The Mysterious Benedict Society Chapter 23 Summary

The Waiting Room

  • Around 9:00PM, Sticky finally returns to the room he shares with Reynie, and he's not just Sticky now—he's stinky.
  • He's covered in black, slimy mud and he's walking like a zombie. But he hasn't been brainswept. Reynie is relieved, but Sticky has a hard time feeling grateful.
  • The Waiting Room was horrible, and Sticky wants to run away. Especially since he's been told that he'll have to talk to Mr. Curtain tomorrow, and if Mr. Curtain isn't ready to see him, he may have to wait again.
  • He gets out his suitcase, intent on leaving, but Reynie convinces him to stay.
  • Sticky is worried he'll break down and spill everything to Mr. C, but Reynie tells him he knows he won't and says that he has a plan.
  • Kate drops through the ceiling and offers more reassurance, and Constance… well, she doesn't say anything rude.
  • Jackson hears talking and knocks, then enters the boys' room, but the girls manage to hide and not get caught.
  • When he's gone, they reappear (Kate from the ceiling panel above, and Constance from inside Sticky's suitcase) and Kate asks Reynie, "'Now what's this about a plan?" (23.53).