The Pizza Mystery by Gertrude Chandler Warner Page A

enough money so they could sign a new lease.”
    The Piccolos and Aldens listened closely as Laurie explained.
    â€œEvery time I came in to eat I took a few notes,” Laurie went on. “There was so much to remember—the contest Violet thought up, the new menu, all the dishes you needed. I took a menu home with me and peeked into the kitchen a few times when I sat at this table.”
    â€œWere you the person at the window the first day we got here?” Benny asked.
    â€œI was,” Laurie confessed. “I knew you were all in the dining room, so I tried to get a good look at the layout of the kitchen. But after your dog started barking, I left.”
    â€œWhat about the fake orders?” Henry asked.
    â€œAnd that man who said he ordered a plain pizza then left without paying?” Violet added.
    Laurie shook her head. “I had nothing to do with those mix-ups. Please believe me.” She looked at the Piccolos. “I’m not sure I’ve been the only one sneaking around the restaurant. A few times when I came by after hours, I noticed a man watching the restaurant, too. I never saw his face. I don’t know if he’s the one who left without paying or the one who called in fake orders.” Laurie stopped then lowered her voice. “Maybe it’s someone you know already.”
    â€œNow, now, no one would harm us,” Mrs. Piccolo said in her trusting way. “These are problems anybody could have.”
    â€œWhat about getting the broken gas line fixed?” Henry asked. “The gas company said it was a woman who canceled the repair truck.”
    Laurie paused. “I had nothing to do with the broken gas line or the blackout last night. I was down in the cellar getting more supplies. I did see that you might lose the sauces. Then Mrs. Piccolo could have taught me how to make new batches.” Laurie looked up at Violet. “After Violet came up with the outdoor freezer idea, I thought of another way to find out about the secret sauce.”
    Laurie stopped talking. She looked scared. “I was the one who called the health inspector.”
    The Aldens and Piccolos felt as if Laurie had thrown ice water on them.
    â€œIt’s not what you think,” Laurie said quickly. “See, I knew the health inspector, at least I knew the one who used to stop by my parents’ place. I figured you wouldn’t have any problems since Piccolos’ is so clean all the time. I just wanted to find out everything about how you run the restaurant and make your sauces and sausages. I had no idea the new health inspector would be so mean. I’m most ashamed of that,” Laurie said, sniffling. “I feel so terrible.”
    The Aldens felt terrible, too. The Piccolos were so generous and good. What Laurie had done was very wrong.
    â€œI’ll just go,” Laurie said sadly. “I’ve caused you enough trouble.”
    â€œNow, now, now,” Mr. Piccolo said. “You don’t get away that easy, young lady. No, no. We have a plan, don’t we, Nina?”
    Mrs. Piccolo looked as surprised as everyone else. Then Mr. Piccolo whispered something in her ear. She nodded her head.
    â€œYes, that’s a fine idea.” Mrs. Piccolo turned to Laurie. “If you’re willing to work free for the next few weeks, we will teach you all we can about running a pizza restaurant. What do you think about that?”
    Laurie’s answer was to give a huge hug to both Piccolos. “I think I’m a lucky person. I’ll make up for everything, I promise. Thank you for giving me a chance.”
    â€œWell, miss, your lessons start right now,” Mr. Piccolo joked. “So get out your notebook.”
    â€œWhat are you doing, Benny?” Laurie asked when he sat down with a pencil and paper.
    â€œI’m going to Piccolos’ Pizza School, too!” he answered.

CHAPTER 9
    Turned Away
    T he restaurant was so busy that the