Operation Tenley by Jennifer Gooch Hummer Read Free Book Online

her a quick smile, turned her head to back out, and drove straight into the garage.
    The door dented like a piece of toast.
    “Tenley!” Mrs. Tylwyth threw her arms up. “I just had that fixed again.”
    Tenley stepped out of the car, walked to the passenger side, and opened the door. “I’m sorry, Mom. I did really well until the door part, though.”
    A few minutes later, Mrs. Tylwyth stopped in front of the school and scribbled on Tenley’s outstretched palm. Tenley stepped out, opened the back door, and grabbed her backpack. Then she took her sash, slung it over her head, and secured it at her hip. She thanked her mom, slammed the door, and turned for school.
    Just inside the building, Mr. Frimpy’s figure loomed large, as usual. But today there was somebody next to him. Somebody tall, dark, and hot.
    “Thanks for coming, son,” Mr. Frimpy, substantially smaller than the hot guy standing next to him, said. “The gym is all set for the auditions right after third period.”
    “I sure appreciate it, Principal Frimpy.”
    The hottie shook the principal’s hand and spun around directly into Tenley. “Oops. Sorry.”
    “Cheer auditions?” Tenley asked with a bright smile. “Omigod wait!” She grabbed Mr. Frimpy’s arm. “Is Hadley Middle School holding an America’s Next Most Inspirational Teen nomination audition?” She bounced on her toes. “That’s so much better than the Community Center. You won’t be sorry, Mr. Frimpy. I’ll make you proud. I’ll make the whole school proud!”
    “No, Ms. Tylwyth.” Mr. Frimpy pulled his arm out of Tenley’s clutch. “We’re not holding ANMIT auditions.”
    She stopped bouncing. “Oh. Well for the record, I think we should.” She shifted her body so the hot guy could read her sash. “Are you an ANMIT scout?”
    Mr. Frimpy sighed. He’d have to introduce them now. “This is Dan Ringer. He’s a new senior over at Hadley High School and he’s volunteered to run the auditions here. Lucky for all of us, his father was asked to relocate.” Big smile.
    “Hello,” Dan said.
    “Hello. So, are your auditions open to anyone?” Tenley asked.
    Dan nodded. “Sure, yeah. As long as you come prepared, we’re expecting some stiff competition.”
    “G.R.E.A.T!” Tenley cheered, kicking her leg, barely missing Mr. Frimpy.
    Mr. Frimpy cleared his throat. “Miss Tylwyth, this is your twenty-ninth tardy so far this school year.”
    “Yes, Mr. Frimpy,” Tenley said. “My mom is so sorry. She lost her keys and we had to tear apart the house looking for them and then she drove right into the garage door. Again. It’s like the millionth time she’s done that. Boy, is my dad gonna be mad. And she told me to tell you to drop by the antique store anytime. New shipment today.”
    “Note?”
    “Right here.” Tenley held out her palm. Sorry Tenley is late again car accident my fault, Sylma Tylwyth was written inblack ink. Mr. Frimpy’d seen enough of the handwriting to know it was, indeed, Mrs. Tylwyth’s. “Please don’t be mad at her, Mr. Frimpy. You know she’s a really bad driver.”
    “Next time get it on paper.”
    “Sure thing.” Tenley pranced down the empty hallway, certain Dan was watching.

11
     
    Fair City
     
     
    “I can’t go to Earth .”
    Tink smiled at Pennie. “How else do you think you’re going to get your client to give up her element? Certainly not from up here?”
    Command Center was dense with Fair Force in compact cubicles. Most of their screens were monitoring important sites: the Statue of Liberty, the Golden Gate Bridge, Mount Rushmore. A few other screens seemed to be tracking individuals, while a few more were tracking large crowds.
    Tink led Pennie through another doorway to a center stage where hundreds of screens floated in and out of each other. These Fair Force sat in front of 3D hologram screens so clear that Pennie stepped over non-existent rocks and shielded her eyes from rainfall.
    “Command Center!” Tink