Game Store Mystery by Gertrude Chandler Warner

Author:Gertrude Chandler Warner
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
ISBN: 9781453228944
Publisher: Albert Whitman & Company
Published: 2011-02-14T10:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 6

The Figure in the Night

On Monday morning, the Aldens put on their old clothes again and biked over to the Crossroads Mall. They were planning to do some more work on the mural.

“Hey, the sign is blank today,” Violet said as they rode into the mall parking lot.

“That’s strange,” Jessie said. “I wonder if someone took all the letters this time or if there just wasn’t a message on the sign this morning.”

The children locked their bikes at the bike rack, then headed over to the Game Spot.

A van that said SILVER’S SAFES on the side was parked in front of Lake’s Jewelry Store next to the Game Spot.

“I wonder if they’re getting a new safe at the jewelry store?” Violet said.

“I wouldn’t be surprised,” Jessie said, opening the door. “Now that there have been two robberies in this mall, other store owners are probably getting worried. They want to make sure their safes are secure.”

When the children stepped inside the store they found Queenie and Carter in the middle of a serious conversation with George Berber, the mall owner. The three of them were seated around the table.

The Aldens didn’t want to intrude, but they didn’t want to start on the mural without permission from Queenie, either. So they lingered over by the model train set.

“You’re the store owner, Queenie,” George was saying. “You tell me what you want that sign to say. As long as I’ve got the letters, you can say whatever you want to say.

Queenie glanced at Carter. “I don’t know. I like STOP IN AND SEE GREENFIELD’S NEWEST GAME STORE. I don’t need my name up there on that sign for the whole world to see.”

“Yes, but you’re trying to project an image of small-town friendliness,” Carter said. “I think STOP IN AND SAY HELLO TO QUEENIE AT THE GAME SPOT sounds so much nicer. And it’ll be good for business.”

Queenie thought about it for a moment. “Well, if you really think it’s a good idea, Carter,” she said finally. She turned to George. “Okay, go ahead and write STOP IN AND SAY HELLO TO QUEENIE AT THE GAME SPOT.”

“I’ll have to see if I’ve got enough Es left for that whole message,” George said as he rifled through his letters. “Let’s see—one, two, three, four, five, six. You’re in luck. I have just enough.”

“Oh good,” Queenie said.

George and Queenie both stood up. “I’ll get your message up right away. I just hope the letters don’t go missing as soon as the message is put up.”

Queenie said good bye to George, then walked over to the Aldens. She looked tired today.

“Hello, kids,” she said. “I’m afraid what with all the commotion yesterday I haven’t been able to get out and get you some more paint.”

“Oh, that’s okay,” Jessie said. “Would you like us to come back another time?”

“Would you mind?” Queenie asked. “Perhaps I could leave Raina in charge of the store and go out later this afternoon?”

“Would you like us to stick around in case Raina needs help while you’re gone?” Violet offered.

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