The Ghost Guard

Chapter 6: Let There Be Ghosts

Carmen arrived at the old house and peered over the gate to see if she could see anyone, but it looked deserted. She heard rustling in the nearby bushes and stepped back a bit worried that it might be some crazy stray dog or wild creature eager to attack her. She stared harder and could see two dark figures through the leaves.

"Alright, clowns, come out before I claw your eyes out," Carmen said.

The whispers grew louder, and Jackson crawled out first with his hands up in the air. "Okay, lady, don't scratch us to death," he pleaded.

"Detective Jackson! What are you doing here? And I know that must be Pablo still hiding in there. Pablo, get your little booty out here right now," she said.

Pablo crawled out sheepishly and climbed to his feet.

"We were just protecting you, sis. You said you'd be right back, and all horror films say that you're not supposed to say that. We had to make sure you'd be okay," Pablo explained.

"What horror films are you watching, Pablo?" Carmen asked.

He shrugged his shoulders.

"Well, see? I'm fine," Carmen said. "I was going to come right back and take you both trick-or-treating. I just had to do one thing. Now, please go wait a few houses down, and I'll be there in fifteen, twenty minutes."

Pablo and Jackson both shot her confused looks. Carmen knew they weren't going to leave her without more information, so she lied.

"Fine, fine! My friends are right inside here, and they were going to tell me the spots around here with giant candy bars! It was supposed to be a surprise, but obviously, you both can't be fooled," she said, now texting on her phone telling Brad to come outside to meet her.

"Oh, okay then!!" Pablo yelled with excitement. "We will be right over there practicing our karate moves in case you need backup."

"Yeah, please go karate chop each other for a minute in front of the church right down there. There is some type of outdoor kids' event with games. Here are a few bucks and take my phone just in case. I'll be there in ten minutes," Carmen said as she handed them her phone and ten dollars from her black leather fanny pack.

The boys grabbed the items excitedly and ran toward the church. Carmen walked back to the fence and saw Brad walking down the driveway. She didn't want to be a part of any stupid prank that could get her into trouble. She just wanted to say hi and leave.

"Hey, come in. We did it," Brad said quietly as he unlocked the gate.

"No, I don't want any part of this. I just wanted to tell you that in person. My brother is down the street, and I need to take him trick-or-treating," she explained while backing away.

"Hey no, don't go. I really want you to be in my crew of friends, and this will make it so much easier for you. You can just wait outside. Then I'll buy your little brother all the candy he wants. My parents have king-size bars at the house," Brad grabbed Carmen's hand pulling her against his body.

"We can get our own candy. I don't need your parent's executive sizes. They probably like Almond Joys and coffee candies," Carmen said, pulling away from his hand. A lot of the things Brad said annoyed her. He said things in a way that made it seem like she needed him.

"At least come say hi. Everyone wants to see you. Just come in for a few minutes and wait outside," Brad said. His facial expression grew into that of a sad puppy dog.

"Ugh fine, but I don't want to see the poor kidnapped guy. I'll just say hi to everyone and then meet my little brother and his friend. I don't want them out there alone," Carmen said.

"Of course, princess. Just for a minute," Brad grabbed her hand and led her through the gate locking it behind them. They made their way to the back of the house and Brittany stared judgmentally at Carmen.

"Guess you'll only come if a man asks you," Brittany said to Carmen without looking at her. Brittany didn't have many female friends. She was genuinely excited that she and Carmen seemed to be getting closer.