15 SECRET WEAPON

CHAPTER 15 SECRET WEAPON AAAAAAAAH!" The heavy coaster car flew through the air, over the Rock-a-bye Cradle ride... PLOOOMP! and bounced on a giant white cushion. Alexander opened his eyes. His arms were still tied, but he was alive. "Hey—soft landing!" he said. "I never thought I'd say this," Rip said. "But I'm glad we're at Safety Land." Nikki looked around. "But where did the monster go?"

"I'm out of here!" said Dottie. She ran and hid behind a cotton-candy cart. Rip pulled Alexander to his feet. "Let's finally get you untied, Salamander, before SCRITCMA-SCRITCHA-SCRITCH!!! The crab creature skittered into view. "All right kids—chop-chop!" he said. "Run!" said Nikki. The S.S.M.P. ran to the nearest ride—the teacups. Rip and Nikki dove into a pink teacup, and Alexander flopped into a yellow one. They all ducked down to hide. The crab-ra cadabra stepped onto the ride. His massive shell brushed against the ride's controls. The teacups began to spin around slowly. "Oh, goodie!" the monster shouted. "A game!" He swung his claw down hard...

...shattering a purple teacup. "Nobody there!" said the crab-ra cadabra. "I'll try again!" The monster smashed another teacup. There were just two left. Alexander peeked over the brim of his cup. The monster held his claw high above Rip and Nikki's cup. Alexander popped up and shouted, "Stop! Don't hurt them! Take me, but leave my friends alone." "How about we make a deal?" asked the monster. "Hand over your secret weapon, and I'll let you all go." "Secret weapon?" said Alexander.

The monster rolled his beady eyes. "You know! The notebook! The boss-monster wants me to bring it to her. Then the S.S.M.P. will no longer have the upper claw—I mean, hand." Huh? The monsters know about the notebook?! thought Alexander. "Hand it over NOW!" yelled the crab. Alexander saw Rip and Nikki peeking out of their teacup. They shook their heads no. The crab-ra cadabra raised his claw higher. Alexander wobbled out of his cup. "You win." The monster lowered his claw. "Good move, kid," he said. "Now I'll cut your arms free so you can hand over the notebook." SNIP! The claw shredded the scarves. Alexander shook the numbness from his arms. Then he opened his backpack, pulled out the notebook, and handed it to the monster.