The Boomerang Effect by Gordon Jack

Author:Gordon Jack
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published: 2016-08-29T04:00:00+00:00

TWENTY

The library was only a few blocks away, sandwiched between the police department and an old folks’ home. I could see why Spencer’s mom okayed the venue. Having never been inside before, I was surprised how bright and bustling the place was. There were parents reading to their kids, middle schoolers playing games on computers, and a cluster of teens hanging out in the manga section, devouring the comics with a concentration I normally associate with secret agents dismantling a bomb.

I spotted Spencer sitting alone at a table in the back corner and made my way toward him. I don’t know why I had such faith that he could help me win back my reputation. It’s not like his previous plans had worked in my favor, although it wasn’t fair to blame him when I was the one who bungled his brilliant tactics. Maybe I just liked talking to him. He, Eddie, and Audrey were the only ones who didn’t judge me for being such a screwup. They listened to my problems and sincerely wanted to help me solve them. No one else in my life showed that kind of interest, except maybe Estrella, but all her advice was in Spanish and usually involved an excessive number of Hail Marys.

“Hey, Spencer,” I said.

“Lawrence,” he said, positioning his finger on the magazine page to keep his place. “I didn’t expect to see you here.”

“Watcha reading?”

Spencer held up the magazine, which was titled The Journal of American Folklore. “I’m trying to familiarize myself with the American fairy tales on display for homecoming.”

“I think you’d have better luck in the children’s section.”

“Yes, you’re probably right,” he said, closing the magazine. “But the rules governing the children’s behavior in that section of the library are fairly lax.”

“Listen, I was hoping you could help me.” I sat down across from him and explained my predicament. Spencer nodded, acknowledging that he was aware of the growing animosity toward me on campus. “I overheard a group of sophomore boys talking about deflating your car tires this morning.”

“I have to prove to everyone it wasn’t me. How can I do that?”

“You still believe the person wearing the Viking mask is Miss Cosmos?”

“I’m sure of it.”

Spencer cocked his head and thought for a moment. “Our strategy must be twofold.”

I liked how he referred to this as “our” strategy. Spencer and I were in this together.

“First, we must warn the other class presidents that their floats are in danger.”

“I can do that,” I said. “Dawn is the senior class president. Eddie can give me her phone number. I’m Facebook friends with Susie Durango, our class president. I can post something on her wall.”

“If Miss Cosmos is trying to frame you, she’ll probably leave the junior class float alone.”

“Right. That leaves the freshman class. Unfortunately, I don’t know any freshmen.”

“I am a freshman.”

“Oh, that’s right. I keep forgetting you’re not a graduate student. Who’s your class president?”

“Heidi Schwam. I know her. We can warn her now if you have a car.”

“You’re allowed to leave the library? What about your mom?”

“She’s running errands.

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