Amanda Lester and the Pink Sugar Conspiracy by Paula Berinstein

But the day got away from them and they didn’t make it to the pantry. However at dinner, Simon and Ivy presented the results of their own investigation.

  “Nothing,” said Simon, looking disappointed.

  “Nothing?” said Amanda.

  “Not a thing,” said Ivy. “No blood, no noises, no mysterious figures. Nothing.”

  “We looked pretty thoroughly,” said Simon.

  “It can’t be helped,” said Amphora. “Obviously these things come and go. You can’t expect to catch them at exactly the right moment.” It was a sensible approach and Amanda mentally applauded her.

  “I do think there’s something to find, though,” said Simon.

  “Maybe you’re just imagining that ordinary stuff is clues,” said Amanda. “Now that we know about the project, we’re looking at things differently.”

  “Could be,” said Ivy. “It’s confusing, though.” Amanda was surprised to hear her say that. Ivy always seemed so sure about things.

  “That’s what we’re supposed to be learning, isn’t it?” said Amanda. “How to evaluate a clue?” Where did that come from? She’d found a little bit of pink powder and now she was all detective-y?

  “You’re right,” said Simon, removing his glasses and polishing them with a napkin, then looking through them to make sure they were clean. They weren’t. He huffed on them and repeated the procedure. “We need to know more before we can do this properly. But I’m still going to keep my eyes open. Good things come to the observant.”

  “Where did you hear that one?” said Amphora.

  “From Simon Binkle,” he said, grinning like a hyena.