The Black Heart Crypt

“Is the door locked?” asked Judy, studying the base of the clock tower.

“No,” said Zack. “Somebody busted it open.”

“Probably Norman,” said Malik. “He’s the top lock picker in our puzzle club.”

“Hurry, guys,” said Judy. “Find the stone. Toss it in Aunt Ginny’s bag with the rest of the junk.”

Zack grabbed the carpetbag from Malik in the backseat.

“I’ll see what’s going on with the school bus. When you find the black heart, use the signal mirror. Flash it at me from down here in the doorway,” said Judy.

“We will,” said Zack, yanking up his door handle.

“I’ll call Hannah and Sophie; they have Aunt Ginny’s cell phone.”

“But wait—they don’t have a car.”

“They can take a taxi.”

Zack nodded. He had seen some waiting in the hospital parking lot.

“Okay. Go. And, Malik?” Judy said.

“Yes, ma’am?”

“Set a new world record tearing it apart, okay?”

“Will do, Mrs. Jennings!”

“Come on!” said Zack.

He, Malik, and Zipper headed into the clock tower while Judy jogged across the street and up the block to the bus.