The Hanging Hill

61

Reginald Grimes swept into the rehearsal room, followed by his assistant, Hakeem.

“People?” said Hakeem, clapping his hands. “We have much work to do today. Where’s Miss McKenna?”

On cue, Meghan bolted through the door, followed by her mom.

“Sorry. I have a slight problem with the snooze function on alarm clocks.”

“Deal with it!” snapped Grimes as he glowered at Mrs. McKenna. “Who, pray tell, are you?”

“I’m Meghan’s mom.”

“Why are you here?”

“Uh,” said Meghan, “she’s my mom?”

The door flew open again and Mrs. Stone stumbled into the room, teetering on six-inch high heels.

“Good morning!” When she flashed her glossy smile, Zack saw lipstick on her beaver-sized teeth.

“And who are you?” demanded Grimes.

“That’s my mom, sir!” said Derek.

Mrs. Stone toddled forward. “Pleased to meet you, Mr. Grimes!”

He ignored her and slumped down into his metal folding chair.

“Announcement!” said Grimes. “Tonight, I’m hosting a small private party to honor our two youngest stars—Meghan McKenna and Derek Stone!”

“Sounds like fun!” said Derek.

“Oh, it will be,” said Grimes. “I promise. Only the children are invited. Let’s meet at seven p.m. out in the lower lobby.”

“Where’s the party?” asked Mrs. Stone.

“Downstairs. We’ve set up a room.”

“In the basement?” Mrs. Stone sounded skeptical.

“It’s cool down there!” said Derek.

Grimes smiled. “This party is really for the children, Mrs. Stone. Ice cream and cake. Pizza. That sort of thing.”

“But we can come, too?”

Grimes hesitated, then smiled. “Of course. We look forward to the pleasure of your company. And now, will all those not directly involved with Curiosity Cat please leave the room?”

“Excuse me?” said Mrs. Stone.

“This is a closed rehearsal!” announced Hakeem. “Anyone not in the cast or in the crew must vacate this room. Immediately!”

Judy turned to Zack. “I could skip this first rehearsal.”

“No way,” said Zack. “This is the whole reason we’re here. Zipper and I will be fine. We’ll probably just hang out upstairs.”

“You sure, Zack?”

“I’m heading over to the library,” said Mrs. McKenna. “You’re welcome to join me there, Zack.”

“Thanks.”

“Mrs. Jennings?” Grimes said crossly. “Are we ready to proceed?”

“I guess.”

“See ya later, Mom.”

Then Zack, Mrs. McKenna, and Mrs. Stone hurried out the door.