Read Online The Ghost of Cutler Creek by Cynthia DeFelice - Free Book Online Page A

to his house, at least one more time.
    â€œHe has some dogs,” Allie went on. “So Dub and I were going to take over some of our homemade dog treats.”
    â€œThat’s nice, sweetie,” said her mother. “Were L.J.’s parents home?”
    â€œHis father was,” Allie answered carefully. “But we never saw his mother. Maybe she’ll be there next time.” Now that she thought about it, she was curious to see what Mrs. Cutler was like. Probably as unpleasant as her son and husband, Allie told herself.
    â€œSo is it okay if Dub and I make another batch of biscuits on Monday morning?”
    â€œAre there any ingredients left?” asked Mrs. Nichols.
    Allie nodded.
    â€œSure. If you clean up after yourselves.”
    â€œWe will.”
    â€œCan I help?” Michael asked.
    â€œThere are going to be plenty of chances to help,” Allie told him. “Dub and I are going into business.”
    Her parents wanted to know more, so while Allie cleared the table she told them about the conversation with Enid at Luv’n’ Pets. “Dub thinks we’re going to make a ton of money,” she said, “but I’m not so sure.” Actually, she wasn’t sure she wanted to get involved with Enid at all, although she couldn’t exactly put her finger on the reason.
    â€œI think it’s a great idea,” said her dad. “Are you ready to turn the kitchen into corporate headquarters, Ann?”
    â€œFor a cut of the profits, yes,” said Mrs. Nichols. With a smile at Allie, she added, “You and Dub will be hearing from my lawyer.”
    â€œCan we watch this now, Mom?” Michael asked eagerly, waving a videotape in the air. Allie caught the title: Charlotte’s Web .
    â€œIn a little while,” answered Mrs. Nichols. “First, I want you to have a bath. When you’re in your pajamas, we’ll make some popcorn and we’ll all watch together.” To Allie she said, “Sweetie, why don’t you feed Hoover and come back and join us? You were with Dub all day.”
    â€œI’d like to, Mom, but I can’t. I promised.” Allie sighed inwardly. It would be nice to have a cozy evening at home with her family, instead of trying to find out more about the unfortunate Belle. She was determined to see this thing through, but she was beginning to dread what she might discover.

Eleven
    As Allie approached Mr. Henry’s house, she admired the back-yard paradise he’d created for his canine buddy. There was a small door built into the large kitchen door, so Hoover could go out of the house whenever she wanted, into a large, fenced area filled with toys. When Allie showed up on her bike, Hoover was already in the yard, wagging her tail in greeting.
    â€œHi, Hoovey,” said Allie as she let herself into the yard through the gate. “Dinnertime, girl.” She knelt down to pet Hoover’s silky ears and laughed as the dog covered her face with kisses. “But you knew that, didn’t you?”
    They went inside, where Allie filled Hoover’s food and water dishes and talked to her while she ate. Then they went into the yard for a while, and Allie threw Hoover’s favorite toy, a green plastic frog that squeaked, for her to fetch.
    After Hoover had had a good romp, Allie gave her a kiss on the nose and promised she’d be back first thing in the morning. Hoover stood by the gate, looking forlorn when Allie climbed onto her bike.
    â€œPlease don’t look so sad, Hoovey,” Allie begged, looking back over her shoulder as she rode away. “I’ll see you first thing tomorrow.”
    Dub was in the driveway shooting baskets when Allie pulled up to his house. “Nice shot,” she called as he sunk one. She got off her bike and held out her arms, and he threw her the ball. Her shot hit the rim and bounced off. She caught it, took another try, and missed again. When her third