe didn’t see Helen Brooks today,”Violet said. “Maybe she can’t find enough information to bring before the town council. Maybe she’s given up.”

    â€œDon’t we wish,” Jessie said, chopping up the apples and celery. “But I think Helen Brooks is the kind of woman who, once an idea pops into her head, won’t let go.”
    Benny agreed. “She never smiles. I know she’s thinking of ways she can get rid of the animals!”
    Henry peeled potatoes and dropped them into boiling water. He frowned. “Just because Helen Brooks doesn’t smile doesn’t mean she’d stoop to such low tricks to close the zoo.”
    Benny set the table in the dining room. Returning, he reported, “Edward and Grandfather are playing chess again.”
    â€œGood,” Jessie said. “The game will take Edward’s mind off his problems.” She opened the oven and was pleased to see the meat loaf was nicely browned. Taking it out, she set it on a platter.
    Violet stuck a fork in the boiling broccoli and decided it was cooked just enough. She put it in a bowl and poured the cheese sauce over it.
    Henry put the mashed potatoes in a bowl while Benny poured the milk.
    â€œI think,” Jessie said, “that Mac Thatcher is acting very suspicious lately. We’ve seen him at the zoo, and he’s curious about what’s going on there. Why is he so interested?”
    â€œYou’ve got a point, Jessie,” Henry said, dishing up the mashed potatoes. “Mac’s a sourpuss all right, but he really hasn’t any reason to put the zoo out of business.”
    â€œNo,” Jessie agreed, slicing the meat loaf. “He doesn’t have as much reason as Pat. Remember what she said about buying the zoo?”
    Violet placed the steaming broccoli on the table. “I really don’t think Pat meant that.” She shrugged her shoulders. “Wanting to buy the zoo was just a passing remark.”
    Henry sprinkled dressing over the apples and celery. “We all like Pat,” he said, “but you can’t deny that she’s had the best opportunity to carry out everything that’s taken place. After all, she works at the zoo.”
    Benny’s mouth formed a big O. “So does David.”
    â€œI don’t think it could be David,” Violet said with a smile. “He’s so sweet, and you can tell he truly loves the animals.”
    â€œDinner is ready!” Jessie called.
    Grandfather and Edward seated themselves at the table. Edward rubbed his hands together when he saw the wonderful dinner the children had prepared.
    Jessie, sitting next to Grandfather, thought of the suspects. Each person they’d talked about had some reason to see the zoo shut down, but the Aldens didn’t have any proof. Whoever the guilty one was, it seemed that he or she was going to get away with being cruel to innocent animals and maybe, closing a wonderful zoo.

CHAPTER 9
    Where’s Amos?
    â€œT hat was a delicious dinner,” Edward said, leaning back and patting his stomach.
    â€œAre we going to finish our game of chess?” Grandfather asked.
    Edward pushed back his chair. “Afraid not, James. I’m too tired, and I have to be wide awake to beat you! In fact,” he said, rising and stretching, “I’m going to bed. I need to be at the zoo bright and early.” He gave them all a half smile. “I don’t know if I’ll get much sleep, though.”
    Jessie glanced at Henry. It was too bad that Edward couldn’t

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