Free Kelsey the Spy by Linda J Singleton Page A

helped.”
    â€œIt matters,” Becca says miserably. “I hate myself for wimping out, and you probably hate me too.”
    â€œNo, I don’t.” I stop in the middle of the hall, kids moving around us, and lower my voice. “But why didn’t you stick up for me?”
    â€œI tried to.” Her lower lip trembles. “When I got my own paper, I thought Tyla would return your notebook. But she didn’t, and the more you both argued, the more nervous I got. I didn’t want to choose between friends.”
    â€œSometimes you have to,” I say harshly. “I didn’t expect Chloe or Sophia to defend me, but you and I are in the CCSC together.”
    â€œI panic when people argue. I’m not used to it. Even when my parents were splitting up, they never argued—at least not in front of me. I want everyone to like each other.”
    â€œYou want everyone to like you ,” I accuse.
    â€œWhat’s wrong with that? I try to find good in everyone. Even mean people have some reason why they act mean.”
    â€œLike Skeet.” I remember the bully who had a crush on Becca until he moved away. “He was a total jerk.”
    â€œNot to me because I tried to understand him. He had it rough at home and no adults to help him with his anger issues.”
    â€œSo what’s Tyla’s excuse?” I say.
    â€œShe’s insecure—that’s why she pretends to be perfect. But understanding her motives doesn’t mean I forgive her. She was horrible to you.”
    â€œWorse than horrible.” I shudder over the memory of my notebook in Tyla’s hands. “I don’t want to be part of any group that she’s part of—even temporarily.”
    â€œIt’s only until the fund-raiser on Saturday. Please don’t quit,” Becca begs. “I’ll tell Tyla she needs to apologize to you.”
    I arch my brow. “You’ll stand up to her?”
    â€œYes. I swear on my kitten and all the animals in Wild Oaks and the CCSC,” Becca promises. But I doubt she’ll do it.
    Still, we slip in the familiar rhythm of talking about random stuff like animals, clothes, and homework as we walk to our lockers. I’m complaining about my English homework (reading two chapters and writing an essay question) when I stare at my locker.
    Right away, I get this weird vibe. Something’s not right.
    I swivel my head to look around the hall. Is someone spying on me? But I don’t see anyone suspicious. Shrugging it off, I reach for my locker. As my fingers touch the lock, the metal door sags open.
    â€œI know I shut it.” I frown at Becca.
    â€œNot tight enough,” she says with a shrug.
    â€œBut I locked it, then slammed it shut.”
    A horrible thought jumps into my head.
    I yank the door open wide. I pull out papers, textbooks, a brush, and my sweater, frantically searching—until nothing is left in my locker.
    My notebook of secrets is gone.

- Chapter 11 -
    A New Mystery
    â€œSomeone stole my notebook!” I frantically peer around but know it’s no use. Whoever broke into my locker is long gone.
    â€œI thought your notebook was in your backpack,” Becca says.
    â€œI didn’t want anyone to take it again so I hid it beneath my sweater.” I shake out my sweater and only a loose button dangles. “It’s gone—and I know who took it.”
    â€œDon’t jump to conclusions,” Becca warns.
    I ball up my sweater and toss it back into my locker. “We both know it was Tyla.”
    â€œNot for sure.” She bends closer to look at my locker. “Your lock isn’t broken. The thief knew your combination.”
    â€œOr had access to the office where all the locker combinations are on file,” I point out. “Doesn’t Tyla help out in the office during sixth period?”
    â€œWell … yeah. But that doesn’t mean she stole your