The Puzzle Master Read Online Free PDF

his senses. “Is there any reason why I should keep quiet about this little trick of yours?”
    Marshall looked up from the floor, his hair in his face. Mason was lying on his bed with his hands behind his head, watching his brother unfurl from the drop.
    “ Sheesh Mason, what’s the deal?” Marshall picked himself up; trying to act like this was a normal, everyday occurrence.
    “The deal is that you were supposed to be in this room. And I just caught you sneakin ’ in.”
    “So … what’re you going to do about it?”
    He shrugged his shoulders and stared at the ceiling. Marshall stood frozen to the floor, like a flagpole in December. The constricted feeling in his throat returned and he forced himself walk over to his bed. He had to stop using his inhaler so much. He knew if he tried to control his breathing—for even half the time—he could cut down on using it. He could be more normal. Even Iris wouldn’t have to know.
    “I don’t know Marsh,” Mason was serious and rolled to his side to face him. “If I don’t tell, you gotta promise not to complain about me making money for chores.”
    Marshall took a deep breath. No way. That was why he was in his room to begin with.    
    “No.” Marshall lay down and watched a fly buzz around the ceiling, moving back and forth like a jumping bean.
    The tickle had to go away . He closed his eyes and concentrated. He had to make it go away.
    “Okay,” Mason sneered. “Have it your way. You’re gonna wish you’d said yes.”
    Marshall kept his eyes closed. Mason got up from his twin bed in a huff and closed the door.
    Marshall faced the wall. He didn’t care what happened to him. At least he’d gotten out.
    The tickle in his throat backed away. Despite Mason finding out about his little trip, Marshall felt content. He’d learned about the surprise … he had met Iris .
    ***
    Marshall awoke with a jump. The air conditioning was off and he could hear the fly buzzing around his window. He looked at his clock. It was ten. What had happened? His head was fuzzy.
    He felt his legs. He hadn’t even changed into his pajamas.
    Then memories came to him like a long lost friend.
    Oh yeah, sneaking out to Luke’s. The puzzle. Iris.
    Mason was in bed, snoring. Marshall wondered if he had told on him to their parents. He thought no because his dad didn’t come in to talk to him, and his mom didn’t come in to say anything either. Leila hadn’t burst in singing her chants of disdain.
    He felt a thump against the wall. His dad had thrown his shoe into the closet. Marshall heard muffled voices.
    “I don’t know what to do,” said a voice that was distinctly his father’s. A pause, another thud against the wall—the other shoe. “We have to instill obedience in him Marsha.”
    Every time his dad said her name, Marshall thought of himself. Mom said she named him after her, because he was a handsome gift, which is what Marsh meant. Dad insisted he couldn’t have a son named Marsh; it sounded too girly. He wanted Marshall instead. So they came to an agreement. But she called him Marsh whenever she could.
    “Yes but, he’s a kid,” she pleaded. “And he loves the junk store. He’s been saving money all summ — ”
    “I don’t care what he’s been doing. If he can’t be home when you say he should, then we ground him. If he’s going to sneak out and try to get away with it, then he gets more discipline.” He grunted and Marshall could hear the springs in the bed. The walls were too thin. He felt like he was in the room with them. “You see where this will lead if we let it be?”
    “Yes but, he loves that place … he starts school in a week. This is it for his summer fun.”
    “Marsha, it’s a no. He ’s grounded for this entire week. No in or out, unless it’s for church, or with you somewhere.”
    The conversation ended, and he heard running water.
    Church? Marshall wanted to laugh. They hadn’t been to church in years.
    The fly buzzed again, the