The Black Heart Crypt

The next weekend, Zack, Azalea, and Malik went to Norman Ickes’s funeral.

Stephen Snertz did not make it. He was in traction at the hospital, suspended upside down with his fractured fanny in a plaster cast.

Ebony, the black stallion possessed by Satan, had been captured near Spratling Manor and taken back to Stansbury Stables, where he was spending the weekend under the watchful eye of an expert animal psychologist.

At the funeral services, Norman’s father announced that his son’s coffin would not be buried in the Ickleby family crypt or anywhere near the Haddam Hill Cemetery.

“The cycle of evil and violence that has plagued my family all these years must stop,” he told the mourners. “It must end with my son.”

Zack totally agreed.

* * *

On Sunday afternoon, Zack and his dad drove the three aunts and their cats to the airport for their return flight to Florida while Judy stayed at home with Zipper, who almost wagged his tail off saying “buh-bye” to his departing kitty kin.

Aunt Ginny was bandaged but recovering nicely from her gunshot wound.

Thanks to Aunt Sophie’s wide load, Aunt Ginny and Zack were, once again, scrunched up together in the backseat of the family van.

“You did good, Zack,” Aunt Ginny said, patting him on the knee.

“Thanks. You too.”

“Oh, dear.”

“What’s wrong?”

“We forgot to go to the Hedge Pig Emporium and order you that chocolate milk shake.”

“That’s okay, Aunt Ginny. Maybe next time you come visit.”

“Are you sure? Because we can change our flight. Fly back tomorrow.”

“Aunt Ginny, can I ask you a question?”

“Certainly.”

“Is the chocolate milk shake only on the kids’ menu?”

“What do you mean?”

“Would it work on you? Could you drink one and stop seeing ghosts?”

“What? And miss out on all the fun?”

“I’m serious.”

Aunt Ginny sighed and thought about her answer. “Yes, Zack. I could. But I won’t.”

“Why not?”

“Well, dear, I think that those of us who can see and stop evil need to protect those who cannot.”

“Yeah. That’s kind of what I think, too.”

“I know.” She winked at him. “It runs in the family.”