The Caper of the Crown Jewels (11 page)

As Ivan and Jazz assembled their gear, Jack knelt down on the ground. He lifted the Tornado and set the switch to 2.

“Ready . . . Aim . . .” said Jack, and he pulled the launcher.

Two ropes shot out of the gadget towards Ivan and Jazz. As soon as they hit their targets, the ropes swirled furiously, again and again. They bound the crooks' feet first and then their hands.

“Noooo!” said Ivan, struggling to break out of its grip.

“Arrghhh!” yelled Jazz as he tried to bite off the rope.

But the power of the Tornado was too strong. Jack watched as the rope continued to wrap Ivan and Jazz up, so that in the end all you could see were their noses and mouths through two tiny windows.

When Jack reached the men, he had to laugh. Ivan and Jazz were so tightly wound that they looked like a pair of sausages.

“Let us go, you brat!” yelled Ivan. Jack could tell it was him by the look in his eyes.

“Sorry, guys,” replied Jack, pleased that he'd foiled one of the greatest magicians of all time. “I'm afraid you've done this to yourselves. Let's just hope the Queen doesn't decide to chop your heads off.”

As Ivan and Jazz cursed and tried to wriggle free, Jack called Scotland Yard. He figured Tommy wouldn't mind him calling
them now. The caper of the Crown Jewels had been solved. Within minutes, the officers arrived and dragged Ivan and Jazz
away—since they couldn't walk. Jack reckoned they were probably going away for a very long time, if the Queen had anything to say about it.

As Jack stood there in the Tower grounds, reflecting on his mission, a friendly voice came from behind.

“Well done, son.” It was Tommy. He was obviously feeling better. “I don't know how we can thank you enough,” he said, putting out his hand to shake Jack's.

“It was nothing,” said Jack. “It's my job.” Just then, he saw two black limousines driving smoothly but quickly through the Tower grounds.

“Uh-oh,” said Tommy. “Looks like we've got company.”

Jack watched as Secret Service agents hopped out of the car. They looked around before opening the back passenger door. Somebody important must be inside, Jack thought.

An older woman stepped out of the car. Jack couldn't believe his eyes. It was the Queen of England—Queen Elizabeth II—and she was walking straight towards him.

“So,” she said, with a pleasant smile, “you must be Jack.”

Jack stared with his mouth open. Tommy bowed to Her Majesty and Jack quickly did the same.

“I cannot thank you enough,” said the Queen. “You have saved my most precious jewels. You are a very brave boy.”

Jack figured Scotland Yard had contacted her with the news. “It was nothing, Your Majesty,” he said, shrugging his shoulders.

She looked knowingly at Tommy and smiled. “If there's anything I can do for you, please do let me know.”

Jack couldn't think of anything he could ask the Queen for, but then he remembered something. “Well,” he said, “I kind of need some help with my homework.”

“What kind of homework?” the Queen asked.

“I need to memorize all the kings and queens of England by tomorrow,” said Jack.

“Let's see what we can do about that,” said the Queen. “I know a bit about the subject,” she added, smiling again. “Why don't you come with me and we'll give you a lift.”

Jack turned to Tommy and waved
goodbye. Tommy did the same and added a wink.

Climbing into the limousine's backseat, Jack sat down opposite the Queen. She began to tell him about the British monarchy. Over the next hour, she taught him everything he needed to know, so that by the time the limousine arrived at his house there was no need to do any more homework.

“Thanks a lot,” said Jack as he stepped out of the car.

“No,” said the Queen, “thank
you.
I am extremely grateful for all that you've done.”

“Don't mention it, Your Majesty,” Jack replied, and he bowed politely.

The door to the limousine closed and the car pulled away, leaving Jack alone at the front gate to his house. Looking at his Watch Phone, Jack cringed. It was getting late; it was 9:00
PM
.

Even though he figured his parents were asleep, there was no way he wanted to risk entering the house through the front door. If he got caught, he'd have to explain to his mother why he was out so late. After punching a few buttons on his Watch Phone, Jack was transported back to his room. As soon as he arrived, he looked at the clock on his bedside table. It was just after half-past seven.

He took off his Book Bag and hid it
under his bed. Changing into his pajamas, he brushed his teeth and crawled under the covers. Reaching into his bedside table, he pulled out
Master the Art of Magic.
Although he didn't like Ivan the Incredible anymore, Jack still loved magic.

“Now,” he said as he turned to page thirty-two, “let's find another trick . . .”