Nanny X by Madelyn Rosenberg

Author:Madelyn Rosenberg
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Holiday House
Published: 2014-10-15T16:00:00+00:00

11. Alison

Nanny X Eavesdrops

Apparently Nanny X has the shopping skills of a rabbit, or maybe a harbor seal, because no human being would want the food she bought. Still, I followed her to Mr. Strathmore’s office at the Chamber of Commerce, which was a tall, thin, brick building squashed between Colliton’s Bike Shop and Robinson Funeral Home.

Since he’d been onstage looking at the crowd (until he started fighting with the anti-factory lady and the mayor got hit), Nanny X thought Mr. Strathmore might have seen something. It was pretty clear to me the only thing he saw was dollar signs.

He was sitting in his office, still dressed in his suit. But he wasn’t alone. A man was in there with him.

The man wore a Hawaiian shirt, and he smelled like he’d taken a bath in suntan lotion. His eyes were small and beady, like Jason Geddy’s hamster’s.

He was short but he had big hands, and one of those hands was holding a tall glass of something. You didn’t have to be a special agent to figure out that it was a coconut smoothie.

“Good afternoon,” said Nanny X, not flashing her badge for once. “We are concerned citizens who were at the rally this afternoon.”

“I’m sorry, miss, this is a private meeting,” said Mr. Strathmore, who was also drinking a smoothie.

“So polite,” Nanny X said to us. “You see, children? Good manners are important when you deal with the public.” She turned back to Mr. Strathmore. “Excuse me, but we won’t take up much of your time. We hoped you could tell us some more about that interesting company that wants to set up shop here.” She turned to the Hawaiian-shirt man. “Or perhaps you could tell us?”

The man grinned at Nanny X, showing off a mouthful of perfect teeth. “Who, me?” he said. “It could be that I’m just a concerned citizen like yourself, trying to make sure that Lovett is open for business. It’s business that rules the world, you know.”

“Business that drives the economy,” agreed Mr. Strathmore.

“Business that gives you power,” said the stranger. “Business that is king!” He laughed. “We’re sure you’ll see it our way, once we replace the park with a factory and a small airstrip. All kids love airplanes.”

“But there are two airports nearby already,” Nanny X said. “And the noise—”

“—will be the noise of progress!” said Mr. Strathmore. “Now, I’m sorry, but you really must go. Like I said, this meeting is private. You’ll have to make an appointment.” He shut the door, but we could still hear them talking. Part of it sounded like “blah, blah, blah,” but we distinctly heard the words “Listen, Big Adam.”

The man in the Hawaiian shirt was Big Adam. Something told me that Nanny X knew all along.

“You don’t have any drinking glasses in that diaper bag, do you?” I asked her.

“Are you thirsty?”

I was, but that wasn’t the point. “For listening. I’ve tried it; it really works.” I didn’t mention that I’d tried it on my parents when I was trying to find out more about our nanny situation.

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