Part 21 (1/2)
Tally pulled a pair of opera-sized binoculars out of her pocket. ”He looks angry.”
”That's his look of concentration.”
”Or constipation,” Tally said out of the corner of her mouth, pa.s.sing Evelina the binoculars. ”Check it out.”
Evelina squinted one eye, peering through the binoculars. ”Wow. He looks intense.” She swung the binoculars left, then right, taking in the other three ma.s.sive war canoes. When she spied Frankie a few seats in front of Cliff her hand froze. Frankie appeared just as serious-gold eyes narrowed, paddle poised in the air, ready for battle.
”No magic allowed,” Abby said. ”It's all muscle.”
”And skill,” Tally chimed in.
”And determination,” Evelina added.
The conch horn blew.
The canoes shot forward, gliding across the rippling surface of the water.
Paddles flew.
The course appeared to weave in a Z around giant white buoys, before cutting back to the finish.
Oceana and White Water sliced through the surf, bow to bow.
Then, Oceana plunged ahead.
They were out in front.
But the Swamp Hogs were moving up fast.
They appeared to have a sudden surge of power.
Then, Something crazy happened.
The Swamp Hogs pulled out in front.
Evelina couldn't believe her eyes.
No, No, NO!
They couldn't win!
She held her breath.
Abby sucked in air between her teeth.
Tally grabbed Evelina's arm, squeezing it like a stress ball.
Only a few feet to the finish line.
A cheer rose up from the Swamp Hags on the beach. They jumped up and down. They whistled and shouted, slapping each other on the back.
The Swamp Hogs had won.
”Too bad, suckers!” one of the Hags yelled.
Sneers and snickers followed.
Disgust twisted in Evelina's belly. Not that she should be surprised. The Swamp Hags weren't exactly known for their sportsmans.h.i.+p.
Evelina trekked back to the tree fort with Tally and Abby in silence. No dirges or pontificating-just serious contemplation-three suffering souls weighing the ramifications of the Swamp Hogs victory.
Frankie and Cliff were waiting when they arrived.
They didn't look happy.
”Tough luck, dude.” Abby punched Cliff on the shoulder. ”But ya' put up a good fight.”
”Sorry, guys. It sucks.” Evelina didn't know what else to say. ”How could they have come from behind so fast?”
”They cheated!” Cliff wore a look of outrage. ”That's how.”
”Probably.” Frankie sounded resigned. ”But, we don't have any proof.”
”How else could they come up on us so fast? They were in third place, and then wham!” Cliff made a sliding motion with hands. ”There they were.”
”It seems very unlikely.” Tally rubbed her chin. ”They'd been trailing from the start.”
”Something isn't right,” Frankie agreed.
”Yeah!” Cliff boomed. ”They're partying and we're not!”
”We were right in sync.” Frankie scowled. ”I wonder how they did it?”
”Maybe it wasn't magic.” Evelina had a sudden brain wave. ”Maybe it was something they did to the boat-that didn't involve magic at all.”
”That's it!” Frankie's gold eyes sparked. He grabbed her by the shoulders, then kissed her square on the lips. ”You're right!”
”You think it's the boat?” Cliff perked up. ”It could be.”
Evelina tingled with curiosity, or maybe it was the sudden shock of Frankie's warm mouth touching hers. ”I think we should check it out.”
Tally's eyes went round like an owl. ”Now?”
”Why not?” Abby agreed-as usual, game for anything. ”Let's do it!”
”I'll wait here.” Tally stifled a yawn with the back of her hand. ”In case Burble shows up.”
Frankie took Evelina by the hands. ”Ready?”
A tingle raced up her back.