The Case of the Rock 'n' Roll Dog by Martha Freeman

stairway overlooking the foyer. “May I have your attention please?” Her voice carried above the crowd. “Due to circumstances beyond our control,it appears The Song Boys will not be performing today as scheduled.”
    What?!
    There were gasps, moans and protests. Aunt Jen let the volume drop before she continued. “In addition, I’m afraid I’m going to have to ask everyone to remain where they are for the time being.”
    â€œAre you saying we can’t leave?” somebody hollered.
    In seconds, the mood had changed from glad to angry. And, as calm as she was acting, I could see Aunt Jen was upset. “I’m terribly sorry for the inconvenience,” she said. “But I’m hopeful we may soon be able to open the dining room for refreshments.”
    The word
refreshments
made people perk up. “Why didn’t ya say so?” somebody said. The dining room doors were still closed, but a couple of boys moved in that direction.
    Aunt Jen seemed to be done talking. I whispered in Tessa’s ear, “Granny will tell us what’s going on.”
    We found her discussing
Goodnight Moon
with Mr. Brackbill under the smiling face of President Ronald Reagan—his portrait, I mean. Just like Aunt Jen, Granny was acting all calm, but I could see her eyes were on police alert.
    â€œExcuse me, Mr. Brackbill,” I said. “Could Tessa and I borrow our grandmother for just one minute?”
    Mr. Brackbill said, “No problem. I was thinking I should head toward the refreshments anyway.”
    â€œWhat is it—what’s happening?” I asked Granny when we had her alone.
    â€œAnd where are The Song Boys?” Tessa asked.
    â€œThey’re in their bus right outside the gate,” Granny said quietly. “But no one’s allowed in or out till the security breach is resolved.”
    â€œWhat security breach?” I asked.
    Granny looked to make sure no one was listening. “You remember President Alfredo-Chin was here this morning?”
    Tessa and I remembered.
    â€œShortly after he left, he realized his red cell phone was missing,” Granny said. “He says it disappeared when he was in the White House, and he thinks someone in our government stole it for the information inside. He’s threatening to create an international incident!”
    â€œWhat’s ‘international incident’?” said Tessa.
    â€œVery bad news,” said Granny.
    Tessa looked at me, and I knew what she was thinking. “Cammie—is it possible . . .”
    â€œMore than possible,” I said. “Granny, we can get that phone back.”
    â€œAnd save The Song Boys!” Tessa added.
    â€œBut we have to get upstairs,” I said.
    Granny looked at Tessa then at me. Her face was solemn, and I could see she was unsure. Then she made a decision. “That’s my granddaughters,” she said. From her pocket she took a key and pressed it into my hand. “Now act casual.”
    I said, “Yes, ma’am,” and then Tessa and I put dumb, unworried smiles on our faces and sidestepped away.
    â€œSay something ordinary,” I told Tessa, and she mumbled, “Something ordinary, something ordinary, something ordinary.”
    The key Granny had given me was the one you need on the state floor for the elevator. Its entrance is off the hallway in a little room behind a door. When we got to the door, I reached back, turned the knob and then—still mumbling and smiling—I bumped it with my rear end. A moment later, Tessa and I had slipped out of sight.
    â€œHurry!” Tessa said.
    My hand was shaking when I put the key in the lock and turned.
    The wait seemed forever.
    Finally, the doors opened, and we hustled inside.
    Mr. Bryant looked surprised. “Are you sure you girls are supposed to—?”
    â€œGranny let us,” I said, and I showed him her key.
    Mr. Bryant scratched his head.