chapter 10

In Which Jackson Meets an Old Friend

The gentleman in the elevator was old. White tufts of hair made little fluffy clouds around his ears.

His expression was serious, but there was some kind of joke twinkling behind his dark blue eyes. He wore a dark maroon velvet suit with sparkling gold buttons and golden, tasseled epaulets. (Epaulets are like shoulder pads, but very fancy and official-looking.) A thick crease ran down the length of each of his pant legs, and his pants were tucked into a pair of red high-top sneakers.

“I know you! You’re … Sir Shaw! You ran the Book Room in my Great-Aunt Harriett’s hair! What are you doing here?” Jackson exclaimed.

The elevator operator looked down at Jackson, his bushy white eyebrows almost covering his dark blue eyes. “I’m afraid I can’t recall, sir. It’s been a very long time since I worked in the Book Room.” His eyes clouded a moment. “A very long time indeed.” He straightened himself. “Good morning, Stimple. Will you be coming in today? I would love to hear how you are are doing.”

Stimple scowled. “No. I ain’t ridin’ in your elevator. Elevators are for you soft folk. I prefer the stairs.” He pointed a thick finger at Jackson. “Go wait in the garden.”

Jackson stepped inside, and with a whir and a churn, the door slid closed.