8 SMASHY-SMASHY

CHAPTER 8 SMASHY- SMASHY Alexander spent the morning crossing things off his to-do list. He finished by copying the programs.

By the time he made it downstairs, lunch was almost over. "Salamander!" said Nikki. "Where have you been?" "Running around," said Alexander. "Listen I need you both to skip recess. I know how to get into the UPSTAIRS BASEMENT." Nikki gasped. But Rip was staring off into space.

BRINNGGG!! The recess bell rang. Students began leaving the cafeteria. Nikki put a hand on Alexander's shoulder. "Whatever you need, Salamander." Alexander smiled, and then turned to Rip. Rip blinked. "Huh?! Sorry those clicks are driving me nuts. WAIT! Skip recess?! Ugh... okay, but this had better be worth it." "Great, let's go!" said Alexander. The S.S.M.P. double- timed it to the thirteenth floor.

Mr. Hoarsely paced outside the UPSTAIRS BASEMENT, near a steaming bucket of spaghetti. "Mr. Hoarsely!" Alexander shouted. "Eep! What are you three doing here?!" Mr. Hoarsely asked. "Ms. Vanderpants isn't going to like this!"

Alexander stepped forward and whispered, "Why don't you let us feed the monster for you?" Mr. Hoarsely's eyebrows shot up. "You know about... it?" he asked. Alexander nodded. "And we know you don't want to feed it. Just give us the keys so you can stay out here in this nice, safe hallway." Mr. Hoarsely's knees began to knock. "No! It's too dangerous! And besides, Ms. Vanderpants would fire me!" He ran down the hall, keys jangling. "Wait! So what's IT?" Nikki asked Alexander. "Is there a monster in there?" "The BOSS-monster?" Rip added. "We won't know until we bust in," Alexander said.

"But how?" asked Nikki. "That door has FIVE locks!" Rip smiled. "I have an idea, guys." He turned to Nikki. "Hey, jampire. Give me, um... eleven gummies." "No way, Rip! You'll turn into a— ooooohhh! Good idea!" said Nikki. "Here you go!" Nikki tossed him a fistful of gummy worms. Rip swallowed the gummies. CRAAAAWRRRR! Monster-Rip lowered his horns and charged at the heavy stone door.