The Black Heart Crypt

Zack was kneeling on the porch, holding Aunt Ginny’s hand.

“Don’t worry, dear,” she mumbled, a pained smile on her face. “It’s only a flesh wound.”

“The ambulance is on its way!” shouted Judy, who had called 911.

“Put this poultice on it,” said Hannah, pressing a moist mass of cloth and herbs on the bloody bullet hole.

Aunt Ginny winced. “Ouch. Not so much pressure, dear.”

“Hush,” said Aunt Sophie. “Save your strength.”

“Malik,” mumbled Zack.

“What?” said Judy.

Zack motioned for his mom to join him where the aunts couldn’t hear what they were talking about.

“What if, somehow, Jack the Lantern knows about the gold and the reward? What if Norman, somehow, told him? Malik will definitely be one of the kids he grabs first!”

“Run inside. You call Malik. I’ll call your dad. Hurry!”