Back at the Shack, Stanford paced the living room. He was glad his nephew and sister-in-law had gone to sleep before they returned. It saved him the trouble of explaining where his brother was. He kept checking his watch. "Where are they? They should be home by now."

Before Fiddleford came to reassure him, the door opened and Stanley and Jewels entered. "Honey, I'm home," Stan called.

The two scientists hushed him. "Your honey is already asleep, moron," Stanford scolded him.

"Aw, but I was talking to you, poin dexter." He pulled his brother into a headlock and gave him a hard noogie.

Wriggling out of the hold, Stanford pushed his brother away. Meeting his twin's eyes for the first time since he entered the room, Stanford paused. Something was wrong. Stanford looked at Jewels suspiciously, but Stanley put a hand on his shoulder in a silent gesture of 'don't worry I'll explain later'.

"Well, now that we've completed the job," Jewels started, breaking the silence. "A deal's a deal." She produced the second journal from who knows where and handed it to Stanford. He took it with a relieved smile and held it close. "Now just let me have the statue and I'll get right on that nuclear waste business," she concluded, holding out her hand.

Stanford looked at her outstretched hand and smirked. "Not so fast. I don't trust you to hold up your end of the bargain without some incentive so I think we should hold onto it until you deliver."

She raised a brow and for a moment the Mystery Trio thought she might be upset, but then she shook her head and laughed. "You're a lot sharper than I thought, nerd boy. Mighty impressive." Smoothing out her evening gown she thought it over. "Alright then. Six tons of nuclear waste will be delivered and I'll collect the statue then. Deal?" she held out her hand to shake on it.

"Deal," Stanford echoed but then hesitated because the bracelet on her wrist began to glow an eerie green. He looked at it in confusion. As far he could remember she hadn't been wearing a bracelet when she and Stanley left the hotel. Jewels noticed the glow too and looked at it with surprise. "Where did you get that?" Stanford asked, afraid to know the answer.

She gave him a nervous smile. "Well, you know what they say—you shouldn't go anywhere without getting a souvenir?"

"Nobody says that," Stanford retorted with irritation.

"I do." There was a rumbling sound in the distance that shook the Shack.

"That doesn't sound good," Stanley remarked.

Stanford glared at the bracelet and leafed through his first journal. "Cursed objects, cursed objects, I don't think I have anything written down about that. Where did you get that bracelet?"

Jewels rolled her eyes. "I stole if from the Northwest's, duh. It was just a little pit stop on the way to meet you at the back gate. It's not a big deal."

"Well, whatever you stole, it seems to be cursed," Fiddleford cried, jumping to his feet. "We need to get out of here!"

The cry of a child down the hall made Stanley's heart skip a beat. "Carla! Mike!" he yelled, running down the hall to their room. Before he could make it, the rumbling stopped and an eerie silence fell over the Shack. Not trusting the unexpected silence, Stanley threw the door open to find Carla calming Mike as best she could, both of them dressed and ready to go.

"Dad," Mike yelled, seeing his father in the doorway.

"What did you two do now?" Carla demanded.

Stan averted her gaze. "We might have made a deal with a con woman to get nuclear waste but she stole a cursed bracelet that might have summoned something evil," he offered with a shy shrug.

Carla scowled and punched him in the chest. "How did I ever end up married to a bone head like you?"

There was an unearthly screech outside and the three of them jumped. "Just lucky I guess," he replied.

Stanford jumped at the sound as well. "Give me the bracelet," he yelled at Jewels.

She clawed at it in vain. "I'm trying but I can't get it off." She the harder she pulled the tighter it gripped her wrist and she hissed in pain. "It's crushing my wrist," she cried.

"Stop, let me try," Fiddleford insisted, coming towards her.

A green figure came flying through the wall, the spirit lighting the shack with a putrid green glow. Stanley, Carla and Mike came into the room at about the same time and Stanley put an arm out to stop his family from getting any closer. "Get to Fiddleford's and Gina's place, now," he ordered.

"But what about you?" she demanded.

"I said now," he yelled and pushed her to the back door. "You and the kid are the first priority, I'll be fine."

She scowled but left, Mike in tow. The kid had seen his fair share of weirdness that summer already, but he was every bit as scared and fragile as Stanley was at that age so he followed his mother without complaint. Stanley watched them go and scowled in frustration. If it wasn't one thing it was another, he should have never brought his family to this crazy town.

In the living room, the green ghost woman was circling around Jewels and Fiddleford who were still trying to remove the bracelet. "It seems my trinket has found a new owner," the woman cackled.

"Who are you?" Stanford asked. Stanley reentered the room, brass knuckles ready to go, though they both knew they would be little use against a ghost.

Face like a rotting corpse, the woman turned to look at him. "I'm the woman who drowned her children, whose spirit looks for the children I lost," she announced.

"La Llorona," Jewels gasped, olive complexion turning white.

"You know her?" Fiddleford asked.

She gulped and nodded. "My mama used to tell me the story of La Llorona." Shaking her head she attempted to recompose herself. "But this doesn't make sense. The stories never said anything about a bracelet. It just says she drowned her kids so a man would love her and when he didn't she killed herself. Now she wanders the earth looking for her kids. Or something like that."

La Llorona drew close to Jewels and Fiddleford, her spirit cold and wet up close. "I did go searching for my children, but I was caught by a wizard who sealed me in this bracelet to keep me from kidnapping more children. But you, my little ladrona, have stolen me."

"Big deal," Jewels stammered. "You're still sealed so what do you care if I steal you?"

"Because, if my wearer is dishonest like I was, I get to continue my search." She put her cold fingers on Jewels' face, grinning. "You will be my new vessel."

Fiddleford stepped away. "Just our luck, of all the people to take the bracelet it had to be the biggest liar on earth."

"It could be worse," Stanford replied. "Stanley could have stolen it."

"Hey," his twin yelled. "Now's not the time for wisecracks. Isn't there something in your stupid journal about ghosts?"

"I've encountered spirits before, but nothing like this." Stanford shook his head. "There's always a reason. If we can find it…"

"Uh…guys, I hate to be that person but," Jewels interrupted. The Mystery Trio turned and saw La Llorona rising over the con woman. Her mouth opened wide and she dove down onto her, green form vanishing into Jewels' mouth. She collapsed onto the floor, evening gown pooling around her small form.

"Jewels," Stanford cried, running over to her. "Are you ok?"

Her head lolled back and forth as he cradled her in his arm. Fiddleford, however, drew back. "Stan, I don't think that's such a good idea."

Her eyes opened with a snap and glowed a sickly green. "I'm feeling quite well, thank you," she said with a grin.

Stanford let go and stumbled back. Rising to her feet, La Llorona tested out her new body. "Very nice. Exactly what I need." She grinned at the startled men, eyes fiery and bright. "Excuse me gentlemen, but I have my to children to find." Swinging her arm in a wide circle she knocked them back and by the time they regained their bearings she had run out the door.

"We have to figure out how to stop her," Fiddleford declared, struggling to his feet. "Think. Spirits always have a reason."

Stanford sat up and frowned. "What did Jewels say? She drowned her kids so she could get a man, but then he didn't want her so she's looking for the children she lost. So what she wants kids, but how does that help?"

The full impact of his twin's words hit him and Stanley jumped to his feet. "Carla," he breathed. "She's going to go after Carla and Mike!"

"Stan, wait," Stanford yelled, grabbing his twin. "You can't just go running out there. We need a plan."

He shoved him away. "I'm not going to sit around waiting for you to come up with another brilliant plan while my wife and kid are out there."

"Where are they?" Fiddleford asked.

He sighed, big shoulders sagging. "I told her to run to your place. I thought it would be safer."

Fiddleford turned white as a sheet. "Then that means Ranger and Gina are in danger too."

"I'm going after them," Stanley declared.

"Wait," Stanford protested, but before he could hold his twin back again, the large man turned and grabbed him by the shirt.

"I'm not waiting," he roared. "You don't understand what it's like to have a family because all you care about is your mysteries and your experiments, but my wife and child are out there and I don't care if I have to fight a thousand ghosts, I'm going to keep them safe. You got that poin dexter?"

Startled by the violent reaction, Stanford could only mouth wordlessly. Not waiting for a response, Stanley threw him aside and ran out of the Shack. Fiddleford yelled after him but the man ignored him. "We've got to come up with something fast," Fiddleford cried. "Stan, are you listening?"

He sat on the floor, numb and deaf to his assistant. Maybe Stan was right. Maybe he was looking at this too scientifically. He didn't know what it was like to have a wife and a child, even though he wanted to. He was the golden twin with several degrees and brains and talent to spare, and his misfit, scamming twin had accomplished more than he ever could.

He had a family and that was worth more than all the academic recognition in the world.

The thought sparked something and he jumped to his feet. "That's it," he cried. "I got it."

"Got what?" Fiddleford asked.

"I know what we need to do," he explained. "Let's go."

The Shack sat ten minutes from the main road and a long stretch of evergreens surrounded the dirt road. Fiddleford and his wife Gina lived further into town but Carla and Mike had made the walk hundreds of times. Of course Carla had never made it in the dead of night with some creature of unimaginable horror on the loose. For the hundredth time she wondered how she had ended up involved with such a mystery prone set of twins. Wherever either Stan went, ghosts, mysteries and trouble followed.

"Is dad going to be ok, Mom?" Mike asked, his short legs struggling to keep up with her fast pace.

"He's going to be just fine, sweetie. He's been in worse situations before," she assured Mike. Only last week the three of them had taken on a gremgoblin, she couldn't imagine this would be any worse. At least she hoped not.

They heard some yelling in the distance but didn't stop running. The main road was close, Carla could almost see it through the trees. There was a light just a little while down the road. Mike panted heavily, exhausted already, but he didn't let go of her hand or complain. He was tough, like his father.

Carla skidded to a stop as she realized the light she thought was Fiddlefords house was a woman. Startled by the sudden halt, Mike crashed into her. He peered around his mother, gazing at the figure standing between them and the main road. The woman was shorter than Carla, her long black hair hanging past her waist and it looked out of place with her fancy evening gown. Carla didn't dare approach her. "Can I help you?" she asked, keeping a solid ten feet between them.

Eyes glowing a bright green, the possessed woman took a step forward. "Mis hijos," she cried. "Have you seen them? My precious hijos?"

Keeping herself between the woman and Mike, Carla steeled her gaze. "I don't know who you are, but you better leave. This is private property."

La Llorona drew closer, hands extended. "You found him. One of my hijos. Give him to me." At the sight of her coming closer, Mike hid behind his mom, burying his face into her hand.

"If you think you're getting my son, you've got another thing coming," Carla snarled

La Llorona lunged at Carla who met her with a mean left hook made strong from hours of boxing practice with Stan. The possessed woman fell to the ground, surprised by the attack. Not waiting for her to recover, Carla kicked her in the head and took off running again, dragging her son behind her. "Stan," she yelled into the forest, hoping her husband would hear her. "Stan, help!"

Stanley ran out the door of the Shack in time to hear his wife calling for him. "Carla," he bellowed and ran down the road. He passed the Stanley Mobile and for a moment considered using that, but he didn't have time to go get the keys and he didn't want to risk hurting Jewels, although part of him had trouble feeling sympathy for her plight since she had brought it on herself. Stanley ran down the road and saw a figure lying on the ground. "Carla," he yelled.

Drawing closer he recognized the green glow and stopped. "You get out of her, you green freak," he called to the spirit. He held up his fists, armored with his brass knuckles. "Get out or I'll make you."

La Llorona laughed and sat up. "I doubt that. You care for this girl. Oh, and she seems to be found of you too. Que dulce," she mocked. Running a hand over her injured face, she grinned. "Your wife is very strong."

"Where is she?" he asked, looking around for any sign of Carla. If he had to guess she had given La Llorona a fight based on the bruise forming on her jaw, but he was only cautiously optimistic.

A toothy grin spread over her face. "Out of my way, hombre." She raised her hand to knock him back with her powers again, but she paused when Stanford came running up from behind.

"Wait," he yelled. "Wait, you don't have to do this."

She glared at him. "Oh, and what makes you think I'll stop?"

Stanford stepped forward and fell down on one knee, taking La Llorona by the hand. "I know you sacrificed a lot and I apologize for rejecting you at first. Now I see only a beautiful woman."

Stanley leaned back to whisper to Fiddleford. "Did he hit his head when I threw him?" he asked.

Ignoring his brother's snide comment, Stanford continued. "Please, fair lady, will you marry me?"

Green eyes grew wide and wet with tears. "Mi amor," she cried. "You've come back to me." She smiled, soft and gentle. Then it became sad. "But…I've already passed on, it can never be." Tears fell down her cheeks. "All I ever wanted was to know my sacrifice was worth it. To know you loved me too." She sighed and a green ether seeped out of Jewels' mouth and vanished into the air. The silver bracelet broke into pieces and fell to the ground.

Without the spirit in her, Jewels stumbled and fell forward. Stanford caught her and picked the unconscious woman up. "I better take her back to the Shack," he stated. "Make sure she's ok. You two go make sure Carla and Gina are safe."

Fiddleford nodded and took off. Stanley made to follow, but hesitated. "Hey Stan. I—"

"It's fine," he replied. "You were right. I don't know what it's like to have a family. I guess that's why I need you."

They smiled at each other and no more words were needed. They knew what the other was thinking. Stanford returned home and laid Jewels on his bed. He checked her pulse and breathing and besides some nasty bruises on her head and jaw she appeared fine. He put an ice pack on her head and sat on the couch to record the experience in his journal. It was certainly an educational experience, but it was also one he didn't care to repeat.

He gnawed on the tip of his pen, deep in thought. They had taken on ghosts before, but this one was on a whole other level. Maybe he should start to categorize them on a gradient so he could more easily handle them as they came. Something like the Richter scale maybe? That would be good…

Lost in his thoughts, he started when Jewels stirred. "Where am I?" she mumbled.

"You're fine, just stay still," he replied, jumping up just in case she tried to get up.

She touched the ice pack and winced. "Ow, that Carla packs a serious punch. I can see why she and Stan are married."

Stanford's eyes grew wide. "You remember what happened?"

"Every word. Up until she left my body. Then I blacked out."

He felt his cheeks flush red. "Then you…you remember me…?"

"Yup." She took his hand. "And although you have no ring to offer, I accept your proposal. But I do expect a diamond ring of at least two carets before we arrange the actual ceremony."

Flustered by the whole situation, Stanford pulled his hand away and stepped back. "Y-you know I wasn't proposing for real," he stammered. "I was just doing that to get rid of the ghost."

"It's a memory I'll hold dearly in my heart until the day I die," she continued with a mocking dramatic tone. "I stole your journals and your heart."

"That's enough," he grumbled. "If you don't cut it out I'll take away your ice pack."

She whimpered in fear and clutched the bag protectively. "No, don't do that. I really hurt."

The next day, Jewels was up and moving, apparently recovered from her possession. She examined herself in the mirror in Stanford's bathroom, fussing over the bruising on her forehead and cheek. "Why do they always go for the face?" she griped.

There was a knock at the door and the Stan twins and Carla came in. "Feeling better?" Stanford asked.

"More or less. I just need to let these bad boys heal up," she replied, pointing at her bruises.

Carla rushed forward. "Oh my goodness, did I do that?"

"Yeah, you hit me pretty hard," Jewels admitted.

"If I had known you were just being possessed I would have held back a little."

Jewels gaped at her in horror. "Don't say that. You were protecting your kid so don't think you should have done any different." She wilted a little. "It kind of was my own fault anyways since I stole the bracelet."

"Yes, my husband told me all about your…occupation." Carla gave Stanley a sly smile.

He gave a nervous laugh. "Hehe, yeah, crazy the people you meet."

"I brought you a parting gift," Stanford said, holding up a black bag.

Jewels took it and found the Jade Cabbage inside. "Hey, we agreed I wouldn't take it until I fulfilled my end," she protested.

"Consider it an apology for knocking you out," Carla insisted.

Jewels smiled and closed the bag. "Well, I guess I can accept the apology."

"We really had to twist your arm on that one," Stanley jeered.

"I'll be back, I promise," she said with a smile. "After all, I can't just abandon my fiancé." She wiggled her eyebrows at Stanford who turned a bright pink.

"Fiancé?" Carla asked.

Stanley held up a hand to silence her. "I'll explain later."