The Smoky Corridor

103

Zack and Malik kept moving forward.

The tunnels were chilly, dark, and quiet. The narrow passageways turned back on themselves at abrupt angles. Whenever the path split, they headed left—just like the pocket watches had told them to.

“Thanks again, Zack,” Malik whispered.

“For what?”

“Being my friend. Coming down to find me.”

“No problem.”

“You think that thing killed Kurt Snertz?”

“I hope not.”

They walked some more.

“If we actually find the gold,” said Malik, “I’ll split it with you!”

“That’s okay. You keep it. I just want to go home and play with Zip in the backyard!”

They kept walking.

Downhill.

Working their way deeper into the labyrinth.

The zombie’s lair.