The Clue in the Recycling Bin Read Online Free PDF

knows. He said he liked the old ones and didn’t like the new ones.”
    â€œAre the piñatas filled with prizes?” Benny asked. “Games and cookies and candy?” he added.
    Tío smiled. “That is a secret.”
    â€œWhy is it a secret?” Benny asked.
    â€œBecause if I told you the piñatas were filled with something, I think you would want to break one open just to see.”
    Benny looked at the piñatas. He thought it would be fun to break one open. He was going to say something, but just then manycustomers came in at once, and Tío had to seat them.
    Violet looked at the people who had come into the restaurant. One of the people was Ethan, who was still wearing running shorts and a tank top.
    â€œLook,” said Violet to her sister and brothers. “I wonder if Ethan is going to eat here.”
    Jessie, Henry, and Benny all watched Ethan.
    â€œWho’s Ethan?” asked Grandfather.
    Henry explained that Ethan was a volunteer at the recycling center.
    â€œEthan is buying two bottles of Doo-Dah Tea from the front of the store,” said Benny.
    â€œMint-flavored Doo-Dah Tea,” said Violet, who could see that both labels were green.
    The children watched as Ethan paid for his tea, said goodbye to Tío, and left.
    A server came to take their dinner orders. As they waited for their food, the children and Grandfather talked.
    â€œI’ll bet my bull piñata used to be in Tío’srestaurant,” said Benny. “I’ll bet Tío took it to the recycling center and Kayla found it in the Other Stuff bin and then I took it home. When we get home I’m going to break it open and see what’s inside!”
    â€œWell,” said Grandfather, “it’s your piñata and you may break it open if you want to. But usually people save piñatas for special occasions.”
    â€œYes,” said Jessie, “like a birthday.”
    â€œOr a party with friends,” said Henry.
    â€œCan we have a party soon?” asked Benny.
    The children talked about whether or not to have a party, but they never reached a decision. Their food arrived, and soon they forgot about everything except the delicious tacos, tamales, and beans and rice.
    As they were finishing their meal, Henry looked up as the restaurant door opened. He saw Mrs. Wickett walk in. She was dressed up. Henry saw a sparkling pin on her blouse.
    She spoke to Tío, who was at the cash register. Tío turned to the cooler alongside the wall, opened it, and took out six bottlesof Doo-Dah Tea. Henry noticed that all bottles had red labels. Mrs. Wickett sure likes raspberry-flavored tea , thought Henry. He watched as she paid for the tea and Tío put the plastic bottles into a paper bag.
    As she turned to go, Mrs. Wickett looked toward the Aldens’ table. She stared for a minute, then walked over to them.
    â€œHello,” she said to Henry and Violet. “Didn’t I see you this morning outside the recycling center?”
    â€œYes,” said Henry. He introduced Grandfather, Jessie, Violet, Benny, and himself to Mrs. Wickett.
    â€œTío told us that you’re a good customer of his,” said Grandfather.
    â€œYes,” she answered. “Tío serves wonderful food. When I leave work, the first thing I smell is the wonderful aroma from Tío’s Tacos. So naturally, I come here.” Mrs. Wickett patted the bag she was holding. “And Tío always has my favorite tea on hand.”
    â€œYou must work at Jonah’s Jewelry Store,” said Grandfather with a smile.
    Mrs. Wickett looked surprised. “Why, yes,” she said, “but how did you know that?”
    â€œOh,” said Grandfather, “I’ve learned a few detective skills from my grandchildren.”
    Mrs. Wickett looked confused.
    â€œJonah’s Jewelry Store is the only store that’s open late in this two-block area,” Grandfather