Flora scratched at her head. “I just hope we have time to squeeze everything in.”
Maggie frowned. “I know… . I’m already stuck doing double duty. Plus, I still need to set my booth up for the contest. Godard was supposed to help get the first-years ready for the parade.” She glanced back and lowered her voice. “But she’s got her hands full.”
It only took Sylvie a moment to understand what Maggie meant.
The last of the kids piled into the room. Standing behind them, locked deep in conversation, were Madame Godard and Jack Bass.
Aside from Godard’s memory, this was the first time Sylvie was seeing him in person. Bass was even taller in real life. He wore a light gray suit that looked like it had been dragged through a barn. Just like Belinda, his eyes seemed too small for his face, and his nose looked like a crushed mushroom.
His shirt collar hung open, as if the top button had given up on closing around his thick neck. In fact, the only part of Bass that seemed thicker was his accent. A deep drawl, which he now unleashed.
“Well, howdy Brindille students!”
Several CCS agents squeezed in. Behind them, dressed in her usual wrinkled chef’s coat and red cowboy boots, stood Belinda Bass.
Her eyes roamed across the room like scurrying weevils. Then, they settled on Sylvie and Georgia.
Georgia took a step back. “Cattywampus! This is bad.”
Georgia was right.
Sylvie grabbed the straps on her backpack as if they were anchors tethering her to the ground.
Jack and Belinda Bass. Plus, several CCS agents … all inside the storage cellar.
This was bad.
Stuck Between a Rock and a Jar of Pickle Dust
IT WAS TRUE THAT ANYONE WORKING FOR THECCSHAD MADcooking skills. But even then, there was a pecking order. Management, like Bass, wielded the most power. Next came Inspectors. It was their job to sniff out blossoming talent and dole out glamorous awards. They were a mixed bag. Loved by some, hated by others. Then, there were—
“Agents,” whispered Flora. “Everyone—act casual but watch your backs.”
“Why?” asked Georgia, staring at the apron-clad men and women in confusion.
“Also don’t stare,” said Maggie, through gritted teeth. “They may look harmless, but it’s their job to hunt down forbidden recipes and clean up spells gone bad. They get the offal.”
Georgia scratched her head. “Awful?”
“Not that kind of awful,” said Sylvie. “The bits of guts and gore that no one else wants. If they’re here, it means Bass is looking for trouble.”
“Oh!” Georgia glanced at them nervously.
If they realize what I’m up to …Sylvie stole a peek. They were like thirsty mosquitos, dressed in matching canvas aprons. Beads of sweat formed on her temples.I’m done.
Jack Bass’s voice had now dropped to a whisper.
Sylvie moved closer and pretended to examine one of the brass scales on the desk behind them.
“Changes like this have to be run by the council.” Bass loomed over Godard. “You know we don’t have time for that.”
“Actually, Monsieur President, the rule you’re citing does not apply here.”
Godard smiled politely, and yet, there was something dangerous in her gaze. Her eyes no longer bore the look of placid waters. Beyond her dark lashes, storm clouds were brewing.
“You see, rules that affectthe entire school bodymust be run past the CCS. But this change will only affect students competing in the Commis Contest. Therefore, it falls under the ruling of Brindille’s head, which is me.”
Bass’s cheeks turned red. “Now you listen—”
