Page 42 of Bookworm

A laugh. "Yeah, right. Bet the other guy looks worse. Iceman is cold, on and offthe field. He'd never go down without a fight."

Scarlett gave me a wide-eyed look, mouthed "Wow," then walked off to her first class.

I had to agree.

The rumors were wide-ranging, but none of their guesses were anywhere near the truth.

While I watched, the book on top of Bo's stack wobbled, and he had to scramble to right the pile before walking on. Naturally, I thought. His dominant hand was out of commission.

Taking out a notepad, I quickly wrote.

1)Carry books.

That was an easy one.

Now, I just had to follow Bo all day without him realizing and figure out more places and ways I could be of assistance.

Let the research begin.

CHAPTER 8

It turned out I was an excellent sleuth.

Even though I kept tabs on Bo during school, he didn't seem to suspect a thing. There were a few times when he glanced over his shoulder—but I simply ducked around a corner or, when a hiding spot wasn't present, I laughed out loud and pretended to be talking to someone.

Not gonna lie.

I got a lot of strange looks.

But that was fine because my plan had produced results.

Bo's class schedule was different than mine. We only had the one class and lunch together. However, with the help ofMs. Deidre, the school's office assistant who loved me and my sister like we were her own, I was able to request Bo's schedule.

"Of course! Anything for you, Lottie," she'd said with a smile. "How's your dad doing?"

"He's good, Ms. Deidre. I'll tell him you said hi."

She nodded. "I still remember whenLeo and his brotherswent here. They basicallyran the school.They were loveable but a bit rowdy. Notpicture-perfect students like you and your sister, Scarlett."

I shot her a wink. "You should see us at the Kent family reunions.It can get a little crazy."

"I'll bet you all have a good time."

"We do—though I'm not a big fan of playing violinin public," I said. "But I also love it because the music gives me an excuse to catch up with my cousins."

"You're a sweetheart, Lottie," she said then tapped the paper that came out of the printer with Bo's schedule. "Now, what did you say you need this for again?"

"Bo's injured, so I'm going to help him until he's better," I explained.

"Uh-huh. And the school nurse told you to do this?"

I shrugged, giving her my best and brightest of-course-you-can-trust-me smile.

"You're not spying on another student are you?" she asked.

I swallowed, not wanting to lie to her but also knowing that schedule would help me a lot. "Well…I…um…"

Deidre justlaughed. "I'm kidding, dear. Here you go."

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