You step into the hallway. You can see into the living room where the walls are lined with pictures of his ancestors, each standing proudly next to the monsters they made. The oldest ones are paintings and the more recent ones are photographs. You scan the walls, but the only picture of Monty you can see is a class photo on top of the fireplace.

  “So, have you news about my Monster Maker?” Franklefink demands.

  “I think we’re getting closer, yes,” says Klaus.

  “But you haven’t actually found it?” demands the doctor.

  “Not yet,” admits Klaus. “We have a few more questions to ask first.”

  “Questions?” snaps Dr Franklefink. “You’ve asked enough questions. All you’ve done is ask questions! What I need now is for you to prove that Bramwell Stoker took my Monster Maker, make the discovery public, then bring it back.”

  “Make it public?” Klaus considers the words as he repeats them. That was certainly an interesting thing to say.

  “Yes. If Stoker thinks he can waltz in and steal from me he has another think coming.”

  “I imagine a vampire would be more inclined to tango than waltz,” says Klaus.

  “Whatever dance he did,” says Franklefink, “just do what I’m paying you to do and go after Stoker!”

  Klaus exchanges a glance with you. “Remind me, what are you employing us to do?”

  “I’m beginning to wonder,” says Dr Franklefink. “Any detective worth his salt would have noticed the bat droppings at the scene of the crime and understood that there really was only one suspect: Bramwell Stoker.”

  Yetis are famously mild-mannered and you don’t often see your boss get angry, but you know what it means when his fur bristles. Klaus is getting wound up.

  “I have a problem with your poop proof,” says Klaus. “Bramwell Stoker is a vampire, and one crime that rarely gets attributed to vampires is breaking and entering. Do you know why?”

  “Why?” says Dr Franklefink.

  “Vampires have to be invited in to houses,” says Klaus. “Did you invite him in?”

  The doctor adjusts a vase on a shelf, revealing a line of dust which he cleans with his finger. “I, er… Well, I’ve known him for some time. I dare say I have invited him in before.”

  “And another question that has been troubling us,” says Klaus. “If you suspected it was Stoker all along, why did you hire us?”

  “You’re the detective. You tell me,” snarls Dr Franklefink.

  “Do you know what I think?” Klaus walks into the living room, nudging the chandelier with his huge head. It jingles as it settles again. “I think this whole thing is a scam designed to drag Stoker’s name through the mud. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Monster Maker was hidden right here in the house.”

  “Utter rubbish,” says Dr Franklefink. “I’m not paying you to accuse me.”

  “What’s wrong?” says Klaus. “Are you worried we’re getting too close to the truth?”

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Franklefink looks increasingly agitated by the direction the conversation is taking.

  “One solution to this mystery is that you made it look like it was stolen because you wanted to ruin Stoker’s chance in the forthcoming election, creating a public scandal by calling him a thief.”

  “Stoker doesn’t need any help from me when it comes to losing elections.” Franklefink sniggers.

  “Yes, but this year he’s up against you, a human,” says Klaus.

  “A human with an established history of creating monsters,” replies Franklefink.

  “One small monster,” Klaus corrects him.

  “It will be two once I have my machine back,” says Dr Franklefin k.

  “Be that as it may, if there’s one thing the Shady Side community mistrust more than a hairless wonder like Stoker, it’s a human. I’m just putting it out there that you could have decided to tip the scales in your favour.”

  “Pure fantasy,” says Dr Franklefink. “Now, I must prepare for tonight’s debate with that thief Stoker. Do your job, Mr Solstaag. Find my Monster Maker and show the world that the vampire cannot be trusted.”

  Dr Franklefink ushers you out of the door but, as you’re leaving, you spot something upstairs. Monty is peering through the bannisters, his purple mop-like hair hanging over his face. As you catch his eye, he scuttles away.

  Outside, Klaus turns to you. “Sometimes it helps to confront the suspects with your theories … even the more outlandish ones. It allows you to read their reactions. I still don’t trust the professor, but I think that next we should check out what the goblins are up to. Unless you have any better ideas?”

  You’re still wondering about Monty. Did he look guilty or is he just fed up? And if he did look guilty, is that a good enough reason to speak to him next, or should you go with Klaus’s idea of finding the goblins?

  ? You agree with Klaus that it’s time to talk to the goblins.

  Click here:

  CREEPY PETE’S PIZZERIA

  ? No. You feel sure that the doctor’s monster son knows more than he’s letting on.

  Click here:

  MAYBE MONTY

  “If we want to talk to Monty, it’s going to be a whole lot easier without his dad being around,” says Klaus. “Which means we’ll have to wait until one of them leaves the house.”

  You’re sitting in the car, outside Dr Franklefink’s home. Waiting and watching is all part of the job. You don’t mind, because it gives you time to think, review your notes and try to work out the solution to this puzzle.

  Klaus notices you’re shivering in the icy blast of the air conditioning and pulls out a flask of hot chocolate. You clasp your hands around the cup and enjoy the sweet smell and the steam rising before you take a sip. It’s delicious. As Klaus always tells you, yetis make the best hot chocolate.

  As the chocolatey warmth fills your body, you sink into your seat. Your eyelids feel heavy. The only sound is Klaus’s breathing. You feel tiredness wash over you but as your hands relax, hot chocolate slops out of the cup and you’re suddenly wide awake.

  “Look, something’s happening,” says Klaus.

  The front door of the house is open. Dr Franklefink is leaving.

  “He must be going to the Night Mayor debate at the City Chamber,” says Klaus. “Duck down. We don’t want to be seen.”

  You lower yourself in your seat but it is easier for you than for your large hairy boss. Thankfully the doctor is preoccupied and doesn’t notice your car.

  The moment he’s driven away, Klaus says, “Right. We’re up. Watson, stay here. No running off or honking at bigger cars.”

  You leave the car and walk to the house. Klaus has to ring the doorbell five times before Monty appears.

  “How’s it going, Monty?” asks Klaus.

  “It’s going but I’m not growing,” he replies miserably.

  “Can we come in?” asks Klaus.

  “I suppose,” says Monty. “Dad’s not in. It’s just me. Have you found his stupid Monster Maker yet?”

  “We’re getting closer. We’re pretty sure we know who took it.”

  “Oh … right.” Monty nervously fiddles with his stitches. “Who?”

  “Who do you think?” Klaus enquires.

  Monty squirms. “Er, maybe the witches? I heard that they’re making a monster.”

  “Who did you hear that from, then?” enquires Klaus.

  “Lana told me. She gets everywhere, that ghost.”

  “Interesting,” says Klaus. “But whether or not the witches had a use for the Monster Maker, I don’t think they were the ones who took it. Were they, Monty?”

  “I told you, I don’t know,” replies Monty, but his denial is becoming less convincing every time.

  “We’re ready for the truth now,” says Klaus.

  “The truth,” repeats Monty.

  “Yes.”

  “But…” Monty drops to the ground, a mess of purple hair and tears. You instantly feel sorry for him. This isn’t a master criminal. This is a young child and he’s upset.

  Your boss feels the same. He places an arm round Monty and hugs him. You’re so used to Klaus’s gruff ways, but this isn’t the first time you’ve seen him show compassion. He may spend his days investigating the shadier side of the world, but beneath all that fur beats the heart of a yeti who cares.

  You’ve sometimes been on the receiving end of a yeti hug, so you understand why Monty’s eyes are watering when Klaus finally releases him. He wipes away his tears, then pulls a thread to tighten the stitches around his eyes.

  “I just want what any boy wants,” he says.

  “A Monster Maker?” says Klaus.

  “To grow up and to have a parent who cares,” says Monty. “Sometimes I even feel jealous of Huey.”

  “Huey’s a werewolf, Monty,” says Klaus.

  “Yes, but most of time he’s just a kid, and he’ll grow bigger like the rest of them. And at least his mum cares about him. I can’t grow and Dad doesn’t give a hoot about me. He’s more interested in making stupid Enormelda.”

  “Is that why you took the Monster Maker? To stop him?”

  “Yes. I don’t want him to make a mother for me! I want him to be a father.”

  “So why did you do it on your own birthday?” asks Klaus.

  “I suppose I thought he wouldn’t know it was me, if there were lots of people in the house. I thought he’d blame the goblins,” Monty replies. “I took it from the lab. I hid it in my bedroom. I was just trying to make a point. I was going to put it back.”

  “So why didn’t you?”

  “Because when I checked in my room, it was gone.”

  “You’re saying that someone stole it from your room?” asks Klaus. “When?”

  “I think someone must have seen me take it in during the game of hide-and-seek.”

  “Why didn’t you tell us before?”

  “I was scared that Dad would be angry.”

  “I’m sure he’ll understand,” says Klaus. “You just wanted his attention. It wasn’t your fault.” Klaus gives Monty a moment to consider what he just said, then, softly, he asks, “Who could have seen you? Who do you think took it?”

  Monty shrugs. “Bobby said it was Huey when I spoke to him on the phone after the party, but I think Bobby was just trying to get him in trouble.”

  “You and Huey aren’t exactly friends,” says Klaus. “Why did you invite him to your party?”

  “Dad said I had to. I think he just wants his mum’s vote in this stupid election.”

  Klaus nods and strokes his chin thoughtfully. “Last question. Do you want me to retrieve the Monster Maker?”

  Monty looks shattered and worn. “I don’t know… My dad doesn’t listen. I don’t want a mother. I don’t want him to become Night Mayor and have even less time for me. I want him to be a father.”

  The tears are falling again.

  “Monty, Dr Franklefink is driven by ambition and a passion for science but he’s also your father and he loves you. I think you’d better talk to him.”

  “He’s at the City Chamber,” says Monty.

  “I guess we could take you there,” says Klaus.

  Your boss turns to you.

  Do you agree? Should you give Monty a lift to see his father? You haven’t yet recovered the Monster Maker so perhaps you should turn your attention back to Huey Cry. Klaus is waiting to see what you want to do.

  ? Go and look for Huey.

  Click here:

  SHEEPISH WOLF

  ? Take Monty to City Chamber.

  Click here:

  CITY CHAMBER

  Arriving at the Crys’ quiet suburban home, you notice rose petals strewn all over the garden and scratch marks along the wooden fence.

  Klaus steps out of the car and takes a deep breath. You see the swell of his mighty ribcage. He has the scent of something in his nostrils. Watson has smelled it too and is nervously revving his engine.

  “Good boy,” says Klaus, gently patting his bonnet. “There’s nothing to worry about.”

  From the way your boss’s fine white hairs are standing up, you can tell Klaus isn’t as relaxed as he sounds.

  “Let’s check out the back garden,” he says.

  You follow him around the side of the building, noticing the neighbours’ curtain twitch. You suspect it’s not the first time they’ve observed unusual activity around the Cry household. There’s a gate, which Klaus easily forces open. You pass pitchforks and wheelbarrows lined up along the side of the house, then you step into the back garden. At the bottom, under a willow tree, is a shed. There’s a light on inside and you can hear movement from within.

  You approach cautiously.

  “Werewolves can be a bit … unpredictable,” says Klaus. “So … er, just avoid… Well, try not to look too … too edible.”

  He chuckles quietly, then leans in to listen at the door. You can hear muffled growls from inside but you can’t make out any words. Klaus gently turns the door handle.

  “Stay out!” barks Mrs Cry, preventing it from moving.

  Klaus pushes harder and finally forces the door open.

  You’re not prepared for what lies inside. There, before your eyes, are two snarling, panting wolves. You can see no trace of their human selves and yet from their size and eyes, you recognize Huey Cry and his mother. This much you expected but, while Mrs Cry is covered in brown fur, Huey is bright purple.

  “That’s an interesting colour,” says Klaus. “What did you do, Huey?”

  “I’m sorry. I just wanted to fit in and look at me now-now-nooowl…” cries Huey.

  “You don’t have to say anything,” interrupts his mother, with a protective growl at Klaus.

  “It would be helpful if you did,” says Klaus. “I can’t work out what’s happened here at all.”

  “I think it’s obvious what’s happening here. My son and I are in the middle of our monthly ritual.”

  “So I see,” says Klaus, picking a chicken feather off the ground and inspecting it. “Been out, have you?”

  “Yes, we stretched our legs and had a bite to eat and now we’ll spend the rest of the evening here.”

  “Were you out together?” enquires Klaus.

  “For the most part,” replies Mrs Cry. “Huey left first, but I caught up with him.”

  “And discovered he’d turned purple?” asks Klaus, amused.

  “It’s probably just an age thing. Lots of werewolves change colour as they get older.”

  “They don’t usually go purple,” says Klaus. “Hm… I wonder…” he muses. “The Monster Maker creates hair that brings things to life, but Huey is already alive—”

  “Worse luck,” interrupts Huey. “If I was a zombie or a vampire, I wouldn’t get picked on.”

  “Don’t be silly, darling. Werewolves have been a part of the Shady Side community for as long as they have.” It’s strange that Mrs Cry’s voice is so recognizable when it’s coming from a wolf’s jaws.

  “Oh, I’ve got it.” Klaus clicks his fingers. “You thought you could use the Monster Maker to bring your inner wolf to life so you’d always be like you are now.”

  “Yes,” admits Huey forlornly. “I just want to fit in at school.”

  “Did it work?” asks Klaus.

  “We’ll find out in the morning, won’t we? But I hope for my son’s sake that it did not,” says Mrs Cry, glaring at Huey. “If you think life is difficult as a werewolf, imagine what it’ll be like being permanently purple! You really didn’t think this through, did you?”

  “I… I… I didn’t know I’d end up purple,” says Huey. “I’ll be the laughing stock of the pack.” He walks in a small circle, then sits down with his tail thrown over his nose. “I’m so sorry, Mum.”

  “Oh, my darling cub.” Mrs Cry strokes her son’s head. “But I don’t understand. You didn’t have it when I picked you up.”

  “That’s a good question,” says Klaus. “How did you do it?”

  Huey raises his tail and replies sheepishly. “I convinced the goblins to steal it for me. I let them win the game of hide-and-seek in exchange for them taking it home. I went to their place afterwards and took it from there.”

  “I see. So where is it now?” Klaus looks around.

  “I don’t know,” admits Huey. “I didn’t want to do it here in case Mum stopped me—”

  “Which I would have,” interrupts Mrs Cry.

  “So I took it to the park earlier this evening and waited until it went dark. Then, after I’d used it, I kind of lost track of what happened,” says Huey.

  “It’s often like that once we’ve turned,” adds his mother.

  “So you left it in the park?” asks Klaus.

  “Yes, I think someone else was there. I was pretty wrapped up in what I was doing but I picked up a scent.”

  “What kind of scent?”

  “I don’t know. It smelled a bit funny … and a bit like something that had died.”

  “Funny and dead,” Klaus looks at you. “A zombie clown perhaps?”

  “I think you’ve spent enough time interrogating my son,” says Mrs Cry. “If it helps you find that wretched machine of Franklefink’s, then I should also tell you that I noticed something purple around the witch’s caravan while I was out tonight. Now, please leave.”

  “All right.” Klaus walks to the door and opens it, but pauses before leaving. “Thanks for being honest with us, Huey,” he says. “Personally, I think it suits you.”

  “What? The purple hair?” replies Huey.

  “The honesty,” says Klaus, with a wry smile.

  Seeing the look on Huey’s face, you nudge Klaus and he adds, “And the hair, kid. You look great, you know. Special.”

  ? Do you want to look for the witches next?

  Click here:

  MILKBIRDS’ MONSTER

  ? Or do you want to visit the theatre to see Deadzo?

  Click here:

  THE MONSTER’S HAIR

 

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