Free Hockey Mystery by Gertrude Chandler Warner

on to Scott’s office. Henry and Jessie reached the doorway first. They heard him on the phone. “Yes, that’s right. I want the whole seating area around the rink refinished. And the lobby, too. The place will be as good as new—better than new.”
    Kevin poked his head into the office. Scott waved and mouthed that he’d be off the phone soon.
    Kevin motioned for the children to wait outside until Scott had finished his call and then started to walk away. They could hear Scott saying, “In a couple of months? Great—I can’t wait to see it! I can’t wait until everyone in Greenfield sees it!”
    Suddenly Henry looked at Jessie, his eyes wide. “Do you think Scott could be—”
    “The one who’s been causing all the trouble?” Jessie said, finishing her brother’s sentence.
    Henry nodded and caught up with Kevin.
    “Coach, before we talk to Scott, could we talk to you for a minute in your office?” Jessie said.
    Kevin looked at the children for a moment, wondering what they needed to talk to him about. “Sure,” he said.
    As soon as they were all in Kevin’s office, Henry shut the door behind them.
    “Coach,” Jessie began, “we’ve noticed some strange things going on ever since you came to Greenfield. We think someone’s been trying to stop you from building the rink.”
    “You mean by doing things like ruining the architect’s plans?” Kevin asked.
    “Yes, and causing trouble for you so the town council would think you were disorganized—like stealing the orange cones and hockey stick,” Jessie added.
    Kevin nodded slowly.
    “We think it may be Mr. Kaplan,” said Violet.
    “Scott?” Kevin said. “But why?”
    “He’s probably worried about the new rink taking too much business away from this rink,” Henry said.
    “But he’s not even going to be here,” said Kevin. “He’s moving to Florida.”
    “Maybe that’s just what he wants us to think,” Jessie said. “But did you hear what he said on the phone just now? He’s planning on redoing the whole rink. He said it would take a few months.”
    “That doesn’t sound like the kind of thing someone would do if they were moving away,” said Henry.
    Kevin shook his head slowly. “No, it doesn’t.”
    Just then, Scott came into Kevin’s office. “Congratulations! Great game!”
    “Thanks,” said Kevin. “Er, Scott ... there’s something I want to ask you. Are you moving to Florida?”
    “Yes, I am,” Scott said. “I’ll be out of here in a few weeks.”
    “So you’re not worried about my building a new rink?” Kevin went on.
    “No—no,” Scott said. He sounded tense.
    “That will be someone else’s problem after I’m gone.” He laughed nervously.
    “Then why are you planning on redoing the whole rink over the next few months?” Kevin asked.
    Scott looked around at the Aldens. “So you heard what I was saying on the phone?”
    “Yes,” Kevin said, his voice serious. “You’re the one who ruined the architect’s plans, aren’t you?”
    Scott sank down in a chair, his head in his hands. After a moment he looked up and nodded slowly, his face pale and grim.
    “And you took the cones, and the hockey stick, too?” Kevin went on.
    “Yes,” Scott said quietly.
    “But why?” Kevin asked.
    Scott sighed. “I love this place—it’s my whole life. If you build that new rink, who’s going to want to come to this old place anymore? I’ll be forced to close.”
    “But if you weren’t really planning on moving, how come we saw a brochure about Florida in your office?” asked Benny.
    “I thought about moving, but I can’t do it.” Scott took a deep breath. “I know what I did was wrong, but I just couldn’t help it.”

    Just then Tracey appeared in the doorway. “I have an idea that may help both rinks.”
    “Tracey—” Scott said.
    “Yes, I heard what you were talking about,” Tracey said. “I’m shocked at what you did, Scott, but I understand how you feel. With all this interest in