I Am Fartacus by Mark Maciejewski

Author:Mark Maciejewski
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Aladdin

CHAPTER 13

Normally, the McQueens look happy to see me, but this Monday morning all three of them look concerned. The head McQueen tips the hat at me. “Thought you were down for the count, boyo. What with the fire and all.”

“I still might be. Mr. Mayer’s in his office waiting for me right now.” I’m actually surprised the McQueens are even willing to meet with me after the fire. It’s the kind of thing people get kicked out of school for. It could generate the wrong kind of attention for anyone caught associating with me. They deserve some reassurance for their loyalty. “I didn’t set the fire.”

The one in the hat winks. “And I don’t remember any of us asking if you did.”

I’m not sure how to respond. “Guys—”

He interrupts, “As far as we’re concerned, there’s no further discussion required. Now, I believe you said something on the phone about dealing with the Arch?”

“It has to be done before Mr. Mayer suspends me. Otherwise, no deal.” I give him my most serious look. “Can you pull off what we talked about last night?”

“Oh, we can do it,” he says. “Question is, do we want to?”

I don’t have any other options at this point. I can try to barter, but if they walk away, I’m toast.

“What’s it going to cost?”

He glances over his shoulder at one of his brothers. “One of us, I’m not gonna say which, didn’t do so hot on last week’s history test. Doesn’t reflect well on the three of us.”

I see where he’s going. “I’ve never changed a grade before. This is new territory.” It will be the McQueens’ most expensive job yet but worth every penny if it works.

“Can you do it?”

I sigh loudly. “I think so.”

He looks back over each shoulder at his brothers, then slaps a hand on my arm. “We have faith in you.” The other two nod in agreement.

I’m glad they do. I, on the other hand, am sure I’ve bitten off more than I can chew.

I run through the plan in my mind one last time to make sure I’m not forgetting anything. “Are you guys sure you can handle him? He’s not going to go along with this willingly.”

“There are three of us. I think we can handle one kid, even an oversize one.”

I reach into my bag and take out the item Sizzler gave me the day before. The hat reluctantly accepts the plastic bag and quickly hands it to one of the others. The one he gives it to wrinkles his nose and does a Why me? shrug.

“Because the Magna Carta wasn’t Caesar’s go-cart!” the hat says. That answers whose grade I would be fixing.

“Remember, it has to be done before he decides to suspend me.”

“Fair enough.” He tips the cap at me, and the other two nod. “See you in detention.” He winks as the three of them turn and go.

I walk to the principal’s office as slowly as I can. The more time the triplets have to work, the better.

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