28 NYC

Chapter 28 'NYC' Little Tail!' yelled Peanut. She grabbed the pencil and held it flat in the palms of both hands. Once again, she was surprised at how heavy it was. ' Oh, how I've missed you,' she said. 'Sssh!' said Rockwell. 'I think someone's coming. Sure enough, they heard footsteps and muffled voices just outside the door next to the monitors. The children could just about make out what was being said. ' Yes, sir. I'll make sure it's taken care of,' said the first voice. 'You do that! And try not to mess it up this time,' said the second, in a much higher tone. 'Oh no,' whispered Peanut 'I think that might be...'

The door swung open and in walked two very different, but very familiar-looking figures. The first, dressed in a black suit, was tall and muscular, with huge shoulders, a neck as wide as his head and a pale face spattered with orange freckles. The second was much shorter, and wore a suit so white that it was positively luminous. On top of his head, angled down to cover his eyes, was an equally bright fedora hat. Mr White!' said Rockwell. And Alan!' The two newcomers to the room immediately stopped moving and looked, wide-eyed and open-mouthed, at the children. That tiny pause was just about long enough for

Peanut to act. She thrust Little Tail into the empty slot on her bandolier, grabbed hold of Little-Bit's hand and Rockwell's rucksack, and dragged them both towards the rear wall. She quickly scanned the illustrated doors in front of her, made a decision, and kicked open the one marked 'NYC' 'GO! GO! GO!' she bellowed, practically throwing her sister and her best friend through the portal. As she dived after them, she heard the higher voice cry out from behind her. 'NO!'