The Mystery of Silas Finklebean by David Baldacci, Rudy Baldacci Read Free Book Online

Freddy, the young lady does have a vivid imagination,” commented Theodore.
    “She’s a total nutcase!” cried Freddy. “Okay, let’s go, guys,” he said miserably. “We have a science competition to win.”

CHAPTER 11
    THE SCIENCE OF COMPETITION
    When the gang got outside, Freddy stopped abruptly and the others bumped into him.
    “What’s up, Freddio?” asked Si.
    Freddy pointed across the street. In front of the Patty Cakes restaurant sat a dilapidated old station wagon and next to it an even more beat-up trash truck.
    “I think that’s Harold’s dad’s truck,” said Freddy. “And that’s his mom’s station wagon.”
    As they watched, Harold’s entire family came out of the restaurant. Harold had four brothers and sisters. They were carrying big boxes filled with burgers, fries, cakes and pies, and other food. They crammed the boxes inside the station wagon and the cab of the truck. Freddy glanced over at the volcano and saw that Harold was still working on it. Harold turned and waved to his family, who waved back at him.
    “Come on, son,” said Harold’s father. “It’s time to go home.”
    Right then, Adam Spanker and his father appeared at the door of the Patty Cakes. Freddy and the gang hid behind some bushes and continued to watch.
    “He’s got some more work to do,” said Stewie Spanker. “We’ll drive him home in the Cadillac.” He looked at the Pumpernickel’s old cars in disgust. “I’m sure he’d like that a lot better.”
    “But it’s late,” said Mrs. Pumpernickel, “and he still has to do his homework.”
    “He’s a smart kid. He can do it fast,” said Adam with a snarl.
    “And remember,” said Stewie Spanker, “You should be grateful we’re giving you all that food.”
    “We are, we are,” said Mrs. Pumpernickel quickly, although her husband didn’t look very happy about it. He was a very big man with thick orange hair like Harold’s, and he wore blue overalls and heavy work gloves.
    “I want Harold home in one hour,” Mr. Pumpernickel said. “No later.” He stared down at Stewie Spanker. Then he glanced up at his son on the volcano’s frame. “Harold, you be careful up there, son, okay?”
    “Okay, Dad.”
    The Pumpernickels got in their vehicles and drove off. The Spankers immediately rushed over to Harold.
    “Okay, listen up, pumpkin head,” said Adam. “We’re running behind schedule, so you better start working harder.”
    “I’m working as hard as I can, Adam.”
    “Hey, hey, what are you forgetting?”
    Harold sighed. “I mean, Captain Spanker.”
    “You don’t want Freddy Freako to win, do you?” snapped Adam.
    “I think the person with the best project should win. That’s what’s fair.”
    Stewie Spanker roared, “Fair has nothing to do with it. Winning is everything. And don’t you forget it, you little twerp.” He turned and stomped away.
    Adam scowled at Harold. “So you just better do what you’re told or there’ll be no more food for your family. Got it?” Then he stormed off, leaving behind a very depressed Harold.
    Freddy and the gang had heard all of this.
    Theodore rubbed his chin like Alfred Funkhouser did when he was thinking hard. “So that’s why Harold is working with Adam. His family needed food.”
    Freddy looked crestfallen. “I didn’t know they were that bad off. We would have given them any food they needed.” Freddy stared over at Harold working all alone on the big volcano, and he got a very determined look on his face. “Come on, guys, we’re going to help Harold.”
    “Are you nuts?” cried Howie. “We’re in a competition, Freddy. We can’t help them win. Heck, we haven’t even
started
our project.”
    “There are some things more important than winning,” said Freddy.
    “Good grief,” complained Howie. “What kind of thinking is that?”
    Theodore smiled. “I believe one might call it the beginning of wisdom.”
    They trooped over to Harold and told him what they’d come to