3 Time Crunch

Chapter 3 Time Crunch The bicycles were heavier and bumpier than Yasmin and Min-Jun were used to. They didn't have modern bicycle suspensions to cushion them as they rattled along. There were no gears either, so it was hard work. But the machinery was well-oiled and the pedals turned

easily. They cycled down a wooden boardwalk, passing beaches and dunes. "Cuckoo!" Tempo swooped happily over their heads, enjoying the ocean wind beneath her wings. A lighthouse stood in the distance, black and white, looking out to sea. To Yasmin's delight, there were herds of wild horses grazing among the dune grasses and galloping along the sand. And all the while, a breeze was blowing in from the Atlantic Ocean, keeping them cool.

She was having so much fun that she almost forgot to keep an eye out for DeLay. Watching Tempo glide and soar reminded her of their mission—if they didn't stop the villain, the Wright Brothers wouldn't make their first flight... By the time they reached the supply boat, which had docked at a wide wooden jetty, they still hadn't spotted any sign of DeLay. "We're here for the Wright Brothers' supplies" said Min-Jun breathlessly. Two boxes were loaded on to the back of the bicycles. Yasmin suppressed a small groan at the thought of cycling back again. The bicycles were even heavier now!

"Cuckoo!" Tempo chirped in encouragement as they set off. "Easy for you to say!" said Min-Jun, huffing and puffing. By the time they arrived back at the hangar, their cheeks glowed. "Good old Katherine!" exclaimed Wilbur as the brothers eagerly unpacked the boxes. There was flour, and apples, a can of oil, several cans of beans, a package of letters, and even a bag of orange and yellow candies. "I don't know where we'd be without her!"

"Want some candy?" Orville offered, holding out the sweets. "We couldn't manage without our sister," said Wilbur. "We already told you she keeps our bicycle shop running back in Ohio, right?" "And more besides," said Orville. "She's wonderful at telling people about our work, and keeping us organized." "I've heard of Katherine Wright," Yasmin whispered to Min-Jun as they leaned against the wall of the hangar, munching on the candy. "She traveled all over the world with her brothers, representing the Wright company." "Does your bird like apples?" asked Wilbur. He cut a slice off an apple and offered it to Tempo.

Tempo fluttered down from her perch in the rafters and took the apple slice. But then... "Cuckoo!" she cried, spitting out the treat. "Cuckoo, cuckoo!" "What...?" said Wilbur. They all gazed at the apple slice lying on the floor. The edges were curling up as they watched. The once-crisp apple flesh shriveled and developed spots of blue mold. It was rotting away, right before their eyes.