Read Online Shadows of New York by Heather Fraser Brainerd - Free Book Online

I’d appreciate it if your friends didn’t talk about him in front of Josh.”
    “For what it’s worth, I agree with you. I’ll tell Larry and Steve not to talk about him.”
    “Thank you. I’d feel much better about that.”
    She began to hum, making Josh think that the conversation was over just as he was getting curious about this mysterious Mr. Midnight.
    But the curious events were far from over. He heard his mother walk into the kitchen, her high heels clacking on the tiled floor. The refrigerator door opened and a bottle hissed.
    “You know, Aiden,” she said. “That friend Lawrence of yours is rather odd. He has Carlie Diane convinced that he’s a real-life vampire. Can you believe that?”
    Josh bit his lower lip to keep from bursting out laughing while Aiden gave a hollow chuckle. “Oh, that Larry’s a real joker.”
    “Yes, well, I’d just appreciate it if he didn’t do that sort of thing around the kids. Understand?”
    “Yes, Jennifer, I understand.”
    The click-clack-click-clack told Josh that his mother had gone back to the living room. It was safe to reenter the kitchen.
    He found Aiden with a cell phone held up to his ear, speaking quietly. “Hi, Bernie, it’s Aiden…Yeah, we have a little situation…No, it’s Larry Fancypants this time…Right...We need three memory wipes. The Coopers, the people I work for. Remember them from a few weeks ago? Also their boss, a television host named Carlie Diane…Cool. Thanks.” Aiden clicked the phone off and slid it back into his pocket.
    “Uh,” sighed Mrs. F-G from her station at the sink. “Vampires.”
     

 
Chapter Five
    Zombies, Wraiths, and Milkshakes
     
    Wednesday was the last day of school, and Josh was super excited as he and his small group of friends went through the school’s front doors and out into bright, warm sunlight. They made quick promises to get together soon and parted ways, eager to get summer vacation started.
    Feeling even more carefree than he thought he would, since his exams had been almost easy due to Aiden’s help studying, Josh looked around and saw that Aiden was there, waiting for him with a big smile on his face.
    “Happy vacation, buddy!” Aiden gave Josh a high-five.
    “Yaaay!!!” Came the familiar squeal from behind Josh. He turned to see Rosemary running full-speed at Aiden. Hugging him around the waist, she cried, “Oh, Aiden, our first summer together! How positively delightful!”
    “Uh, yeah.” Aiden disentangled himself. “Happy summer vacation, Rosemary!”
    “Can we go for ice cream?” was her reply.
    “Well now, let me think about it…” Aiden said, stroking his chin. “We sure can!”
    “Yaaay!!!” Rosemary repeated, this time so close that it hurt Josh’s ears. He didn’t mind, though. He was too happy to let Rosemary bug him.
    After a quick stop at a fancy gelato place, the three continued home at a slow pace, licking fast to keep up with the melting treat.
    “So, Aiden, I have lots of activities planned for us this summer,” Rosemary announced while they walked. “For example, tomorrow morning, we’re going to go to the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology—”
    “Uh-uh,” Josh interrupted her. “No way.”
    “We are so,” Rosemary argued. “It’s educational. Tell him, Aiden.”
    “Sorry, toots, but no can do,” Aiden informed her.
    “What?” Rosemary pouted. “We can’t go to the museum?”
    “Well, maybe some time, but not tomorrow morning.”
    “How come?”
    “I have a meeting in the morning.”
    “Oh. Well, who’s going to take care of us?”
    “Your parents are home in the mornings, remember?”
    “Oh, but you’re so much more fun than they are!”
    Aiden grinned. “Well, thanks, but I’m sure you’ll have a good time with them.”
    “Doubtful. They’re so boring.”
    “I tell you what, when I get back from my meeting, we can do something together.”
    “Oo! Like a tea party?”
    “Uh, okay. Sure. A tea party.”
    “Aiden,