The Black Heart Crypt

Zack and Judy were driving home to North Chester; Zipper was snoozing in the backseat. Judy’s cell phone rang.

She pulled over to the shoulder of the road so she could answer it.

Zipper woke up so he could eavesdrop. He put his paws on the console between the front seats and leaned in.

“It’s your dad,” said Judy after glancing at the caller ID window. “Hi, hon. Let me put you on speakerphone. I’m in the car with Zack. What’s up?”

“I need to spend the night in the city.”

“How come?”

“Big meeting first thing tomorrow. Breakfast with the Pettimore Trust people.”

“They’re still going to pay for Malik’s mom’s medical stuff, right?” asked Zack.

“That’s why I need to be there. There are a couple board members who want to rescind that offer. I intend to fight for what’s right: You guys found the gold, you gave up your share of the reward to Malik and his mom. The board needs to honor that. Malik and his family must be compensated.”

“Compensated” was a lawyer word. It meant that his dad would make sure Malik and his family were paid what they’d been promised.

“Since Halloween’s over, if everything’s more or less settled down at home …”

“More or less,” said Judy, shrugging at Zack. He gave her a nod of agreement.

More or less. The Icklebys’ big night was officially over. They’d all crawled back into their crypt.

“I hate saddling you guys with my aunts.…”

“It’s more important that you stay there and protect Malik’s interests,” said Judy. “We’ll be fine. The aunts are no trouble.”

“Okay. Tell Malik I’ve got him covered. I’ll be home tomorrow night. Love you guys.”

“Love you, too. Bye.” Judy clicked off the phone.

Zipper cocked his ears. Grumbled.

He heard something.

Now Zack heard it, too: thundering hooves.

“Mom—is there a horse on the highway?”