White House White-Out by Ron Roy Read Free Book Online Page B

House looked magical. Jeff landed the helicopter on the president’s special landing pad.
    Everyone thanked Jeff, then they all followed the president to his private residence. Dink was surprised to see hisfather sitting on the sofa in the president’s living room.

    “Dad!” Dink said. “How’d you get here?”
    “President Thornton was kind enough to send a car for me,” Dink’s father said. “Lois and Mr. and Mrs. Li and I have had a nice chat about how our kids manage to get in trouble.”
    “Dad, it wasn’t our fault!” Dink said. “That crazy lady drove away while we were trying to rescue Natasha.”
    His father smiled. “I know that, son,” he said.
    Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose were all introduced to KC’s mom and Marshall’s parents.
    When everyone had found seats, KC’s mom said, “What I don’t understand is how this Jo Payne knew that Natasha was the president’s dog.”
    “Mom, Natasha’s sweater says FIRST DOG on it,” KC said. “You should know, you knitted it for her!”

    Everyone had a good laugh.
    “So I guess Jo Payne figured she could steal the dog and get some ransom money,” Dink said.
    “And the rest of us were just along for the ride,” Josh said, rubbing his sore arm.
    KC yawned. “The First Stepdaughter is tired,” she said.
    The president stood up. “I think we all need to get to bed,” he said.
    “I can’t wait to get back to the hotel,” Josh said.
    “Actually, you and Dink and Marshall will be sharing Lincoln’s bedroom tonight,” the president said. He winked at Dink’s father.
    “We’re sleeping here tonight?” Josh yelped. “In the White House?”
    “Yes, everyone is having a sleepover,”KC’s mom said. “Ruth Rose, you can share KC’s room.”

    “I brought our luggage,” Dink’s father told Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose. “Your pajamas and things are already in your rooms.”
    “Mr. Li and I will head home,” Marshall’s mother said. “I have to be up early for work.” She kissed Marshall. “Get some sleep, and no staying up all night talking.”
    The kids all shared a high five.

    • • •
    Later, just as Dink was falling asleep, Josh poked him.
    “What?” Dink asked.
    “I heard something funny,” Josh said.
    “Josh, it’s almost two in the morning,” Dink said. “I don’t want to hear any of your lame jokes.”
    “I heard something weird,” Josh insisted. “A voice out in the hall.”
    Marshall was sleeping on the sofa. “What’s going on?” he asked, sitting up.
    “Josh is hearing things,” Dink said.
    “I’m not hearing things!” Josh said. “Someone is out there!”
    “And I know who it is,” Marshall whispered. “It’s KC pulling her Lincoln’s ghost joke again.”
    “I’ll bet Ruth Rose put her up to it!” Josh said.
    Marshall slipped off the sofa and wrapped his sheet around himself. “Getyour sheets and follow me,” he whispered to Dink and Josh.

    Marshall led the two boys to a small door behind the sofa.
    “Where does this go?” Dink asked.
    “You’ll see.”
    They entered a bathroom. Marshall pointed to a tall cupboard near the bathtub. “It leads to a secret passageway.”
    He opened the cupboard, revealing a hallway. At the end was another door. “That goes to the main hall,” he whispered. “Don’t let the girls see us.”
    Marshall opened the door as quietly as he could. He stuck his head out, then motioned to Dink and Josh.
    The boys saw two figures covered in sheets. They were crouched outside the door to the Lincoln Bedroom.
    Dink saw Ruth Rose’s red sneakers sticking out from under one of the sheets.

    “Let’s get ’em!” Marshall whispered. “Cover up.”
    The three boys draped the sheets over their heads, leaving room to see where they were walking. They crept up behind the girls, waving their arms like flying ghosts.
    “Good evening,” Josh said in his deepest, spookiest voice.
    The two crouching figures jumped up. Ruth Rose screamed. KC shoved open the door to the