Crime in the Cards Read Free

think Callie means that Daphne could use some friends right now. She just transferred to Bayport this semester, after all.”
    â€œWe should talk to her,” Frank suggested. “Find out what she knows about her cards.”
    â€œYeah,” Joe said. “Maybe we can figure out who took them.”
    When they looked up, though, Daphne had already blended into the crowd of students leaving the lunchroom.
    â€œWe’ll try to catch up with her later,” Frank said.
    â€œBy then,” Chet moaned, “we probably won’t even be able to talk about the cards!”
    Frank didn’t catch up with Daphne until just after lunch, when he went to English with her. Chet and Tim were in that class, as well.
    Daphne, however, didn’t want to talk to Frank—or anyone else. She sat near the back of the room and sulked, her short red hair drooping over her hazel eyes.
    As Mr. Pane bustled about, Chet leaned over to Tim. “When you get a minute,” Chet said, “I’ve got something to show you. I picked it up at the Dungeon Guild last night.”
    â€œA card?” Tim said. “But we’re not supposed to have them in class.”
    â€œI know,” Chet replied, “but after what happened to Daphne, I didn’t want to put my deck in my locker. I’ll show you when we get a minute.”
    â€œBetter cool it, you two,” Frank whispered from behind them.
    Chet and Tim nodded and turned to face the front of the class.
    Mr. Pane called the class into session a few moments later. He led a spirited discussion of the characters and symbolism in Herman Melville’s Moby Dick.
    â€œThat white whale would make a great creature,” Chet whispered across the aisle to Tim.
    Tim nodded and whispered back. “What do you think, attack of nine and defense of four?”
    â€œNah,” Chet said, shaking his head. “Defense would have to be more like six. A whale’s easy to hit but hard to damage.”
    â€œAnd as a special power, it could swallow another character whole,” Tim said gleefully.
    â€œI’d be happy,” Mr. Pane said, “if this special power didn’t disrupt class. Lester, Morton, consider this a warning.”
    Tim and Chet nodded glumly.
    Mr. Pane turned from the duo to Frank and said, “Frank, what do you think the sea gulls that circle Moby Dick symbolize?”
    â€œWell . . .” Frank replied, “sea gulls live near shore, so they could represent a longing for home on the part of the sailors. On the other hand, they accompany Moby Dick, which suggests they’re actually a false hope—the kind of desire that leads men to their doom.”
    The discussion continued until a message over the P.A. system called Mr. Pane from the room to take a phone call. “Study the final chapters while I’m gone,” the teacher said. “When I return, we’ll talk about Queequeg’s coffin.”
    For a few minutes Chet studied his book. Then his enthusiasm got the better of him. He leaned over to Tim and said, “Tim, check this out.”
    From his pocket, Chet drew out a Creature Card.
    â€œWow!” Tim said, his eyes growing bright. “The Coyote! That’s a demigod card I’ve never seen.”
    â€œI got it last night. It’s not as rare as the Bargeist,” Chet said, “and it doesn’t have as good an attack number. But Coyote’s better on defense. Plus, he’s immune to most magic—only spells from the Supernatural Sphere can affect him.”
    â€œWay cool,” Tim said. “But Sinbad and his Sister could still kick Coyote’s tail. Is that a blood spatter on the corner of the card?”
    â€œNo, it’s ketchup.”
    â€œChet . . .” Frank’s voice broke in.
    â€œWhat is it, Frank?” Chet asked, slightly annoyed. “Can’t you see we’re—”
    â€œBreaking the rules, Morton?” said Mr. Pane.