Your talk with Carol had to wait until after school. But finally the bell rings, freeing up you and your friends to continue the investigation unfettered. And not a moment too soon; as you are leaving class you pass Tudgeman in the hallway—he's the very picture of being despondent.
You aren't the only one to notice.
"Man, Tudgeman's really taking this hard…" Miranda emotes, concern slightly clouding her face.
"Well, if our plan works he won't have to anymore." Lizzie says.
With a renewed sense of vigor, you set out for the last round of questioning.
At this time of day Carol can be found at her Computer Club meeting. Right on schedule, hers is the first face you see upon entering the classroom.
"Hey Gordo." Carol says, addressing your friend. "I see you finally decided to join, and you've brought friends."
"Not exactly." He says. "We have a few questions for you Carol, if you don't mind."
Her eyes narrow. "What kind of questions?"
Miranda barrels in.
"Like where you were when Tudgeman's project was smashed."
"Ah. Those kind of questions… Sorry, but I'm afraid I can't help you. I've got a club meeting to run."
You look around. There can't be more than a dozen kids. Doesn't look like there's anything pressing going on.
"Come on Carol," Gordo wheedles, "help us out. All we want to know is what you were doing."
Carol looks at all of you.
"So, I'm a suspect now, huh? I don't see why I should help you."
You bring up the cause of justice, which elicits a blank stare.
"How about helping a fellow nerd?" Gordo tries. Again, the silent treatment.
"Don't you want the person who did this caught?" Lizzie asks in a deceptively small voice.
"At my desk." Carol volunteers at last. "If you'll excuse me." She turns away before any pardons can be given.
Back out in the hallway, Miranda has an assessment of the situation.
"Well, she's guilty of one thing, that's for sure."
"What's that?" Lizzie wants to know.
"Being rude."
You agree wholeheartedly with that.
"It looks like it's time for that plan Lizzie." Gordo says.
"Right."
You hope this works.