Violet awoke early. By the time her family came down for breakfast, she had poured juice and made coffee for Grandfather. I wish I could be there for your rehearsal, Mr. Alden told her, but I have to work this morning. Violet was relieved. Having Mr....
Everyone stared at Bob Weldon. They were too stunned to speak. Finally, Victor said, I thought you were up to something. He looked sad and disappointed. But I cant figure out where you found the score. If I couldnt find it, and Im the one who hid it...
Back at the Civic Center, they found Bob in the lobby, talking to some of the orchestra members. Did you find my glasses? he asked when he saw Jessie and Benny. Jessie handed them to him. The briefcase fell over, she said, so we put everything on you...
The Aldens took their sack lunches and went outside to the park beside the Civic Center. Jessie spread the blue tablecloth from their boxcar days on a grassy hillock. Benny had even remembered to bring his old cracked pink cup. This is like old times...
I cant think about this mystery now, Violet said. Tomorrow is the audition for the young peoples orchestra. I have to go home and practice. Well go home, too, Jessie suggested. We can be your audience. They trooped out of Victors room to the elevator...
Victor ran his fingers through his hair. You did not write this note, he repeated. No, I most certainly did not, Melody answered. Why would I? I thought perhaps you wanted to meet to talk to me about the orchestra, Victor said. About how unhappy you...
That afternoon, the children attended the Music Appreciation workshop in the auditorium. As they slid into their seats, Victor tapped his baton for attention. The audience fell silent. In order to appreciate music, he began, one should know something...
Now, we have to tell Grandfather about Melody and the mysterious man, Jessie said as they walked to the Civic Center. Benny had another idea. We should call the police! Thats what we should do! We cant do that, Violet protested. We dont know what was...
An hour later, when Violet and Soo Lee returned to the Civic Center, the other Aldens were outside waiting for them. Finally! Benny said as his sister and cousin approached. That must have been some lesson, Henry added. Thats for sure, Violet respond...
At lunchtime, the orchestra stopped practicing. Most of the members went back to the hotel. Bob Weldon suggested that he and Victor make one last search for the score. The Aldens looked for Melody to ask her to have lunch with them, but she had disap...
Victor Perrelli sank to the edge of the bed. Oh, my, he said, and ran his hands through his hair. Do you suppose someone came in here and took the score? Weve looked everywhere, Jessie said. It doesnt seem to be here. This is terrible, terrible, Vict...
The Mozart score has been stolen? Jessie repeated to make sure she had heard right. Yes, Janet Muller said. She wandered away, murmuring, I knew it. I just knew this would happen. Melody saw the Aldens and rushed over. When did you discover the score...
Later, at home, the Alden children sat around the kitchen table drinking hot chocolate. Soo Lee, who was staying overnight, was with them. That was a great party, Jessie said. The food was super, Benny said. Too bad theres none left. The jelly sandwi...
Melody led them to the lobby. She stopped before a glass case on the wall. Pointing to several sheets of music displayed inside, she said, Look at those! Arent they amazing? a woman who had been staring at them said. Benny didnt see anything special...
The Civic Center was buzzing with activity. People ran this way and that checking on last-minute details. A long table was set up in the reception hall. Arms full, the Aldens headed toward it. The orchestra has arrived at the hotel! someone said. Hur...