Smallest in the Family

by Yaakov Lubin

After a mishap with Lisa's new inventions, Lincoln Loud is shrunked down to the size of an action figure. And it's up to his family to take of him until Lisa can repair her machine...much to the boy's dismay. To top it off, Lincoln has learn to get around this new situation even, if that means doing under the watch of his over-protecting and smothering sisters.

7. Chapter 7

Chapter 7

Now, you might be wondering what dose, "Leftover Night at the Restaurant", mean. Well, it's the night when the Loud children and their mother go to their father's restaurant, Lynn's Table, and eat leftovers from the buffet table for dinner. Of course, they're allowed to order something fresh from the menu, like chicken nuggets, lasagna, and whatnot. And a good thing for Lincoln is that he can still attend this weekly tradition despite his new size. But, however, he has to pretend to be one of Lola's dolls and sit in her purse, even while eating, so nobody will notice. After getting seated at their usual both, Lynn Sr. comes out personally to hand them their menus and take their orders like he always does. Unfortunately, he can't seem to concentrate, as he's anxiously looking around his place of business while trying to talk to his family at the same time.

Luna (Very concerned): "What's got you so tight up Pop-Stair?"

Lana: "Yeah, your acting liking a raccoon who's trying to defend his den."

Lynn Sr. (Takes a deep breath): "Sorry kids…" (Looks at his family): "But the news has reported that the Mysterious Recipe Bandit is at it again."

Lori: "You mean the thief, who sneaks into restaurants and steal their chef's secret recipes?"

Luan: "They're in this area?!"

Leni (With a frown): "Why would anyone do such a thing?"

Lisa: "Obviously to sell the recipes to bigger and composing food chains."

Lynn gets from her seat with her hands on her hips.

Lynn: "Well no one is going to steal from my dad!"

Lola gets up, determined as well.

Lola: "I'm way with you Lynn."

Rita (With a stern look): "Hold it you two crime stoppers."

As her daughters sit back down, Rita looks up at her husband, her look changes from stern to reassuring.

Rita: "Honey, you have nothing to worry about. Thanks to Lisa, you have security cameras all over this place to keep an eye on every corner. And you spend a ton of money on that safe from Webazon. The reviews even say that not even the best of best crooks can break into it."

Lynn Sr. (Still a bit on edge): "Yeah…but."

Rita (Gets up and wraps her arms around him): "Don't worry." (Plants a little kiss on his lips): "Just focus on what you do best. I have no doubt in my mind by tonight the news will say this Mysterious Recipe Bandit was caught, maybe not right now, but later tonight."

Lucy (Rubs her head): "Hmmm…" (Whispers): "Mom might be right about that."

Lynn Sr. (Takes a deep breath and develops a confident smile): "Okay…you guys wait right here. I'm going to get all of you a glass of your favorite soda."

Lola: "Don't forget the teacup I gave you for Linky Daddy!"

Lynn Sr.: "I won't forget sweetie; I even left it in a special place."

However, as Lynn Sr. makes his way to the restaurant's kitchen while his family is talking amongst themselves. Lincoln was able to sneak out of his sister's purse and is now sneaking his way to the kitchen.

Lincoln (Looks over at the readers with determination): "As Lynn said, no one is going to steal from my dad. Especially with someone on his side, who can both be quiet and crafty like the Mysterious Recipe Bandit. "

So…the race is on, I guess. Who will win though? Tiny Lincoln Loud, who has the goal to do everything he can to bring this thief to justice? Or will the Mysterious Recipe Bandit steal Lynn Sr's cooking secrets and make a few bucks? Only one way to find out.

End of Chapter 7