But then I remembered that by the time I left with my mom, Mr. Chen still hadn’t reached Rob’s parents. “Oh, but wait,” I said. “Actually, maybe they don’t know. No one was home yesterday.”

Katie

and

I

listened

to

each other

breathe.

“You’re scared,” she said.

“Am not,” I said.

“Are too, I can smell it!”

“Through the phone?”

“You think Rob’s dead!” Katie said, her voice shaking.

“Wrong,” I answered.

“My mum thinks we ought to tell them.”

“You said you didn’t tell anyone!” I shrieked. “Your mom is anyone!”

“No, she’s not,” Katie said, giggling nervously.

“Well, are Mr. Principal and Mr. Teacher anyones? Someones? No ones?”

“Oh, don’t start that again,” Katie said. “Should we tell Rob’s parents or not?”

“Not,” I said. “I definitely vote not. It’s none of our business.”

“But—”

“If Rob wanted them to know, he would’ve gone home and told them,” I insisted, although I wasn’t nearly as sure as I pretended to be.

“Think positive,” I said. “Think on the bright side: Maybe Rob was kidnapped and it’s just a bizarre coincidence that it happened on the exact same day he got in trouble at school!”

“Why do I talk to you?” Katie asked. “It’s like putting my mind in a blender.” But then she finally laughed.

Dan

Rob didn’t show up at practice and I wondered if his dad really did beat him senseless last night. Maybe he’s in the hospital. Coach didn’t say anything about anything, including about me being put on probation. Maybe he hadn’t heard. In that case, I sure wasn’t about to tell him.

After practice, I came home, scarfed down breakfast, and checked my e-mail. Sarah still hadn’t messaged me back. That snob. Gets me into trouble, then just leaves me hanging? Forget her. I’d just been trying to be friendly.

Then in the shower, I realized that Ruby was probably getting ready for her sister’s lunch thing. She’d made a big deal about how she wanted her dress to be a secret. Man, I bet she was going to look great.

I decided to surprise her. Get dressed up and just go over there in time for the party as if nothing had happened. I wished I’d bought some flowers or something, but my showing up ought to be enough. Ruby would be shocked, then happy. She’d probably give me a big hug and kiss—all forgiven.

So I got dressed, even put on regular shoes, and was heading out the door when my mom stepped in front of me and said, “Just where do you think you’re going, mister?”

“What do you mean?” I asked.