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“Mrs. Fifth Floor doesn’t sound nearly as bad as Mrs. St. Louis,” Butterbean said thoughtfully. “It could work.”

“Oh no, that won’t work,” Mrs. Third Floor said, her voice cracking. “I couldn’t stand to see someone else living in my beautiful third-floor apartment!”

Mrs. Food pressed her mouth into a thin line.“That’s it. No,” she said grimly. “I can’t let you throw your money away like this. It’s not right.”

Mrs. Third Floor glared at her.“It’s not your choice, Beulah.”

There was a knock at the door.“Anyway, it’s too late. Here they are,” Mrs. Third Floor sniffed, turning her back on Mrs. Food.

She threw the door open in one swift motion and then jerked back in surprise. It wasn’t the ghost men. It was Officer Marlowe.

“Nice work, Walt,” Oscar said under his breath.

Plan Number One had started.

— 17 —

“AM I TOO LATE?” OFFICER Marlowe said, peering around Mrs. Third Floor into the apartment. She was wearing a faded madras shirt and jeans instead of her uniform, and it took Mrs. Third Floor a second to recognize her.

“L-late?” Mrs. Third Floor stammered. “Late for what?”

“For the exorcism, or whatever. Did I miss it?” She stepped into the apartment, edging past Mrs. Third Floor, who seemed rooted to the spot. “I’d hate to miss a chance to see the Ghost Eliminators.”

“Oh, of course!” Mrs. Third Floor looked at Mrs. Food with a panicked expression. “I didn’t realize you were coming.”

Mrs. Food looked at Madison with a raised eyebrow.“Madison?”

“What? I didn’t…” Madison turned bright red.

“Let’s just say a little birdie told me,” Officer Marlowe said, winking.

All of the animals turned to look at Oscar.

“Well, that’s not true,” Oscar said, shifting uncomfortably under the attention. “We all know it was Walt.”

Walt shrugged.

“I’m just glad they did,” Officer Marlowe said. “I’m excited to see the Ghost Eliminators at work. Since they’re local ‘celebrities.’ ” She made air quotes. “I’ve heard a lot about those guys.”

Oscar looked at Walt with a quizzical expression.

“I may have added a line about them being celebrities,” Walt admitted. It hadn’t been in the script she and Oscar had gone over. “I wanted her to come!”

Oscar clicked his beak approvingly.“Very effective.”

“Well, you’re welcome to join us,” Mrs. Third Floor said awkwardly. “The more the merrier.”

“The more the merrier, huh?” Mr. Slick Hair stood in the doorway with a forced grin on his face. The Bald Guy stood behind him. “Who are we talking about here?”

“Oh, you surprised me!” Mrs. Third Floor looked guilty, like she’d been caught stealing french fries from the table. “We were just talking to Off—”

“Carmen. Carmen Marlowe,” Officer Marlowe said, stepping forward and offering her hand. “I’m just a friend. Couldn’t pass up a chance to meet the famous ghost inspectors!” She shot a warning glance at Mrs. Third Floor and Mrs. Food.

“Right! This is our friend, Carmen,” Mrs. Food said. She nudged Madison in the side.

“Right, Carmen’s the best,” Madison said cheerily. “We totally invited her.”

“That’s not a problem, is it?” Mrs. Food blinked innocently at Mr. Slick Hair.

Mr. Slick Hair frowned at the Bald Guy.“Well…”

The Bald Guy gave Officer Marlowe an appraising look. He didn’t seem to like what he saw. “What Johnny is trying to say is that it’s great to meet you. We’d be happy to autograph whatever. But unfortunately we’re going to have to disappoint you here. Sorry.” He hoisted the bag over his shoulder and turned to leave.

“What do you mean?” Officer Marlowe didn’t seem to like what she saw either. Butterbean looked from one to the other. It might be time to take cover under the sofa. (That was her go-to spot. Unfortunately, she wasn’t quite able to fit underneath.)

Mr. Slick Hair managed an oily smile.“What he means is, this case is very difficult, and we think it might be too dangerous for observers.”

“We’re going to be handling this one alone, so you ladies can sit tight down here while we take care of business,” the Bald Guy said brusquely. “We’ll let you know when we’ve finished up.”

Officer Marlowe smiled at him.“I don’t think so,” she said. “I’m familiar with your show. Homeowners are there a lot. It doesn’t seem particularly dangerous. Is there something you don’t want us to see?”

The ghost men exchanged a quick glance.“No! Not at all. This is a pretty standard haunting,” Mr. Slick Hair said.

“Severe, but nothing that unusual,” the Bald Guy said.

“But nothing sensitive ladies like yourselves need to see,” Mr. Slick Hair finished.

Officer Marlowe snorted.“Then there shouldn’t be a problem having us observe,” she said. “We can take it. Come on, ‘ladies.’ ” She started toward the door.

“Right, just let me get one thing,” Mrs. Third Floor said, making her move toward Walt. Walt’s eyes widened, and she braced herself, tensing up her stomach muscles. That lady had not learned one thing about holding animals.

“Whoa, whoa there, ladies,” Mr. Slick Hair said. “We need a little time to set up.”

“What is there to set up?” Officer Marlowe folded her arms.