The Magician's Bird by Emily Fairlie Page A

room.
    Â Â Â Â Â Â Â  2. Or there’s a ghost. (Added by Misti Pinkerton.)
    Â Â Â Â Â Â Â  3. That someone is not Reginald.
    Â Â Â Â Â Â Â  4. Unless he was lying to LeFranco, which is possible. (Added by Bud Wallace.)
    Â Â Â Â Â Â Â  5. But not likely. (Added by Laurie Madison.)
    Â Â Â Â Â Â Â  6. CONCLUSION: We know nothing.
----
    Headline in the Morning News
    ----
    TUCKERNUCK SCHOOL JANITOR
UNCOVERS EVIDENCE OF
FOUNDER’S GUILT
    Reginald Moore, longtime janitor at Tuckernuck Hall Intermediate School, has uncovered evidence that will prove once and for all that Maria Tutweiler murdered famed magician Alphonse Marchetti many years ago. In a special press conference to be held at three o’clock today, Morning News Editor-in-Chief Walker LeFranco and Reginald Moore will appear to present this incontrovertible proof to the media and put to rest any questions about this foul woman once and for all.
----
    â€œIsn’t he the media?” Misti said the next morning when they met up outside the school. “How can he present proof to the media when he is the media?”
    Laurie shrugged. “He’s the editor-in-chief. He can do pretty much whatever he wants.” Laurie nodded toward Misti’s unbedazzled T-shirt. “Nice. How’d you get away with that?”
    Misti grinned. “Grape juice accident. I don’t think that sweatshirt’s ever going to be the same.” Misti stopped grinning. “Heads up.” Laurie looked across the lawn in time to see Calliope Judkin walk up the steps and headinside. “Bet she’s going to see Reginald.”
    Misti nodded. “Bet he’s not going to want to see her.”
    ----
    Note to Self
by Calliope Judkin
    Laurie Madison and Misti Pinkerton at school again, obviously on Reginald stakeout. What are they waiting for? Highly suspicious. Must investigate. NO DISTRACTIONS.
    EMAIL
    FROM: CANDY WINKLE
    TO: PRINCIPAL MARTIN WINKLE
    SUBJECT: Today’s Tours
    Well, Cutie Pie, it looks like we’ve got a problem. About half of the people in the afternoon tour have canceled. I can’t help but think that it’s because of that horrible LeFranco man’s article. What should we do?
    Hugs,
    Candy
    P.S. Of course that weird little man didn’t cancel.
    EMAIL
    FROM: PRINCIPAL MARTIN WINKLE
    TO: CANDY WINKLE
    SUBJECT: No need to fear
    Honey Bunny,
    I don’t think we should worry just yet. When the merchandise stops selling, then I’ll worry.
    Love,
    Your Sweet Patootie Pie
    EMAIL
    FROM: JANET DAVIS AT TUCKERNUCK HALL GIFT SHOP
    TO: PRINCIPAL MARTIN WINKLE
    SUBJECT: Merchandise sales
    Principal Winkle,
    I just thought you should know that we’ve had a rash of people returning their I HEART MARIA TUTWEILER shirts this morning and demanding refunds. I don’t know whether the fit is bad or what, but I thought you should know.
    Thanks,
    Janet in the gift shop
    EMAIL
    FROM: PRINCIPAL MARTIN WINKLE
    TO: CANDY WINKLE
    SUBJECT: Second Thoughts
    Okay, I’m worried.
----
    Laurie and Misti were sprawled on the grass when Bud hurried up, looking around anxiously.
    Laurie peered up at him. “What’s up, Bud?”
    â€œDid you guys go to the shed yet this morning?” He didn’t look at them. He scanned the horizon like he was watching for a ship or something.
    Laurie shook her head. “No. Not yet. We were waiting for you.”
    â€œWell, I went there. And this was stuck in the door.”
    Bud reached down and handed Laurie a bright orange piece of paper, and then plunked down onto the grass.
    Laurie stared down at the paper in her hands. “What do you mean, it was stuck in the door? Like, accidentally? Or on purpose?” Laurie didn’t even want to unfold the paper. The longer she went without knowing what it was, the better.
    â€œOn purpose. Wedged inside. Like someone knew we’d been going there. It’s