The Howling Ghost Read Free

this poor young boy to a life of torment. Really, Adam, I’m disappointed in you.”
    Adam could feel himself getting a headache. “I have nothing against this kid. But if the police couldn’t find him, I don’t think we can.”
    Sally stood up. “Great. Give up without trying. Next time a witch or an alien kidnaps you, I’ll just order a cup of coffee and a jelly doughnut and tell whoever’s around that Adam was a nice guy and I really cared for him but if he’s gone he’s gone and there’s no sense searching for him because I can’t be bothered.” She paused to catch her breath. “Well?”
    â€œWell, what?” Adam asked.
    Sally put her hands on her hips. “Are you going to help me or not?”
    Adam glanced at Watch, who had picked up the paper and was reading the article. “Are we helping her or not?” Adam asked his friend.
    Watch glanced at his watches, all four of them, two on each arm. “It’s not as if we’re doing anything this afternoon.” He added, “I know Cindy Makey. She’s cute.”
    Adam turned back to Sally. “We’ll help you.”
    Sally fumed as she turned away. “You guys are so altruistic.”
    Adam glanced at Watch as he stood up, ready to follow Sally. “What does altruistic mean?” he whispered to Watch.
    â€œLet’s just say the word does not apply to us,” Watch whispered back.

3
    C indy was sitting outside her house, slowly rocking on a wooden porch swing. Adam felt a pang in his chest—her face was so sad. She didn’t even hear them approach. She seemed absorbed in her own private world. A world where her little brother was no longer there. In that moment Adam would have given anything to get the missing kid back.
    But then Adam remembered what Watch had said.
    Either way it was probably hopeless.
    â€œHello,” Sally said as they stepped onto the girl’s porch. “Are you Cindy Makey?”
    Watch was right, she was pretty. Her hair was long and blond; it reached almost to her waist. Her eyes were wide and deep blue. They reminded Adam of the sky just before the sun came up. Yet her eyes were also red. She had been crying just before they arrived.
    â€œYes,” Cindy said softly.
    Sally stepped forward and offered her hand. “Hi, I’m Sally Wilcox and this is Adam Freeman and Watch. We may not look like much, but we’re intelligent and resourceful individuals. Best of all, we’ve been through pretty weird stuff. We believe in almost everything, including your ghost.” Sally paused to catch her breath. “We’re here to help you get your brother back.”
    Cindy took a moment to absorb everything Sally had just said. She gestured to another two-person swing.
    â€œDo you want to sit down?” she said quietly. “Are you thirsty? Would you like some lemonade?”
    â€œWe never take refreshment until the job is done,” Sally said, sitting down.
    â€œI’d like some lemonade,” Adam said, sitting beside Sally.
    â€œAdam,” Sally scolded. “We’re here to help Cindy, not take from her.”
    Adam shrugged. “But I’m thirsty.”
    â€œSo am I,” Watch added. “Do you have any Coke?”
    Cindy stood. “We have Coke and lemonade. I’ll be back in a second. Are you sure you don’t want anything, Sally?”
    Sally considered. “Well, now that you mention it. Do you have any ginger ale? I like Canada Dry best, in the green cans. Chilled but not too cold.”
    Cindy nodded. “I’ll see what we have.”
    Cindy disappeared inside the house. Adam spoke to Watch, who continued to stand. He was staring in the direction of the ocean.
    â€œWhat are you looking at?” Adam asked.
    Watch pointed. “The lighthouse. You can see it from here.”
    Watch was right. Around the corner of the house, the lighthouse was just visible, a