[vehicle doors closing]
Mom! Dad!
[doorbell rings]
[pants] Mom. What's happening?
The board has temporarily removed me
and made Professor McCormack acting president.
I've been dodging calls from reporters all morning.
[knocking on door] -[Nia] So everyone knows?
About her completely unfair and unjustified removal? Yes.
[doorbell rings]
Apparently, I'm taking time off for a family matter.
But soon everyone will know about the Eloquent Peasant investigation too.
[phone ringing, buzzing] -[knocking on door]
Finally. It's my lawyer.
We'll talk later. -[doorbell rings]
[knocking on door] -[sighs]
I'll take care of them. -[knocking continues]
[phone buzzes]
"Stop now or this gets out."
What gets out?
[phone buzzes]
[news theme playing on TV]
Idris, why aren't you dressed? [speaks Arabic]
Okay. -[chuckles]
How late did you get home?
After 11:00. [chuckles]
The university opened the archive room. It's back on my rotation.
[reporter] A rising star in academia, Layla Barnes ruffled feathers last fall
when she announced a bold new agenda for Wickford University.
That included tuition cuts
and returning ancient artifacts to their countries of origin.
In an interesting twist,
President Barnes was placed on leave last night.
And while the university's official story is
that she's dealing with a family matter,
our sources tell us there were those among the Wickford faculty and board
that felt her progressive changes were too much, too fast.
[phone chimes, buzzes]
We'll have more details on this story as it develops. Back to you, Cynthia.
Nia, are you okay?
Of course not. Would you be?
I've never seen my parents so worried.
If they find out what we've been up to, I don't know if they can handle it.
We have to stop.
Let's not panic. All they have from the security footage is that
we were in the archive room when we weren't supposed to be.
Wait. Who's they?
Amber, Liam and McCormack.
And if they have us on video, who knows what else they have?
Wait. This is actually a good thing.
[Nia] How is this good?
Think about it. If they're threatening us, that means they're nervous.
They could have released the video, but they didn't.
[Nia sighs] They're not nervous.
And they're not threatening us. They're threatening me.
My mom is the one being framed,
and if it gets out we were sneaking around, it's gonna be bad for her.
All we have to do is tell Donovan about the disguises at the Hawthorne Club.
Why would she believe us? We don't have any evidence.
We didn't even take the disguises. -[Charli] I know.
I'll tell Syd the truth about her so-called friends
and get her to take the photos at the Hawthorne Club.
That might get Donovan to investigate Amber and Liam,
but we don't have anything on McCormack.
[Samir] So we find something on him too.
McCormack could be the one who actually forged the EP.
[Professor McCormack] Ethan!
He's got the knowledge and-- -Uh-oh.
Hi, Todd! -Hi.
[Nia] McCormack. What's he doing here?
[Samir] With Oliver's family.
Anything you want to tell us, Oliver?
I guess that's a no.
What should we do?
Spy on them. Obviously. Come on.
Be careful. We need to be discreet, or he'll spot us.
Charli. Samir!
[sighs] So much for discreet.
Hi, Ethan.
[Danielle] What a nice surprise.
These two did magic at Ethan's birthday.
They were in Oliver's Young Archaeology Club as well,
where they made quite the discovery.
Where's your friend Nia?
[Charli] Uh, she's around somewhere. Not here.
[Samir] So, what brings you to the bookstore?
We're setting up for Uncle Oliver's memorial later today.
Here? -It's what Oliver wanted.
He loved this place.
Uh, which reminds me, Todd,
did you bring the artifact Oliver asked for?
Oh. Of course.
I have it right here. The Scarab Beetle.
Is that from the research lab?
It is.
Research lab?
As a-- As a young archaeologist, I'm very curious.
I'm surprised Oliver never took the club there.
It's full of amazing artifacts for faculty and students to study.
That would be so cool to see.
Ethan, don't forget you wanted to draw something for the memorial.
But I don't know what to draw.
Could you figure it out at the research lab?
I bet there is lots of interesting Egyptian things there.
Maybe you'll be inspired. I'd love to go with you.
Mom, can we?
Ethan, you know I have to set up today.
Uh, maybe Todd can take you?
No. I'm sorry. I can't. With my new position--
Please?
[sighs]
All right. I'll find a way to take you two to the lab.
[Danielle] That's very kind, Todd. -[Professor McCormack] My pleasure.
[Danielle] Oh, have you met Malcolm?
Oh, yes. Hi. You work here?
There could be evidence in that lab
that proves McCormack is the one who forged the EP.
That way, we can help Ethan and Nia's mom.
You really think he'll just leave evidence lying around like that?
You're dreaming, Samir.
Hey. Easy. We're just trying to help.
[Nia] You can't help.
Did you hear McCormack ask about me? They're on to us.
And they won't rest until my mom's fired, or worse, in jail.
We won't let that happen. -[Nia] It's happening.
My mom lost her job, and they're threatening me.
We can't give up.
[sighs]
[Samir] Nia!
Let her go.
She's just under a lot of stress. She didn't mean it.
I know, but I feel bad. -Give her some space.
We'll keep working on the mystery. -[phone chimes]
Speaking of which, it's my sister.
Syd wants to meet up. I can tell her about what's going on.
Good luck. Stay in touch.
[sighs]
[Nia] Charlotte's Web, by E.B. White.
Great, Oliver. More book characters. [sighs]
What's happening? [breathes shakily]
[chickens clucking]
Oliver? Did you send me into the book?
[farmer] Edith! Edith!
You better phone that reporter on the Weekly Chronicle.
Tell him what happened. He's gonna wanna know about this.
May even wanna bring a photographer.
There isn't a pig in the whole state as terrific as our pig.
Lurvy, I want you to start making a sign for Wilbur.
I've decided to take the pig to the county fair.
Make the sign large, and paint it green with, uh, with gold letters.
What will the letters say?
Zuckerman's Famous Pig.
[Wilbur snorting]
[Mr. Zuckerman laughs] Come on.
I really wish I'd read this book.
[Charli gasps]
Sydney? The Magician's Hideaway? Uh, why did you want to meet here?
I know you've always wanted to come see professional magicians perform.
That's so nice of you, and I really do. But I have to tell you something about--
Hope it's how excited you are.
These tickets were not easy to get.
Amber. [sighs]
I've been at Wickford since I was a student,
and I have a deep connection to the university.
[reporter] That's great.
Astrid, we're gonna need a little more time here.
Can I get you to take them to the lab, please?
Sure. -Thank you.
Right now, what this place needs is strong, trusted leadership,
and I intend to provide just that.
Hi. I'm Astrid.
Professor McCormack is running late, so I'm taking you to the research lab.
Because apparently my job includes babysitting now too. Follow me.
[sighs]
[Wilbur grunts]
[Nia] "Terrific"?
How am I supposed to find Charlotte?
[Wilbur snorts] Do you know Charlotte?
Oh! You talk?
Mm-hmm.
Oh, no, I don't know Charlotte. But I know she has a web.
Of course she does, silly. She's a spider.
Ugh. Spiders.
Hey, Charlotte's my friend.
Sorry. They've always just creeped me out.
[Charlotte] That's too bad.
But I hope we can all become friends.
Syd said that you like magic, so I made a few calls to get us in.
This is where you say thank you. -Oh, uh, th-thank you. [chuckles]
[chuckles] She's in shock. Come on. Let's find our seats.
[Samir] Whoa. Look at this place.
Do all the archaeology professors work down here?
They do, but Todd's the boss.
So, this is where he keeps all his old stuff from Egypt then?
Yes. So don't break anything.
So you have two ropes, but they can become one.
[laughs] Pretty cool, right?
[speaking indistinctly]
Here we are.
Whoa. So, how does it work?
Well, the magicians go around from table to table doing magic.
And the tricks get bigger and more impressive throughout the show.
[Marla] Hello! Hello, and welcome to... -Oh, wow, it's Magic Marla.
I follow her online. [chuckles]
Charli, sit here. It'll give us a chance to get to know each other better.
Uh, sure. [chuckles]
[patrons applauding, murmuring]
I have so many questions.
Great. [chuckles]
What's this for?
Careful!
It's okay, Astrid.
Uncle Oliver showed me how to use this. It's how the Egyptians wrote.
[Samir] Maybe you should use it for your drawing?
You could make it look like it's old.
That's a good idea. I could draw me and Uncle Oliver at the Sphinx!
[Samir chuckles]
Hey, what's in that room?
I think that's where Todd keeps his own research.
Really?
I'll be right back.
Excuse me.
President McCormack doesn't want anyone back there. It's off-limits.
What's your name?
Nia. Hi, nice to meet you.
I'm wondering, why did you write "terrific" in your web?
It's about me. I'm Wilbur and I'm terrific.
Ugh. It's already going to his head. -Mm-hmm.
Charlotte was trying to get me noticed
so Farmer Zuckerman would take me to the county fair where I'll win a prize.
That's where we're going today! Right, Charlotte?
I don't think I can go, Wilbur.
What? Why not?
I just have other things to do.
But I've never been anywhere without you.
Well, the county fair might be a good place for you to start.
I'm going to lie down for a bit. The least things tire me these days.
[Wilbur sighs]
So, Oliver, I guess you want me to get Wilbur to the fair?
Who is she talking to?
I don't think she's quite right.
Okay. So, Charli, time to spill. First question.
[phone rings] -Uh, sorry. I'll be right back.
[Amber scoffs]
[sighs] You just totally saved me.
From what?
[Charli] Amber. She bought Syd and I tickets for the Magician's Hideaway.
She says she has all these questions for me.
Now I know how Nia feels. This is getting scary.
[Samir] No, it's great.
If you get her talking, maybe she'll slip up and reveal something.
Easier said than done. How's it going at the lab?
Pretty good.
There's a room where McCormack keeps his special research.
I bet he's hiding something in there.
Maybe some forgery tools?
Or even the real EP.
That would be helpful. Good luck.
You too.
[Wilbur] Why doesn't she want to go with me?
I'm not sure. She seemed tired.
I'm worried about Charlotte. She's just been so quiet lately.
Why don't you just ask her?
Good idea. I will. Right now.
[pants] Um, wait.
Will you come with me, Nia? I'm a little bit nervous.
Of course I will, Wilbur.
Thanks, Nia. [laughs]
Syd went to the gift shop.
[patrons applauding]
Great.
Could you help me make sense of something?
Sure. Of course.
I don't know if you know this,
but I'm Professor McCormack's teaching assistant.
Really? I had no idea. -[chuckles]
He told me that you and your friends figured out
that the Eloquent Peasant was forged.
Oh, wow. He did? [chuckles]
It's kind of strange that three middle schoolers figured it out all on their own.
Unless they had help.
So, your uncle brought you here a lot?
Yeah. It's weird.
Using all this stuff really reminds me of him.
In a good way?
Yeah. Really good.
Do you do any stuff that reminds you of your cousin?
[chuckles] You remembered our talk.
I have been thinking about playing guitar again. He taught me how.
You should.
So, what happened?
Sorry? -Come on, Samir.
The screw, remember? Did you solve Uncle Oliver's mystery?
[chuckles]
We're very close.
In fact, I think there is something in that room that might help us.
But I can't get to it.
So that's why you wanted to come down here.
You could have just told me. I'm on it.
Astrid, I'm so hungry.
Do you have any snacks?
[Astrid] Babysitter and cook.
Why not? I'll be right back.
[Ethan] Thank you.
The vending machines aren't far. You should hurry.
I'll keep a lookout. -Thanks, Ethan.
[Wilbur panting]
Charlotte! I have a question for you! Charlotte!
[Charlotte] Wilbur, what is it?
[whines] -You can do it. Ask her.
Is everything all right, Wilbur?
No, it's not. You've been so quiet and tired all the time.
I'm really worried about you, Charlotte.
There's no need to worry, Wilbur. Everything is as it should be.
Then why don't you want to go to the fair with me?
It's not that I don't want to go. It's just that I can't.
But why? If you're not going to the fair, then I'm not going either!
[cries]
Wilbur, stop! You get back here right now!
I knew Oliver.
Why didn't he ever mention a kids' club?
Unless you're lying.
Or you're holding something back.
You know, this is a serious investigation.
You and your friends should be careful.
Is that a threat?
I just don't think you know who you're dealing with.
[Syd] I got you a souvenir, Charli.
Trick cards. Thanks, Syd. -You're welcome.
So, did I miss any cool magic?
[Charli] Not yet, but I've got a card trick.
For you, Amber.
[Ethan] Oh, hi, Todd! You're here! Do you want to see my drawing?
[Professor McCormack] I sure do. Where's everyone else?
They'll be back. Come on, look!
Oh, wow. It's you and Oliver at the Sphinx.
Yeah. He always talked about taking me to Egypt.
You know, this papyrus doesn't look three days old, let alone three millennia.
We need some pumice stones to wear it down.
I've got some in my prep area.
[sighs] I'll go talk to him.
[Charlotte] I'm coming with you.
How are you going to--
Oh. On me.
[Charlotte] We have to hurry.
That tickles.
[Charlotte] He went that way.
[patrons applauding, murmuring]
Pick a card. Any card.
Perfect. Now remember it and place it back in the deck.
[chuckles]
She's good. [chuckles]
You have no idea.
Cut the deck, Amber.
Is this your card?
I told you she was good.
[chuckles]
Okay! Are you ready for some magic? Who wants to be my first volunteer?
[inhales sharply] I do.
Well, perfect. Would you please join me beside the box?
And let's give a big round of applause for our brave volunteer.
[patrons applauding]
Uh, it's okay!
Don't worry. My drawing looks fine.
Oh, no. The pumice stones will make it look better.
[thud]
Hmm.
[door closes]
[Charlotte groans] Where could he be?
Excuse me. Have you seen Wilbur?
No.
We wouldn't be in this predicament if you hadn't made him run off.
Me? I'm just trying to help.
Wilbur looks up to you, Charlotte, and he knows you're hiding something.
[sighs] I just think it'll be better if you tell Wilbur what's going on.
Trust me. I know how it feels when people are lying to you.
I'll tell him. In my own time. Let's check around back.
[sighs]
[magician] And now, please put your hands together for Sydney,
who is about to be cut into pieces.
[patrons gasping, applauding]
Sydney, this may hurt a tiny bit.
[patrons exclaiming, applauding]
Why did you take that photo of me?
Why were you following us?
I wasn't.
[scoffs] We know everything, and we can prove it.
The only thing that photo proves is that you and your friends are stalking me.
[Charli scoffs] That's not all we have.
You, Liam, and your boss, McCormack, are all going down.
[chuckles]
You're not as smart as you think you are.
What is that supposed to mean?
And now, Sydney is pushed... apart! -[patrons gasping, applauding]
Hey, Syd, looking good!
[Amber] We need a photo.
[camera clicking]
[Amber chuckles]
So you just want to do little circles like that.
You see-- You see how you can already see it changing and fading a little bit?
Wanna try? -[Ethan] Yeah.
[Professor McCormack] Here you go.
Like this? -Yeah, that looks good.
[door clicks]
What did I miss?
Did you find the restroom okay?
Yeah. [chuckles]
What do you think of my drawing?
Almost looks like the real thing. [chuckles] You know, like a forgery.
[chuckles] To make a good forgery, you need an excellent artist.
No offense, Ethan.
And ancient papyrus. -What do you mean?
No one could make new papyrus look authentically old.
Not with all the pumice stones in the world.
Come on. I'll show you.
You-- You want to show me how to forge?
[chuckles] Ethan, keep working.
[patrons applauding] -Thank you, Sydney!
That was actually really fun. Are you okay?
I need to talk to you. Now.
Okay. Sure.
What's wrong? You can tell me.
[sighs] I didn't want to do this here,
but Amber's not your friend. -What?
She's working with Liam and Professor McCormack to frame Nia's mom
for stealing the Eloquent Peasant. -What?
The old scroll in the library, it's fake. They used disguises--
You know how crazy this sounds? -The disguises are in a secret compartment
at the back of the hallway closet at the Hawthorne Club,
and I need you to take pictures--
What were you doing at the club? -It doesn't matter. Listen.
Yesterday when Amber said she was working on a paper,
she was following me and my friends.
Uh, see?
She was wearing a green hat so we wouldn't recognize her.
Why did you take a photo of Amber?
She doesn't care about you or your friends.
No, she doesn't care about you.
Three weeks ago, you didn't have any friends,
and now you're being considered for the Hawthorne Club?
I'm sorry, Syd, but Amber's just using you.
You're not gonna get in.
You said it yourself. There's no reason why they'd pick you.
I don't want to talk to you anymore. Go home.
The papyrus I have in here is nearly 3,000 years old.
Just as old as the Eloquent Peasant.
I mean, it's nowhere near as valuable,
but I still like to keep it locked up, just because--
What's wrong?
[Professor McCormack] It's gone!
I'm the only one with the code.
I have to talk to the board.
[door opens]
[door closes]
[Charlotte] Nia, look! He must have escaped through here.
Oh, what a grave mistake.
I wouldn't worry. I'm sure he'll come back once he had some time to think.
You don't understand. Wilbur needs to go to the fair.
If he doesn't, he won't make it past Christmas.
What do you mean? Why?
[Charlotte] If he doesn't win a prize at the fair today,
he'll end up just like every other pig.
You mean... food?