Free Kelsey the Spy by Linda J Singleton Page B

notebook.”
    â€œAccording to the book, Criminals and Crimes , when someone has motive, opportunity, and means, they’re the prime suspect. Check the guilty box by Tyla’s name.” I make a check mark in the air with my finger. “She wanted my notebook: motive . She works in office during sixth period, which gives her free rein of the school: opportunity . And when she doesn’t get her way she’s mean .”
    My gut twists as I imagine Tyla reading my notebook and laughing over secrets that might seem funny to her but can hurt other people.
    So many secrets—and Tyla could expose them all!
    I cover my face with my hands. “What am I going to do?”
    â€œI’ll help you find your notebook.” Becca puts her arm around me. “If Tyla has it, I’ll get it back for you.”
    â€œShe’s probably reading the secrets right now.” I sag against my locker. “Tyla will blab to the whole world. I’ll turn on the TV news tonight and see Tyla’s smug face telling a reporter about a British actor named Reggie who helped his sister steal their father’s grandfather clock and hide it in our Skunk Shack.”
    â€œNot if I get to Tyla first.” Becca presses her lips with determination. “She rides the bus home, so she’ll be waiting in front of the school. I’ll go right now.”
    â€œI’ll go with you,” I say.
    â€œNo.” Becca wags her finger at me. “You’ll only argue with her.”
    â€œI want to stomp on her like a bug and grind her into the ground until there’s nothing left but bone ash and a bad smell.”
    â€œMy point exactly. Wait for me at the Skunk Shack. Leo’s probably there already, wondering what’s taking us so long. I’ll join you as soon as I can.” She smiles confidently. “With your notebook.”
    Minutes later, I’m riding my bike up steep Wild Road. My brain whirls with my bike wheels. Becca will get the notebook , I think over and over, hoping it’s true. But what if the secrets have already leaked into the world?
    Thirty-eight secrets, beginning with that fateful sleepover. I didn’t tell Becca which friend invited me to that sleepover, but it’s easy to guess it was Ann Marie. While her parents’ divorce is a non-secret after all these years, only a few people know her parents told her at Disneyland, and rehashing that horrible time would be upsetting.
    Other secrets are more explosive: Leo’s real age, the drama teacher’s romance with a rock star, and how Sophia got a leading role in the school play. Also, Tyla will be furious if she realizes I know where she really gets her expensive clothes and that Chloe calls her “Tyrant Tyla” behind her back.
    What will Tyla do with all the secrets?
    I turn into the wooded trail leading to the Skunk Shack. The trail used to be bumpy and overgrown, but since we’ve been using it to get to our clubhouse, the trail has smoothed out. It’s peaceful in the woods with birds fluttering and chirping from high branches and slivers of sunlight shining on spring grass. I’m always a little surprised at how well the shack is hidden. Only a glint from the window hints that it’s hidden beneath an umbrella of trees.
    I park my bike by the table-sized stump Becca loves to sit on. Leo’s mechanical gyro-board is propped nearby, and his vest is folded neatly on the stump. Why did he leave his vest outside?
    Curious, I go inside the shack, but he’s not there.
    Bang! Thud!
    I look up at the ceiling, my first thought full of panic as I envision a wild animal attack. But then I realize it must be Leo.
    I run back outside and look up at the roof.
    â€œLeo, what are you doing up there?” I call out.
    His blond head peeks over the roof’s edge. “Accessing solar energy through enhanced elevation.”
    â€œHuh?” I rub my forehead. “Can’t you just