8. Darlene to the Rescue

Chapter 8 Darlene to the Rescue "Hypo could live anywhere, even California," Nate said. "But he might be staying in Green Lawn for a while," Lucy said. "Last night he told us he grew up here." "Wait, he said he used to work at the Shangri-la Hotel," Brian said. "So maybe he's staying there!"

"Excellent, Bri," Bradley said. "Let's go!" He woke up Pal and snapped on his leash. The four kids hurried downstairs and through the kitchen. No one was around. Bradley heard laughter coming from the living room. They fast-walked through the high school playing fields, toward Main Street. Pal barked at the swans as they passed the pond. Five minutes later they entered the lobby of the hotel. Mr. Linkletter was standing behind the counter. He smiled when he saw the kids, but shook his head at Pal. "No doggies allowed," he said. "Not even my old pal Pal." "Hi, Mr. Linkletter. We came to see Mr. Hypo," Bradley said. Mr. Linkletter raised his eyebrows. "Is he expecting you?" he asked. "No, but it's really important," Nate said. "It's a matter of life and death!" "Indeed!" Mr. Linkletter said. A smile crossed his lips, then flew away like a scared hummingbird. "I'll call his room."

Mr. Linkletter picked up the hotel phone. He tapped a number. "Mr. Grabowski, there are four children down here to see you," he said. "And a dog. They said it's a matter of life and death.… Yes, of course." Mr. Linkletter hung up the phone. "Mr. Grabowski will see you," he said. "Room 207, second floor. Pal will have to stay here with me." "Hypo's real name is Grabowski?" Nate said. "It is indeed," Mr. Linkletter said. He walked around the counter and took Pal's leash from Bradley.

"Thanks a lot, Mr. Linkletter," Bradley said. The four kids found the elevator and got off on the second floor. They followed the signs to room 207. The long hallway was quiet. "This place is creepy," Brian whispered. "What if he hypnotizes us and makes us zombies or something?" "Dude, hypnosis only works if you want it to," Nate said. "Do you want to be a zombie?" "Let me think about it," Brian said. Bradley knocked on the door. It was opened by a total stranger. The man standing there was short and bald. He wore a baggy sweatshirt. "Is Mr. Grabowski here?" Bradley asked. "I am he!" the man said. "Better known as Hypo, the world's greatest hypnotist." Bradley recognized Hypo's voice. "Come in, come in," the man said. The four kids walked in. They were in a living room with nice furniture and a big TV. Bradley saw Hypo's fake mustache on a table. Some doors led to other rooms. "Please have a seat," Hypo said.

The kids lined up on the sofa. Just then a big white duck waddled into the room. The duck's toenails were pink. Bradley nearly swallowed his tongue. Brian ran over to the duck. "Mom?" he said. "Is that you?" Lucy just stared at the duck. "Hi, Mrs. Pinto," Nate said. Hypo laughed. "This isn't your mother," he said to Bradley and Brian.

"This is Darlene, the world's smartest duck." "I don't get it," Bradley said. "Last night, you hypnotized our mom. She became a duck. This duck. That's why we're here, Mr. Grab—"