The Smoky Corridor

115

George Jennings could not believe he was seeing ghosts again.

It had been nearly twenty-two years since he had lost “the gift.” And he hadn’t missed it. Never told anybody he’d ever had it, either. Not his dad. Not his first wife. Not Zack. Not Judy.

“I haven’t seen Arie since I was thirteen,” he said out loud as he and Judy followed Zipper down a long tunnel. “He helped me win my first case.”

“How?” Judy asked.

“Mr. Crumpler, the assistant principal, accused my friend Stinky Seiden of stealing chocolate milk from the cafeteria. Arie led me to evidence showing that one of Mr. Crumpler’s favorites, the football captain, was the one stealing the milk, not Stinky. I stood up for my friend. He was exonerated. Mr. Crumpler was publicly humiliated.”

“No wonder he doesn’t like Zack.”

“Wow. My son sees ghosts. You do, too?”

Judy shrugged. “I see talking cats, too.…”

They reached a wall full of pocket watches and the two staircases. They followed Zipper down the steps to the left and entered a maze.

Zipper sniffed the air. Barked.

“He’s picking up Zack’s scent!” said Judy. “Run, Zip, run!”