Holes (Holes 1)

“I can’t leave Hector,” Stanley said.

“I suggest we go,” said his lawyer with a sense of urgency in her voice.

“I’ll be okay,” said Zero. His eyes shift

ed toward Mr. Pendanski on one side of him, then to the Warden and Mr. Sir on the other.

“There’s nothing I can do for your friend,” said Ms. Morengo. “You are released pursuant to an order from the judge.”

“They’ll kill him,” said Stanley.

“Your friend is not in danger,” said the Attorney General. “There’s going to be an investigation into everything that’s happened here. For the present, I am taking charge of the camp.”

“C’mon, Stanley,” said his lawyer. “Your parents are waiting.”

Stanley stayed where he was.

His lawyer sighed. “May I have a look at Hector’s file?” she asked.

“Certainly,” said the Attorney General. “Ms. Walker, go get Hector’s file.”

She looked at him blankly.

“Well?”

The Warden turned to Mr. Pendanski. “Bring me Hector Zeroni’s file.”

He stared at her.

“Get it!” she ordered.

Mr. Pendanski went into the office. He returned a few minutes later and announced the file was apparently misplaced.

The Attorney General was outraged. “What kind of camp are you running here, Ms. Walker?”

The Warden said nothing. She stared at the suitcase.

The Attorney General assured Stanley’s lawyer that he would get the records. “Excuse me, while I call my office.” He turned back to the Warden. “I assume the phone works.” He walked into the camp office, slamming the door behind him. A little while later he reappeared and told the Warden he wanted to talk to her.

She cursed, then went inside.

Stanley gave Zero thumbs-up.

“Caveman? Is that you?”

He turned to see Armpit and Squid coming out of the Wreck Room. Squid shouted back into the Wreck Room, “Caveman and Zero are out here!”

Soon all the boys from Group D had gathered around him and Zero.

“Good to see you, man,” Armpit said, shaking his hand. “We thought you were buzzard food.”

“Stanley is being released today,” said Mr. Pendanski.

“Way to go,” said Magnet, hitting him on the shoulder.

“And you didn’t even have to step on a rattlesnake,” said Squid.

Even Zigzag shook Stanley’s hand. “Sorry about … you know.”