05-SECRET INFORMATION

SECRET INFORMATION I was right. Trap wasn't about to give his news away for free. He wanted to be paid. "I could use a few smackeroos," he said. "I mean, I am opening up BIG BELLY BAGELS, you know." I should have known. Trap is always looking for money. And I am his favorite mousey bank. "Here is my offer," my cousin went on. "I will give you the inside scoop on the CAT in the subway. You will publish a special edition of the paper. Of course, it will make lots and lots of money. Then we will divide up the dough: 80 percent for me, 20 percent for you." "What?! Are you crazy?" I squeaked. I

was fuming. What did I do to deserve such an obnoxious relative? He was so frustrating. He was so ANNOYING. He was enough to drive a mouse up a clock! My cousin pretended to be shocked. "Listen, Gerry Berry," he squeaked. "You're lucky I'm giving you any info at all. In fact, maybe I should just make a deal with Sally Ratmousen. I bet she'd hand over some cash to get the scoop on this CAT." I turned pale. Do you want to know why? Sally Ratmousen is my archrival. She is the owner of The Daily Rat, my paper's biggest competition!