Football Frenzy (13 page)

The next Japanese strike found its way into the goal. Then Jamie Elton stepped up to the ball, barely pausing before sending it soaring through the air. It hit Shini’s arm, but spun and
bounced chaotically between the grass and the goalposts, and finally rolled over the line before Shini could turn and grab it.

2-1!

Kiki looked like she might burst into tears.

“We’re still one up,” Jessica said.

Daisuke Takeda stepped up...and missed. The ball went wide, flying into the stands. Josh clamped his hands tight onto the railing as Frankie Reed took the ball, squared up to Shini, drew
his foot back...and missed!

It was Takeshi’s turn. Jessica screamed her encouragement. Josh couldn’t – his throat and his chest felt so tight he was afraid if he opened his mouth his lungs would try to
climb out. But when Takeshi’s kick propelled the ball smoothly between the Giant’s legs and into the goal, Josh cheered along with the others.

“It’s 3-1,” Jessica said, breathlessly. “England could still equalize...but they’ve got to get this next one. If Shini saves it, we’ve won.”

“Come on, Shinichiro-san!” Granny called out, rising from her seat for the first time in the whole match. “For Japan! For justice!”

Josh grinned. “You can do it, Shini!” he yelled.

Daniel Akimbe lined up to take the penalty for England. He ran up and kicked, and the ball flew to Shini’s right. Josh gasped as Shini twitched to his left, then changed direction at the
last second, pushing off from the ground and throwing himself in front of the ball. It hit him in the chest and he clamped his arms around it as he fell.

Save!

Kiki and Jessica hugged each other and jumped up and down, their ear-piercing shrieks of joy making Granny flinch, despite her smile. The giant scoreboard flashed, red circles spiralling all
over it for a second, and then the words, in kanji and English:

1-1 DRAW! JAPAN WIN 3-1 ON PENALTIES!

Kiki pulled Josh into a hug and ran out of the VIP box.
Where’s she going?
Josh wondered.

Yoshida’s face looked like thunder. He glared at the twins and then at Granny.

“Congratulations,” he said, through gritted teeth. “Well played, Mimi. But don’t celebrate too soon. Your little troupe hasn’t seen the last of me.”

“I don’t doubt it, Noboru,” Granny said calmly.

“Get him, Granny!” Jessica said.

Yoshida laughed. “Attack me? With so many witnesses? I don’t think so.” He turned and stalked out of the box, slamming the door behind him.

“Granny, why
don’t
we just take him down?” Josh asked.

Granny shook her head. “No. That is not how we will defeat him, children – but believe me, we will defeat him.” She smiled at Josh. “After all, I have you two on my
team.”

Josh and Jessica beamed at each other.

There was a chorus of whistling and catcalls from the stands. Josh looked down to see that Kiki had burst out of the tunnel. She ran across the pitch to Shini and threw herself into his arms.
Every photographer in the stadium turned their camera on them, but the couple didn’t care. Josh and Jessica whooped and yelled, and even Granny laughed as she politely applauded.

Josh looked up at Jessica, and they exchanged twin grins. Another week, another mystery solved, another life saved. Yoshida could swear revenge all he liked – but right now, Josh felt
invincible. Whatever the next mission might be, he was ready for it.

Bring it on!