Disclaimer: I don't own the Mysterious Benedict Society, or any of the characters. They belong to the genius named Trenton Lee Stewart.
A Note from the Author: This is my first published story, so please don't hate!
Chapter 1: Checkmates and Prison Escapes
Ledroptha Curtain sat on a stone cold bench, shivering despite the gray prison garb he was forced to wear. Benedict would arrive soon. Already it's been a year since his capture. A year of bottled anger and plotted revenge. A year of hatred forced down. One year too long. He would have his revenge. They wouldn't know what hit them.
Kate Wetherall raced down the street, bike wheels skidding at every turn. Reynie Muldoon was a few blocks behind, pedaling furiously to catch up with his friend. He would see her blonde ponytail flying out behind her like a sail, and then she would disappear around the next row of stone and brick buildings. The sun shone down on Stonetown, reminding Reynie that summer was approaching fast. Only one more week of school, then they would be free to explore and discuss life without constant danger. But not even the past could dampen Reynie's mood now. Moocho Brazos had whipped up several courses of desert to celebrate the children's success in end-of-year tests. Reynie could almost smell the heavenly desserts. He pedaled harder.
Constance groaned, her mouth still full of warm pie.
"Constance, dear, you know it's rude to talk with your mouth full," reprimanded Number Two. Constance made a show of gnashing her teeth in a most inelegant fashion. Sticky Washington muttered something about this being bad for one's teeth, to which Constance replied with a, "Shove off George Washington". The argument was brought to a close, however, as Mr. Benedict came into the room. All eyes swiveled to the man, who smiled warmly at the children and cleared his throat.
"Congratulations on a successful year! I am very proud of all four of you. As you know, a few months ago, we celebrated the one-year anniversary of my brother's capture. I have an announcement." He paused to wipe a tear of joy from the corner of his eye. Rhonda, realizing the danger, rushed forward to catch the deeply moved man. Mr. Benedict righted himself once more.
"Thank you dear Rhonda. Now where was I? Ah, yes the announcement. You see, a have arranged a visit with my brother, in which I will offer him a choice. Help us, or stay within the safety of his prison cell. If he accepts he will be able to help me with my further research, or continue his stay in Stonestown Prison." Sticky raised his hand slowly, and said softly, "Won't he try to escape?" Mr. Benedict tapped his nose, and replied, "It is very hard to escape while one is under heavy guard. I have also arranged for my lab to be moved to the prison, so you will not be in danger. If Ledroptha accepts my offer. If not, he will continue to be confined to his cell. Nonetheless, I will present him with the option to be redeem himself." He snapped his fingers suddenly, causing everyone to jump. "Speaking of presents." He strode over to the coffee table with a smile on his kind face, and picked up a wooden box. "Just a little end-of-year present" he said. "I believe you are familiar with the game of chess?"
Kate bounced back and forth between the chess game between Reynie and Sticky, and the window. She checked for a sign of Madge, her falcon, then skidded to a halt and plopped down next to Reynie. She squinted at the wooden battle that had taken place.
"Good grief, you two have been at it for hours now." Sticky glanced up, about to inform her of the reason, saw her expression, and decided against it. An energetic Kate was one not to be reckoned with. He smiled. "Don't worry Kate. I've almost breached Reynie's defenses." A snort came from the bed. "You've already breached my defenses of peace and quiet." Kate laughed. "Oh, cheer up Connie-girl. I'm sure Mr. Benedict is fine. He has Milligan with him." Constance was about to reply with a nasty rhyme, when her eyes widened. The door burst open with the force of a rhino. "Checkmate." Said Ledroptha Curtain.