Free The Red Slippers by Carolyn Keene Page A

he or she would use this opportunity to steal her lucky ballet shoes. All I needed to do was catch him or her in the act.
    My back ached from being curled up under the seat. It felt like I’d been in this position for hours, but I knew it was closer to ten minutes. My dad, a famous attorney in River Heights, had taught me that willpower is never enough; you have to help yourself succeed. If I dwelled on how much I wanted to move, I’d be doomed. I started reciting the capitals of all the states in my head for distraction.
    I was trying to remember the capital of South Dakota when I heard the door to the theater open. I held my breath. I couldn’t see who it was, but I didn’t dare risk being seen by popping my head up. It wouldn’t be definitive proof unless I caught the culprit holding the ballet shoes. I heard the intruder slowly tiptoe down the center aisle toward the piano bench.
    Then there was a long pause. I was desperate to know what was happening, but I forced myself to wait. Finally I heard the piano bench creak loudly.
    That was my cue. I sprang to my feet, my knees protesting in pain after being curled up on the floor for so long.
    I spun around. Leaning over the piano bench, ballet shoes in hand, was Fiona!

CHAPTER NINE

A Surprising Discovery
    â€œSTOP RIGHT THERE,” I SAID. I knew that as soon as everyone realized there wasn’t actually a fire, they’d come streaming back into the theater.
    â€œW-what are you doing in here?” Fiona stammered.
    â€œMaggie asked me to investigate who was harassing her, and I just caught you in the act.”
    Fiona snorted. “That’s so Maggie. You play a few pranks and she calls in a private detective. God, she is such a drama queen.”
    â€œI’d say someone trying to ruin her opportunity to dance in front of Oscar and steal her big break warrants some extreme measures,” I said pointedly.
    â€œYou think I’m trying to dance in front of Oscar?” Fiona asked, horrified.
    â€œWhy else would you be harassing her” I asked.
    â€œI wanted to dance some performances on this tour, so sure, I took her wig that one time and set up some fake wake-up calls, but I would die if I had to dance tonight. Oscar would eat me alive. I don’t need to read about how not talented I am!”
    â€œThen why did you install that app on her phone that made her late? You knew Jamison was going to bench her!” I countered.
    â€œI didn’t do that,” Fiona said. “I admit that I always enjoy seeing Jamison yell at her, but I can barely figure out how to put a filter on a photo. I wouldn’t even know what app to download to do what you’re talking about.”
    Just then the door opened and dancers came pouring in, Jamison leading the way. He reminded me of the Pied Piper leading the children out of Hamelin.
    â€œEveryone, back to your places!” he yelled. “We have wasted enough time.”
    Maggie, Bess, and George rushed over to Fiona and me.
    â€œAll right!” George cheered. “Your trap worked!”
    I looked at Fiona, suddenly doubtful I had caught the right somebody.
    Before I could say anything, though, Maggie snatched her shoes out of Fiona’s hands. She looked so angry, I was worried she might slap Fiona.
    â€œYou’re going to pay for this,” Maggie hissed.
    â€œI’m sorry I played some jokes on you, even though, really, you should be thanking me. You’ll be hazed way worse when you join a professional company. I toughened you up, but whatever. I swear I’m not trying to ruin your performance for Oscar tonight.”
    â€œThen why did you sneak in here during the fire alarm to take Maggie’s lucky shoes?” I asked.
    Fiona looked around to make sure no one was watching, then leaned in closer.
    â€œI wasn’t trying to take the shoes. They were just in the way. I was trying to take this.”
    She reached into the piano bench