Free I So Don't Do Spooky by Barrie Summy Page B

brain. I do believe The Ruler’ll be okay on this short trip to town. But tire slashing? That’s scary stuff.
    The tow truck clanks away from our curb, The Ruler’s car humped on its back. After they’re nothing more than a lumpy speck in the distance, I go back to vegging in front of my aquarium.
    I’m planning to mull over the mystery, but my brain has other ideas. My thoughts drift to Josh. It’s like I’m relaxed and sitting at the edge of the ocean while gentle waves of romance lap at my feet. Polly saw The Ruler stuff, which means she also saw Josh choose me over pushy, glittery Candy.
    I’m just hanging there, full of ripply waves of love, in the I-got-the-boy place. My fish, their tummies all full of flakes, are gliding lazily through the water, happy to have each other. I could chill here forever.
    My cell rings: “Workin’ Overtime” by the Father Figures. It’s my dad.
    â€œWhat is going on out there? Is Paula okay?” he says. “I’m out of town for a couple of weeks, and look what happens.”
    You’d think my dad would be cooler with wacko situations given that he was married to my mother the cop for so long. But, uh, no.
    â€œI think I better cut this trip short and come homenow,” Dad says. “And I’ll just come back here next month to finish up.”
    â€œYikes. Stay there and get everything done. So you don’t have to go back for a while,” I say. “Paula’s handling it okay. Although it’s definitely gotten to her. But, Dad, remember, either me or Sam are pretty much always here. We’ll be a good support.”
    â€œAnd the police believe a student slashed her tires?” he asks, all anxious.
    â€œDad, chill. They said maybe. Emphasis on the ‘may’ and the ‘be.’ Could just be total random violence. As in, Paula’s car was in the wrong place at the wrong time.”
    He makes me promise to keep a watchful eye on The Ruler and Sam and to call him if I see anything strange. Thanks to Verizon, I can actually hear my father’s nervous habit from across the miles—he’s cracking his knuckles.
    â€œI’m counting on you, Sherry.”
    â€œPinky promise, Dad.” I wave my baby finger in the air even though I know he can’t see it.
    Imagine if he knew the truth. That The Ruler has a stalker. A stalker she doesn’t even know about. You have to be übercareful how much you share with parents. Reality often throws them into a tizzy.
    Now for some investigating. “Dad, you should send Paula some flowers. You know, to make her feelbetter.” I squeeze my eyes shut, hoping beyond hope that he’ll say he just sent a bouquet yesterday, and maybe he should send something else, like a box of fake-o chocolate-carob squares.
    â€œGood thinking, Sherry. I haven’t sent her flowers since before the wedding. They’ll really perk her up.”
    Ack!

chapter
twelve
    O ut to the backyard. My arms up, I jump, then swing a leg over the bottom limb of our ornamental pear tree. The tree my mom planted when I was born. And the place where she first made contact with me. I get all settled, my back rubbing against the rough bark, my legs stretched out and crossed at the ankles. Then I open the plastic bag of espresso beans and wave it back and forth while thinking Mom thoughts. Hopefully, Grandpa will show up too.
    â€œMom. Mom.” I wave the bag. “Anytime now.”
    Just as I’m about to give up and go grab a Mountain Dew and some Doritos, a breeze rustles the leaves at the top of the tree.
    Thud!
    I clutch the bag tight to my chest. Mom has got to work on her landing.
    â€œSorry about that, pumpkin.” My branch shakes as Mom settles herself in.
    The smell of coffee wraps around me.
    â€œCaw, caw.” Grandpa lands by my feet, his ratty wings fluttering furiously, his pink belly pooching out. I guess we’re all in a row, me