The Case of the Haunted House--Part Six
by HA
Shirley and her friends watched as the man advanced on Bart and the Asian boy. Shirley noticed that no one among the protesters was charging to their rescue. Apparently the mountain of muscle heading in their direction intimidated them, not to mention his friends across the street, who could overpower them at any moment.
"Nice knowing you," the Asian boy whispered to Bart.
"You are a weak coward if you wish to hurt innocent children," a calm, emotionless voice addressed the man from behind.
The man turned around and saw a tall boy behind him. "What the...?" he muttered to himself.
Everyone present--the reporter, the cameraman, the onlookers, the demolition crew, the protesters, and Shirley and her friends--stared at the newcomer. His skin was deathly pale and his hair was black and spiked up. He wore a long black coat with a purple inner lining, black gloves, black pants, and black sneakers. The only piece of clothing that was not black was his T-shirt, which was crimson red, and the goggles he wore around his forehead, which were black-framed and had red lenses.
"Who's that?" Bo wondered.
"Beats me, Bo," Blake said.
Shirley turned to Lucy and Katrina, who showed no surprise on their part. "You know him," she said knowingly.
Lucy smiled. "Don't worry. You'll meet him later."
Bart stared at the boy in black. "Huh?"
"Don't worry, we're saved," the Asian boy said. "I feel sorry for the other guy, though."
"Why's that?" Bart asked.
The Asian boy smiled. "You'll see."
"Huh?" the cameraman said, puzzled. "Who's that kid?"
"Never mind. Just keep rolling," the reporter ordered.
The man snickered at the sight of this strange youth. "Great, it's Kid Dracula." He faced the boy in black. "So, I'm weak, huh? I'll show you!" He charged the boy with his right arm bent back, ready for a punch.
The boy calmly and quickly stepped aside of the man's charge and he pressed two fingers on the man's arm as he passed him. Everyone watched as the man screamed in pain as his right arm hung limply. "My arm! I can't move my arm!" the man shouted. He glared at the boy in black, who smiled coldly. "What did you do to it, you freak?"
"Pressure points," Blake said.
"What?" Parker said, not knowing what Blake meant.
"That kid found a pressure point that incapacitated the man's arm when it was touched. He can't move it now," Blake explained.
"Well, that big bozo's still got one good arm left," Bo said.
Frustrated, the man charged the boy in black and threw a punch with his left arm. The boy dodged the punch and pressed his fingers against a pressure point on the man's left arm. The man cried out in pain, with both his arms rendered useless.
"Not only are you weak, but you are an idiot," the boy commented. "You never learn from your mistakes."
The protesters were silent. The onlookers whispered among themselves, curious on who this stranger was. Shirley was the most curious.
The man snarled and looked at the other members of the demolition crew. "Hey, get over here and get this guy!" Immediately, five muscular men ran across the road and were soon surrounding the boy in black.
"Great, he's dead," Parker remarked.
Blake grinned. "You never saw a Bruce Lee movie before, have you, Parker?"
"News flash, Blake. That's not Bruce Lee," Bo said. "In fact, who is this guy?"
Shirley kept silent on the matter and watched as the boy in black studied the five men surrounding him. "Five against one? Hmph, more cowards. You have to attack in large numbers to take me on," the boy commented, his tone apparently cold, yet not worried.
"Get him!" the leader shouted.
One man charged the boy from behind, hoping to grab him. Without looking, the boy swung a gloved fist into his would-be attacker's face, knocking him to the ground senseless.
"Ouch," Parker remarked.
The remaining four men were petrified. "Oh my God, he knocked down Kenny with one hit!" one man exclaimed.
"Whoa," Bo whispered.
"Very impressive," Shirley commented.
The boy in black faced the remaining men. "Who is next?"
The men looked at each other. "Well, what are you waiting for?" their leader demanded, still unable to move his arms. "Get him!"
Two of the men went to the side of their fallen comrade. "No way, Carl," one of the men said. "We didn't sign up to get our butts kicked by some guy in black."
"He's just one kid!" the leader shouted.
"And look what that one kid did to you and Kenny," another man said, trying to revive the fallen man by slapping him in the face.
The boy in black shook his head. "Pathetic."
At that moment, a cell phone rang in someone's pocket. It happened to belong to the woman with the megaphone. She got it out and turned it on. "Hello?" she asked.
As the woman talked with the person on the other line, everyone's attention was still on the boy in black and the demolition crew. The cameraman had recorded everything that had happened while the reporter commentated on the action. Now both men were watching quietly for who was going to make the next move.
The woman finished talking on her cell phone and she hung up. Putting away the cell phone, she spoke into the megaphone. "Hey, people, listen up!"
Everyone gave their attention to the woman. The cameraman turned his focus from the boy in black to the woman. "The city council's granted a reprieve to the Harrison house until tomorrow, where we'll get to present our case before it!"
The reporter rushed up to the woman. "Is this true?" he asked her.
"It is," the woman replied with a big smile.
This piece of news was met with loud cheering and applause from the protesters. The onlookers were amazed. The demolition crew was not exactly thrilled.
"I believe you gentlemen are not welcome here," the boy in black told the crew leader.
The leader snarled. "Just you wait. We'll be back. Mr. Maxson's got clout on the city council. This house'll be nothing but bricks when we're done with it."
Now conscious, the man called Kenny was helped up by his co-workers. "What happened?" he asked, still dazed.
"We're leaving, Kenny," the leader said angrily. "But don't worry. Mr. Maxson's got everything covered."
The boy in black walked up to Bart and the Asian boy. "Are you two all right?" he asked.
"Uh, yeah," Bart said, staring at the stranger.
"We're cool," the Asian boy said. "Did you really have to hurt the bad men, Damian?" he asked with a grin. "I'm surprised they're still breathing."
Bart looked at the Asian boy, then at the boy in black. "You know each other?"
Both boys nodded. "We do," the boy in black said.
The demolition crew walked to their van and much to the delight of the protesters, they left. The cameraman captured the cheering protesters as they raised their signs and voices in victory.
Among the cheering, the reporter was still interviewing the woman. "You've won a victory, albeit temporary. Are you worried that George Maxson will still demolish this house?"
"Not likely at this point," the woman replied. "We've managed to find supporters among the Historical Society who want to keep the house as it is and set it up as a tourist attraction. Of course, the ghost will have to be willing."
Soon, the TV news crew was done, and they were packing up their equipment. The protesters started to leave, their goal accomplished. The onlookers also left, their curiosity satisfied.
Katrina walked up to the reporter. "Your footage will be broadcast tonight, correct?"
The reporter stared at Katrina's silver hair before answering. "Uh, sure, little girl."
"That is all I need to know," Katrina said before rejoining the others.
"Well, that was interesting," Bo remarked.
"It sure was," Blake said. "Right, Shirley?"
"It was," Shirley said keeping her eye on Lucy and Katrina. Katrina was standing with her eyes closed. Shirley noted that she seemed to be concentrating on something. "What is she doing?" she asked Lucy.
Before Shirley could get an answer, the woman and her daughter walked up to the young Knight. "Lucy, I really need to thank you for your help today, especially with your father," the woman said gratefully.
"Well, Mrs. March, as members of the Redington Historical Society, my parents feel that some pieces of the past must be preserved," Lucy said. "I'll tell them that you and the Redington Paranormal Society are very thankful for their help."
"I'm also happy that you and your friends stopped by to lend a hand," the woman said. "Susan was so insistent on having you here, and she was right to do so."
"Awwww, Mom," the girl said, bowing her head with embarrassment.
Bart, the Asian boy, and the boy in black joined them. "Well, I didn't expect that to happen," Bart said, amazed at what just happened.
The woman saw Bart. "Ah, here's your knight in shining armor, Susan," she told her daughter teasingly.
The girl raised her head. "Uh, hi," she managed to say.
"Hi," Bart said nervously, doing a little wave.
Behind Bart, the Asian boy and the boy in black exchanged glances. "Hoo boy," the Asian boy said, rolling his eyes. The boy in black expressed nothing.
"Blake, tell me I'm not seeing this," Bo whispered, noticing the interaction between Bart and the girl.
"Sorry, man. It's happening," Blake said with a smile.
The woman looked at the boy in black. "Hello there, Damian. Although I don't approve of violence, I know you acted in self-defense. Still, I feel sorry for those poor men."
"I understand, Mrs. March," the boy in black replied with a nod. "However, those who must prey on the weak to be strong are weak themselves."
"Okay," Bo remarked upon hearing that deep thought.
"An interesting saying," Blake said, awed by the boy's apparent wisdom.
"It is a belief I have that has been proven time and again by my observations and experiences," the boy in black said.
The woman looked at Shirley and her friends. "Hmmmmmmm...Lucy, I don't think I've ever met these kids before."
"Actually, I just met them yesterday at Sussex Academy." Lucy motioned to each of Shirley and her friends. "This is Shirley Holmes, Bo Sawchuk, Blake Hewitt, Parker..." She motioned to Bart. "This boy who stood up for your daughter is Bart James."
The woman introduced herself and her daughter. "I'm Bethany March, and this is Susan, my daughter." She looked at Bart. "Ah yes, you're the young man who reported an encounter with a poltergeist to the society, correct?"
"That's right, Mrs. March," Bart answered.
"Susan's been dying to meet you in person ever since you sent in that report," Mrs. March revealed. "She has quite an interest in the paranormal. Guess it's hereditary," she said with a wink.
Susan stepped forward and shook Bart's hand. "It's such an honor to finally meet you," she said with a smile. "Didn't you also work at the local SETI station?"
"Yeah, I did," Bart replied.
"Cool!" Susan exclaimed. "Find any signs of life?"
"Well..." From there, Bart and Susan started talking about aliens.
"I think Bart finally found his match," Blake whispered to Shirley with a grin.
Mrs. March checked the time on her watch. "Well, I'd better report back to the society. Susan, are you coming with me or with your friends?" She saw Susan talking to Bart excitedly. "Oh, my. I guess that answers my question," Mrs. March said, shaking her head and smiling. Lucy, Damian, can you just drop her off at home before it gets too dark?"
"Of course, Mrs. March," the boy in black replied.
"No problem," Lucy said.
"Bye, Mom," Susan said before returning to talking with Bart.
"I'll see you later, Susan," Mrs. March said before heading for her own car.
Shirley looked at the Asian boy and the boy in black. "Lucy, you haven't properly introduced us yet to your other friends."
Lucy smiled and motioned to the boy in black. "This is Damian Thorne, another distant cousin. He's the one who drove us here."
Bo looked over Damian. "Where's he from? Transylvania?"
Shirley raised an eyebrow at Bo and glared at him. Bo shut up immediately.
"I am from Nevada," Damian answered. Shirley wondered if Damian's reply was rehearsed just like Katrina's.
Lucy started to introduce the Asian boy. "And this is..."
"Hiroshi Fujiyama," Shirley completed, recognizing the Asian boy. "We met at the talent contest held at the Landmark Theater a while back."
"You remember me?" Hiroshi said in amazement. "I'm touched," he added, speaking in a mock sad tone.
"Shirley's got quite a memory," Blake said. "She can remember anything."
Katrina opened her eyes finally. Lucy took her aside and they discussed something in low tones. Shirley tried to listen in, but she could not make out what they were saying.
"Well, now that we know each other, why don't we go somewhere to celebrate our little victory?" Lucy asked after she was done talking with Katrina.
"Uh, what about the Quazar Cafe?" Parker proposed.
"The Quazar Cafe?" Lucy thought for a moment. "Ah, that cybercafe you all hang out at. Yes, we'll stop by for some refreshments. I'm buying."
"I second that motion!" Hiroshi declared, raising his hand.
"I third it," Bo said, glad that he did not have to pay for anything.
"Parker, that's not a bad idea," Blake said, complimenting his friend.
"Alicia's working there today, remember?" Shirley pointed out.
"I see," Bo said, grinning at Parker, who bowed his head to hide the red blush spreading across his face.
Everyone started to leave the area. Just as Bart was about to join his friends, he heard a little voice say to him, "Please save my home, Bart."
Bart looked behind him and saw a figure on the porch. From where he was standing, it looked like a little girl in a dress.
"Please save my home, Bart," he heard her say again.
Bart came in for a closer look. He saw that it was indeed a little girl in a dress. He noted that is was old-fashioned. "Who are you?" Bart asked the little girl.
"Please save my home, Bart," the little girl repeated.
"Hey, Bart," someone said from behind.
Bart found Blake standing behind him. "I heard you talking to someone." Blake looked around. "Who were you talking to?"
"What are you talking about, Blake?" Bart asked his friend. "Can't you see her?"
"See who, Bart?" Blake asked, confused. "I don't see anyone else here expect you and me."
Bart turned back to where the little girl was, except now she was gone. "Huh?" he said, scratching his head. "She was here a minute ago. I swear it, Blake."
Blake looked at his friend with concern. "Uh, Bart, I think you'd better take a break from all this supernatural stuff. Come on. Maybe something from the Quazar Cafe will do the trick," he said with a smile.
"If you say so," Bart said, following Blake away from the Harrison house.
END OF PART SIX
by HA
Shirley and her friends watched as the man advanced on Bart and the Asian boy. Shirley noticed that no one among the protesters was charging to their rescue. Apparently the mountain of muscle heading in their direction intimidated them, not to mention his friends across the street, who could overpower them at any moment.
"Nice knowing you," the Asian boy whispered to Bart.
"You are a weak coward if you wish to hurt innocent children," a calm, emotionless voice addressed the man from behind.
The man turned around and saw a tall boy behind him. "What the...?" he muttered to himself.
Everyone present--the reporter, the cameraman, the onlookers, the demolition crew, the protesters, and Shirley and her friends--stared at the newcomer. His skin was deathly pale and his hair was black and spiked up. He wore a long black coat with a purple inner lining, black gloves, black pants, and black sneakers. The only piece of clothing that was not black was his T-shirt, which was crimson red, and the goggles he wore around his forehead, which were black-framed and had red lenses.
"Who's that?" Bo wondered.
"Beats me, Bo," Blake said.
Shirley turned to Lucy and Katrina, who showed no surprise on their part. "You know him," she said knowingly.
Lucy smiled. "Don't worry. You'll meet him later."
Bart stared at the boy in black. "Huh?"
"Don't worry, we're saved," the Asian boy said. "I feel sorry for the other guy, though."
"Why's that?" Bart asked.
The Asian boy smiled. "You'll see."
"Huh?" the cameraman said, puzzled. "Who's that kid?"
"Never mind. Just keep rolling," the reporter ordered.
The man snickered at the sight of this strange youth. "Great, it's Kid Dracula." He faced the boy in black. "So, I'm weak, huh? I'll show you!" He charged the boy with his right arm bent back, ready for a punch.
The boy calmly and quickly stepped aside of the man's charge and he pressed two fingers on the man's arm as he passed him. Everyone watched as the man screamed in pain as his right arm hung limply. "My arm! I can't move my arm!" the man shouted. He glared at the boy in black, who smiled coldly. "What did you do to it, you freak?"
"Pressure points," Blake said.
"What?" Parker said, not knowing what Blake meant.
"That kid found a pressure point that incapacitated the man's arm when it was touched. He can't move it now," Blake explained.
"Well, that big bozo's still got one good arm left," Bo said.
Frustrated, the man charged the boy in black and threw a punch with his left arm. The boy dodged the punch and pressed his fingers against a pressure point on the man's left arm. The man cried out in pain, with both his arms rendered useless.
"Not only are you weak, but you are an idiot," the boy commented. "You never learn from your mistakes."
The protesters were silent. The onlookers whispered among themselves, curious on who this stranger was. Shirley was the most curious.
The man snarled and looked at the other members of the demolition crew. "Hey, get over here and get this guy!" Immediately, five muscular men ran across the road and were soon surrounding the boy in black.
"Great, he's dead," Parker remarked.
Blake grinned. "You never saw a Bruce Lee movie before, have you, Parker?"
"News flash, Blake. That's not Bruce Lee," Bo said. "In fact, who is this guy?"
Shirley kept silent on the matter and watched as the boy in black studied the five men surrounding him. "Five against one? Hmph, more cowards. You have to attack in large numbers to take me on," the boy commented, his tone apparently cold, yet not worried.
"Get him!" the leader shouted.
One man charged the boy from behind, hoping to grab him. Without looking, the boy swung a gloved fist into his would-be attacker's face, knocking him to the ground senseless.
"Ouch," Parker remarked.
The remaining four men were petrified. "Oh my God, he knocked down Kenny with one hit!" one man exclaimed.
"Whoa," Bo whispered.
"Very impressive," Shirley commented.
The boy in black faced the remaining men. "Who is next?"
The men looked at each other. "Well, what are you waiting for?" their leader demanded, still unable to move his arms. "Get him!"
Two of the men went to the side of their fallen comrade. "No way, Carl," one of the men said. "We didn't sign up to get our butts kicked by some guy in black."
"He's just one kid!" the leader shouted.
"And look what that one kid did to you and Kenny," another man said, trying to revive the fallen man by slapping him in the face.
The boy in black shook his head. "Pathetic."
At that moment, a cell phone rang in someone's pocket. It happened to belong to the woman with the megaphone. She got it out and turned it on. "Hello?" she asked.
As the woman talked with the person on the other line, everyone's attention was still on the boy in black and the demolition crew. The cameraman had recorded everything that had happened while the reporter commentated on the action. Now both men were watching quietly for who was going to make the next move.
The woman finished talking on her cell phone and she hung up. Putting away the cell phone, she spoke into the megaphone. "Hey, people, listen up!"
Everyone gave their attention to the woman. The cameraman turned his focus from the boy in black to the woman. "The city council's granted a reprieve to the Harrison house until tomorrow, where we'll get to present our case before it!"
The reporter rushed up to the woman. "Is this true?" he asked her.
"It is," the woman replied with a big smile.
This piece of news was met with loud cheering and applause from the protesters. The onlookers were amazed. The demolition crew was not exactly thrilled.
"I believe you gentlemen are not welcome here," the boy in black told the crew leader.
The leader snarled. "Just you wait. We'll be back. Mr. Maxson's got clout on the city council. This house'll be nothing but bricks when we're done with it."
Now conscious, the man called Kenny was helped up by his co-workers. "What happened?" he asked, still dazed.
"We're leaving, Kenny," the leader said angrily. "But don't worry. Mr. Maxson's got everything covered."
The boy in black walked up to Bart and the Asian boy. "Are you two all right?" he asked.
"Uh, yeah," Bart said, staring at the stranger.
"We're cool," the Asian boy said. "Did you really have to hurt the bad men, Damian?" he asked with a grin. "I'm surprised they're still breathing."
Bart looked at the Asian boy, then at the boy in black. "You know each other?"
Both boys nodded. "We do," the boy in black said.
The demolition crew walked to their van and much to the delight of the protesters, they left. The cameraman captured the cheering protesters as they raised their signs and voices in victory.
Among the cheering, the reporter was still interviewing the woman. "You've won a victory, albeit temporary. Are you worried that George Maxson will still demolish this house?"
"Not likely at this point," the woman replied. "We've managed to find supporters among the Historical Society who want to keep the house as it is and set it up as a tourist attraction. Of course, the ghost will have to be willing."
Soon, the TV news crew was done, and they were packing up their equipment. The protesters started to leave, their goal accomplished. The onlookers also left, their curiosity satisfied.
Katrina walked up to the reporter. "Your footage will be broadcast tonight, correct?"
The reporter stared at Katrina's silver hair before answering. "Uh, sure, little girl."
"That is all I need to know," Katrina said before rejoining the others.
"Well, that was interesting," Bo remarked.
"It sure was," Blake said. "Right, Shirley?"
"It was," Shirley said keeping her eye on Lucy and Katrina. Katrina was standing with her eyes closed. Shirley noted that she seemed to be concentrating on something. "What is she doing?" she asked Lucy.
Before Shirley could get an answer, the woman and her daughter walked up to the young Knight. "Lucy, I really need to thank you for your help today, especially with your father," the woman said gratefully.
"Well, Mrs. March, as members of the Redington Historical Society, my parents feel that some pieces of the past must be preserved," Lucy said. "I'll tell them that you and the Redington Paranormal Society are very thankful for their help."
"I'm also happy that you and your friends stopped by to lend a hand," the woman said. "Susan was so insistent on having you here, and she was right to do so."
"Awwww, Mom," the girl said, bowing her head with embarrassment.
Bart, the Asian boy, and the boy in black joined them. "Well, I didn't expect that to happen," Bart said, amazed at what just happened.
The woman saw Bart. "Ah, here's your knight in shining armor, Susan," she told her daughter teasingly.
The girl raised her head. "Uh, hi," she managed to say.
"Hi," Bart said nervously, doing a little wave.
Behind Bart, the Asian boy and the boy in black exchanged glances. "Hoo boy," the Asian boy said, rolling his eyes. The boy in black expressed nothing.
"Blake, tell me I'm not seeing this," Bo whispered, noticing the interaction between Bart and the girl.
"Sorry, man. It's happening," Blake said with a smile.
The woman looked at the boy in black. "Hello there, Damian. Although I don't approve of violence, I know you acted in self-defense. Still, I feel sorry for those poor men."
"I understand, Mrs. March," the boy in black replied with a nod. "However, those who must prey on the weak to be strong are weak themselves."
"Okay," Bo remarked upon hearing that deep thought.
"An interesting saying," Blake said, awed by the boy's apparent wisdom.
"It is a belief I have that has been proven time and again by my observations and experiences," the boy in black said.
The woman looked at Shirley and her friends. "Hmmmmmmm...Lucy, I don't think I've ever met these kids before."
"Actually, I just met them yesterday at Sussex Academy." Lucy motioned to each of Shirley and her friends. "This is Shirley Holmes, Bo Sawchuk, Blake Hewitt, Parker..." She motioned to Bart. "This boy who stood up for your daughter is Bart James."
The woman introduced herself and her daughter. "I'm Bethany March, and this is Susan, my daughter." She looked at Bart. "Ah yes, you're the young man who reported an encounter with a poltergeist to the society, correct?"
"That's right, Mrs. March," Bart answered.
"Susan's been dying to meet you in person ever since you sent in that report," Mrs. March revealed. "She has quite an interest in the paranormal. Guess it's hereditary," she said with a wink.
Susan stepped forward and shook Bart's hand. "It's such an honor to finally meet you," she said with a smile. "Didn't you also work at the local SETI station?"
"Yeah, I did," Bart replied.
"Cool!" Susan exclaimed. "Find any signs of life?"
"Well..." From there, Bart and Susan started talking about aliens.
"I think Bart finally found his match," Blake whispered to Shirley with a grin.
Mrs. March checked the time on her watch. "Well, I'd better report back to the society. Susan, are you coming with me or with your friends?" She saw Susan talking to Bart excitedly. "Oh, my. I guess that answers my question," Mrs. March said, shaking her head and smiling. Lucy, Damian, can you just drop her off at home before it gets too dark?"
"Of course, Mrs. March," the boy in black replied.
"No problem," Lucy said.
"Bye, Mom," Susan said before returning to talking with Bart.
"I'll see you later, Susan," Mrs. March said before heading for her own car.
Shirley looked at the Asian boy and the boy in black. "Lucy, you haven't properly introduced us yet to your other friends."
Lucy smiled and motioned to the boy in black. "This is Damian Thorne, another distant cousin. He's the one who drove us here."
Bo looked over Damian. "Where's he from? Transylvania?"
Shirley raised an eyebrow at Bo and glared at him. Bo shut up immediately.
"I am from Nevada," Damian answered. Shirley wondered if Damian's reply was rehearsed just like Katrina's.
Lucy started to introduce the Asian boy. "And this is..."
"Hiroshi Fujiyama," Shirley completed, recognizing the Asian boy. "We met at the talent contest held at the Landmark Theater a while back."
"You remember me?" Hiroshi said in amazement. "I'm touched," he added, speaking in a mock sad tone.
"Shirley's got quite a memory," Blake said. "She can remember anything."
Katrina opened her eyes finally. Lucy took her aside and they discussed something in low tones. Shirley tried to listen in, but she could not make out what they were saying.
"Well, now that we know each other, why don't we go somewhere to celebrate our little victory?" Lucy asked after she was done talking with Katrina.
"Uh, what about the Quazar Cafe?" Parker proposed.
"The Quazar Cafe?" Lucy thought for a moment. "Ah, that cybercafe you all hang out at. Yes, we'll stop by for some refreshments. I'm buying."
"I second that motion!" Hiroshi declared, raising his hand.
"I third it," Bo said, glad that he did not have to pay for anything.
"Parker, that's not a bad idea," Blake said, complimenting his friend.
"Alicia's working there today, remember?" Shirley pointed out.
"I see," Bo said, grinning at Parker, who bowed his head to hide the red blush spreading across his face.
Everyone started to leave the area. Just as Bart was about to join his friends, he heard a little voice say to him, "Please save my home, Bart."
Bart looked behind him and saw a figure on the porch. From where he was standing, it looked like a little girl in a dress.
"Please save my home, Bart," he heard her say again.
Bart came in for a closer look. He saw that it was indeed a little girl in a dress. He noted that is was old-fashioned. "Who are you?" Bart asked the little girl.
"Please save my home, Bart," the little girl repeated.
"Hey, Bart," someone said from behind.
Bart found Blake standing behind him. "I heard you talking to someone." Blake looked around. "Who were you talking to?"
"What are you talking about, Blake?" Bart asked his friend. "Can't you see her?"
"See who, Bart?" Blake asked, confused. "I don't see anyone else here expect you and me."
Bart turned back to where the little girl was, except now she was gone. "Huh?" he said, scratching his head. "She was here a minute ago. I swear it, Blake."
Blake looked at his friend with concern. "Uh, Bart, I think you'd better take a break from all this supernatural stuff. Come on. Maybe something from the Quazar Cafe will do the trick," he said with a smile.
"If you say so," Bart said, following Blake away from the Harrison house.
END OF PART SIX
