The Mystery at Machu Picchu
Christina remembered the conversation: “You’re chasing an excuse for a vacation like a hound dog chasing a three-legged rabbit,” Papa said in his deep, folksy cowboy voice. Mimi raked her sparkly red reading glasses through her blond hair as she pushed them to the top of her head. She winked at Papa, knowing she would get exactly what she wanted. “Hope you’re hungry for some rabbit stew when I catch that rabbit!” Grant’s reaction was less enthusiastic. “Sounds kind of boring,” he said. “If you’ve seen one America, haven’t you seen them all?” “Does he really have to go?” Christina whined. “You know he won’t appreciate the history and culture of Peru!” Christina’s class had just learned about the mighty Inca empire, which had flourished before the Spanish came to South America. She was eager to learn more, especially about one particular place. “Can we visit Machu Picchu?” she asked excitedly. “Hmmm,” Mimi hummed. “Machu Picchu is probably the most mysterious place in Peru. Sounds like the perfect setting for a mystery!” 6