Two Schools Out - Forever

111

"No."

"Please, Max," Nudge begged.

We were airborne, heading south. On the Web we'd found an address for Itex headquarters. It was roughly between Miami and Everglades National Park.

"No way. It's too risky. The whole place is fenced in. There's a million people there. We'll be in crowds."

"Fang?" Nudge wheedled.

Fang shrugged, as much as he could shrug while flying. He held up his hands as if to say, Talk to the boss. I'm just the hired help.

That wiener.

"Pleeease, Max?" The Gasman added his voice.

I stared ahead stoically, refusing to look down at the tall water tower wearing mouse ears. Of course, we had to pass right over Orlando.

"Max?" Nudge said.

I didn't respond. I knew what she was trying to do.

"Oh, come on!" said Total, from Iggy's arms. "We're not going to the Magic Kingdom? How lame is that?"

I glared at him. It didn't faze him.

"A couple rides?" Angel asked wistfully. "Splash Mountain?"

"Maaax?" Nudge said again.

I made the supreme mistake of looking at Nudge. Shoot! I winced and looked away but not quickly enough. She got me. She had given me Bambi eyes. Now I had no choice.

I gritted my teeth. "Fine. A couple rides, some cotton candy, and we're out of there."

Everyone cheered. Fang gave me a look that said, You sap.

"Who let whom have a freaking dog?" I responded.

He chuckled.

And we were on our way to the land of the Mouse.