Chapter Two
Milligan didn't wake up that day. Or the next. He wasn't quite dead, but he seemed comatose.
Kate was very concerned. In fact, she was so worried she barely ate or slept.
Reynie was worried, too, but not just about Milligan. "Kate," he said on the morning of the third day, "you need some sense in that clever head of yours. You can't just neglect yourself, even if Milligan is..." He couldn't finish his sentence.
"Ouch!"
"What?" said Reynie and Kate simultaneously, looking at each other. But neither of them had said "Ouch," and there was no one else in the room.
Finally Kate recognized the voice. "That was McCracken! Quick!"
Outside the window, McCracken and S.Q. were trying to reach the sill. "Ow!" McCracken complained as S.Q. climbed up on his shoulders. "S.Q., get your enormous feet out of my face! Are you sure apologizing will get rid of my headache?"
"Sure I'm sure," S.Q. replied as he grabbed the windowsill.
It just so happens that Kate had reached the window at the same time S.Q.'s face appeared. "Hiya!" S.Q. exclaimed loudly, causing Kate to squeal in surprise. "Mr. McCracken wanted to say sorry for killing Milligan and all," S.Q. continued, oblivious to the shriek, "so sorry!" He finished just as McCracken's legs gave way beneath him, and the grinning teenager quickly disappeared from the window.
Kate remained standing by the window, looking confused. She turned around when she heard a loud groan.
Milligan stumbled into the room, holding his head and moaning with pain. Kate ran happily to him and squeezed him tightly.
"Ouch!" Milligan shouted.
Kate jumped back. "Oh, Milligan, I'm so sorry! I forgot! Are you okay?"
"That's—ughh—okay, Kate." Milligan clutched his bandaged chest and groaned again.
Kate helped her father to the couch, still muttering apologies, and laid him down. Milligan quickly fell asleep once again.