The Trail of the Ghost Bunny, page 1
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication data is on file with the publisher.
LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2018003936
Text copyright © 2018 by Linda Joy Singleton
First published in the United States of America in 2018 by Albert Whitman & Company
ISBN 978-0-8075-1392-7
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Printed in the United States of America
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Cover art copyright © 2018 by Tracy Bishop
Interior illustrations and hand lettering by Jordan Kost
Design by Ellen Kokontis
For more information about Albert Whitman & Company, visit our website at www.albertwhitman.com.
Dedicated to my talented and wonderful BC friends: Danna Smith and Linda Whalen
Chapters
Chapter 1: Ghost Story
Chapter 2: Strange Inheritance
Chapter 3: Tricky Trixie
Chapter 4: Puzzling Prints
Chapter 5: Key to Mystery
Chapter 6: Changing Winds
Chapter 7: Magic Girl
Chapter 8: The Bunny’s Clue
Chapter 9: Leo’s Surprise
Chapter 10: Is Anyone There?
Chapter 11: Intruder
Chapter 12: Bunny-Napped
Chapter 13: Yarn-Ado
Chapter 14: Dragon Flying
Chapter 15: Lady Bell
Chapter 16: Clueless
Chapter 17: Wag and Wash
Chapter 18: Treasure Hunting
Chapter 19: The Cat’s Clue
Chapter 20: Sound of Music
Chapter 21: The Walls Are Alive
Chapter 22: Confronting a Shadow
Chapter 23: The Last Ghost Story
- Chapter 1 -
Ghost Story
“It was a shivery, stormy night when I heard the death bells,” the old woman says ominously, wringing sorrow out of each syllable. She swivels her wheelchair away from the curious stares of my siblings to point a bony finger directly at me. “I was the same age as you.”
Me? I try not to look surprised as I grip the edge of the packing box I’m using as a chair. I can’t imagine this ancient woman ever being thirteen. She’s shriveled like a dried potato, with scraggly wisps of gray hair dangling down her frail shoulders. I only met her moments ago, when our realtor, Mr. Dansbury, arrived at our new house. When we’d bought the place, Mr. Dansbury told my parents that it came with some sort of secret inheritance, and now he was here to tell them about it. He’d introduced the old woman as his aunt Philomena, and asked us kids to sit with her while he talked with my parents.
“Aunt Philomena used to play in this house as a child, so she wanted to visit,” Mr. Dansbury had explained. He rolled his aunt’s wheelchair into the living room before disappearing behind a closed door with my parents.
I longed to follow and find out what we’d inherited when we’d bought this old house. When I told my Curious Cat Spy Club friends Leo and Becca there was a secret inheritance, we tried to guess what it could be. Logical Leo guessed a classic jalopy car since the house was built in the 1920s. Becca thought it was vintage jewelry or clothes. And I hoped for something thrilling like a cryptic map to buried treasure.
And just when the secret was finally being revealed, I was stuck babysitting an old lady.
But it turns out the old lady has secrets of her own to share. When she smiled slyly and offered to tell us a ghost story, even my three older siblings took a break from unpacking boxes to listen.
“Death bells don’t sound like ordinary bells,” Aunt Philomena continues, her intense gaze sweeping from my brother to my twin sisters, then back to me. “They harmonize so sweetly, I thought I was listening to a symphony of angels. But later I found out it was the opposite. When the death bells ring, someone is going to die.”
I glance over at my siblings, expecting them to roll their eyes because there’s no such thing as death bells. But Kenya and Kiana huddle close on the faded velvet couch, both bug-eyed, while Kyle munches potato chips with an intense expression, like he’s watching a horror movie.
“The wealthiest girl from school, Caroline Olivianne Whitney, invited me to her slumber party in this very house.” Philomena sweeps her arm toward the high ceiling. “This room was called the parlor, and there used to be a crystal chandelier that sparkled like diamonds. It was the grandest house I ever saw, shining like a palace by the river.” She pauses and looks around, fear in her eyes. “And it was haunted.”
“Our new home is haunted?” Kiana hugs a couch pillow.
“Like with real ghosts?” Kenya adds, grabbing a pillow to hug too.
“Ghosts aren’t real,” my brother says in a know-it-all voice.
“‘All houses wherein men have lived and died are haunted houses’—that’s a Longfellow quote.” Philomena’s thin lips twist into a wicked smile, and I realize she’s just trying to scare us.
Fortunately, I’m not easily scared. As the Spy Specialist in the Curious Cat Spy Club, I’ve trained myself to analyze clues and sort truth from lies. Still, it’s fun to hear a ghost story, and I grab a handful of chips from Kyle’s bowl.
“That fateful night still haunts me.” Philomena sips tea from the coffee cup we were lucky to find in the jumble of our moving boxes. She puckers her mouth as if the tea—or her memory—is bitter.
“What happened?” I ask, dying to know but uneasy too. How will I be able to sleep in my new home if it really is haunted?
“I had a lovely day celebrating Caroline’s birthday with girls from school,” she says in such a low voice that I scoot closer. “Caroline was the only child of a divorced father who gave her anything she wanted. We enjoyed pony rides, a magic show, and triple-layered chocolate cake. Everywhere Caroline went, her pet bunny Trixie hopped along too. Caroline loved her bunny so much that her father gave her a stuffed toy bunny with white and black floppy ears handmade to look exactly like Trixie. And all us girls at the party received a similar stuffed toy as a party favor. I still have mine.” A wisp of a smile crosses her face then sinks into a scowl. “But the happy birthday party turned into a tragic deathday.”
My sisters gasp, but I know they’re not scared. I’m not either because it’s just a story. I play along, though, and let my eyes go wide like I’m afraid.
“Late that night while the other girls were sleeping,” the old lady continues dramatically, “I awoke to the sound of bells. When I looked over at Caroline’s bed, it was empty. Caroline, Trixie, and even the toy bunny were gone. And the strange bells kept ringing.” A lemony sage aroma wafts around the room as she sips her tea. “Where was I? Oh, yes, the empty bed. I thought Caroline must be looking for the bells, so I slipped on a robe, grabbed a flashlight, and followed the sounds. But the bells echoed from all directions. I was scared and started to turn back, when I heard a thump-thump—and then I saw the bunny.”
“Trixie?” Kyle guesses as he grabs more chips.
“I thought so, except it was transparent.” She shivers. “It hopped down the staircase and vanished—like a ghost. I never saw the bunny or Caroline again.”
“Ohmygod!” Kiana’s hands fly to her cheeks. “What happened to them?”
“No one knows for sure.” Philomena shakes her head solemnly. “But the next morning, one of Caroline’s shoes was found near the river. Everyone was sure she’d drowned, except her father. He insisted she’d been kidnapped. He shut up the house, and some people say he traveled the world searching for Caroline. When he returned for short visits, he was seen carrying boxes from faraway countries into the house. Rumors spread that he was collecting priceless treasures. Decades later, an illness brought him home to stay, until one night the death bells called for him too,” the old woman finishes with a sigh. “He died alone, and no treasure was ever found. The house sat empty for years until new owners transformed it into a bed-and-breakfast, naming it Down the Rabbit Hole Inn. And on stormy nights, guests claimed to hear bells and see a ghostly bunny hopping on the staircase.”
My brother rubs his stubbly chin, frowning. “Has anyone else died here?”
“Oh yes. Many.” Philomena nods a bit too enthusiastically. “But not since the bed-and-breakfast closed down. No one has lived here for two years…until now.” She flashes a wicked grin, as if she expects us to tremble in fear.
If I’m trembling, it’s because I’m excited by the rumor of treasure. Treasure! I taste the word on my lips and it’s delicious. I love mysteries and secrets. My CCSC club mates will be here soon, and I can’t wait to tell them about this. Searching for treasure could be a fun mystery to solve. Of course, the goal of the CCSC is to help animals. Does a ghost bunny count?
Where could the treasure be hidden?
I’ve been in every room in our house and only found dust, cobwebs, and mouse droppings (eww!). If something valuable was hidden here, why hasn’t anyone found it?
My curiosity mounts as I gaze around the room. Our unpacked boxes surround a meager assortment of old furniture that belonged to the previous owner. Most of it is broken, ripped, and destined for the junk pile. My parents warned us when we bought this house that we’d have to work hard to fix it up. Serious understateme
“No! Absolutely not!” My dad’s voice explodes and footsteps thunder down the hall. Dad storms past the living room. Mom rushes after him with Mr. Dansbury close behind, a folder clutched in his hand.
While my siblings and Aunt Philomena gape in surprise, I spring to my feet and race out of the room to find out what’s going on. My parents and the realtor face off in the foyer. Dad’s cheeks are crimson with fury.
“Kevin, let’s discuss this!” Mom says, as she tugs on Dad’s sleeve.
“I refuse to sign the paper.” Dad purses his lips stubbornly. “I can’t agree to such ridiculous rules.”
“We can’t back out now,” Mom insists.
“She’s right.” The realtor wipes sweat from his balding head. “When you bought this house, you became the owners of everything on this property on the condition that you accept a bequest. You’re legally bound to the contract rules.”
“Not if I don’t sign the blasted papers! I won’t be told what to do in my own house. Mr. Dansbury, please leave.” Dad gestures to the ornately carved front door. “Our business is over.”
“Be reasonable, Kevin,” Mom says in a soothing tone that can calm wild animals—and my angry father.
“The bequest is not reasonable!” Dad rubs his forehead, his expression softening. “Katherine, our dream is to eventually restore this house into a bed-and-breakfast inn. Our house needs to be orderly and sanitary. This bequest will cause chaos.”
“It won’t be a problem. The kids will help—especially Kelsey.” Mom turns toward me. “Isn’t that right, Kelsey?”
“Um…yes?” I say uncertainly. What am I agreeing to?
“See? There’s nothing to worry about,” Mom assures Dad. “We can still turn our home into a wonderful B and B. Guests will come from far away to enjoy your culinary talents.”
“I hope you’re right.” Sighing, Dad turns back to the realtor. “I’m not happy about this. You should have told us about this sooner.”
“I had to follow legal procedure and couldn’t reveal the bequest until now.” Mr. Dansbury stands taller, squaring his slim shoulders. “But I don’t understand why you’re so distressed. It’s small and harmless.”
“And it will be no trouble at all.” Mom slips her arm around Dad. “I promise you, everything will be fine. Go ahead. Sign the paper.”
Dad’s shoulders sag as he holds out his hand to the realtor.
“Excellent!” Mr. Dansbury whips out a paper and pen quickly, as if he’s afraid Dad will change his mind. Once my father signs, the realtor folds the paper and tucks it in his pocket. Then he grins at my parents. “Now let’s go get the cage.”
- Chapter 2 -
Strange Inheritance
I follow Dad, Mom, and Mr. Dansbury outside, shivering at the word cage. I’ve had some bad experiences with cages—once I was even trapped in one. As I cross the porch, I glance over at the detached garage on the side of our new house. Although weathered with age, it looks like an ordinary garage. But not long ago it was a criminal hideout crammed with cages of poorly treated dogs—until Becca, Leo, and I followed clues that led to their rescue.
We also rescued my mom from a scary situation. You’d think Mom would never want to see this house again—but it was her idea to buy it. Practical Mom couldn’t resist a good deal. Besides, it’s not easy finding an affordable home large enough for a family of six, plus my small cat, Honey, and our large dog, Handsome. During the renovations, Handsome is staying with my grandmother, but my kitten sleeps with me in the second-floor bedroom I’m temporarily sharing with my sisters.
“Can I have some help with this cage?” Mr. Dansbury calls out, car keys jangling from his fingers.
What sort of creature have we inherited? I wonder as I hurry over to the dark-gray SUV parked on the cracked concrete driveway. When the realtor lifts the back hatch, sunshine glints off the wire of a large cage. Something moves inside.
Mr. Dansbury leans into the van, blocking my view. I shift around him, curious to see inside the cage. I guess it holds a lizard, snake, or alligator because of Dad’s attitude—Dad hates reptiles.
When Mr. Dansbury lifts the cage, I stare in surprise. Definitely not a slimy or scaly reptile. Tucked in a wire hutch is the cutest bunny I’ve ever seen. It’s about the size of my hand, spotted brown and white, with adorable floppy ears. And I immediately fall in love.
I grin at Mr. Dansbury. “Boy or girl?”
“Girl.” Mr. Dansbury pulls out the large cage, bags of rabbit food, litter, and a litter box. This tiny bunny comes with a lot of luggage.
“How sweet,” Mom coos. “She’s smaller than I expected.”
Dad scowls. “She may be cute, but rodents are not sanitary.”
“A rabbit isn’t a rodent,” Mom says with an amused smile. She’s an animal control officer and knows a lot about animals. “They eat vegetables, not meat.”
“Quite right,” Mr. Dansbury says as he balances the large cage in his arms. “She’s very neat and good about using her litter box.”
“She’d better stay out of my kitchen,” Dad warns, “or she’s hasenpfeffer.”
I don’t know what hasenpfeffer is and don’t want to. “Dad, she won’t go into your kitchen,” I assure him, trying to copy Mom’s calming voice. “I’ll be happy to take care of her. She’ll stay locked in her cage most of the time in my room.”
“Actually…no.” Mr. Dansbury purses his lips uneasily.
“Huh?” I blink at the realtor. “What do you mean?”
He pulls at his collar as if suddenly warm although it’s a cool May morning. “The bunny has her own room with a pet door, so she has complete run of the house like she did before her owner died,” he explains in an apologetic tone.
Now I know why Dad is so angry. He only allowed me to have an inside cat because I promised to keep Honey with me or in my bedroom. And I remember Becca saying rabbits live about ten years. This one looks young, so she could be hopping around our house for a long time.
“I assure you she won’t be any trouble,” Mr. Dansbury adds hastily. “I’ve been caring for her since the previous owner passed away.”
“Did you give her free run of your house?” Dad asks sarcastically.
“No. But I didn’t have a pet door like you do.” Mr. Dansbury shifts the cage in his arms so he can click his key remote to lock the SUV. “Let’s go inside. This is getting heavy.”
As I carry a bag of litter, questions ping-pong in my head, until one slips out. “Why did the previous owner leave her bunny to us?” I ask the realtor. “I mean, she couldn’t know who would buy her house.”
“It’s a long tradition for the Down the Rabbit Hole B and B to have a pet rabbit in the house. There have been several owners, and they all kept a pet bunny like a mascot.” He pauses to shift the cage in his arms. “The inn was a thriving business until the last owner died, and his wife closed the B and B. She lived alone for a long time with only bunnies for company.”
“There were more bunnies?” Dad looks horrified.
“Yes, but not at the same time,” the realtor explains. “Whenever one bunny died, the inn owners got a new bunny. This little girl is almost three years old—and she’s the smartest of all the B and B bunnies.”
“Does she like to be held?” I ask, eager to cuddle her. Dad may think a bunny in our house is a catastrophe, but I feel like we won the lottery. I can’t wait to tell Becca and Leo.
“She’s very friendly,” the realtor assures us, catching his breath before climbing up the steep porch steps. “But she’s a clever escape artist. The number one rule for this bunny’s care is to always keep the front and back doors closed so she doesn’t go outside. It’s too dangerous because of predators like foxes and hawks. The estate will give your family a generous bonus for bunny care. Keep her safe, and treat her like a family member.”
Dad glowers, but I flash Mr. Dansbury a big grin.
