Ghost in the First Row Read Online Free Page A

anybody else sees it,” Jessie suggested.
    Henry agreed. “Fern’s nervous enough already.”
    With that, the Aldens set to work. They found a broom, swept up the popcorn, and threw it into a trash can. They were just finishing when they noticed someone standing close by. An attractive young woman with sandy-colored hair was watching them through narrowed eyes.
    “Who are you?” she demanded. “And how’d you get in here?”
    The children were so surprised by the woman’s harsh tone, they were speechless. Finally, Henry recovered his voice. “We’re the Aldens,” he said with a friendly smile. “I’m Henry. This is my brother, Benny and my sisters, Violet and Jessie.”
    “We’re putting posters up around town,” Jessie added.
    The young woman frowned. “The theater’s off-limits to anyone but the cast and crew.”
    “But we’re here to help,” protested Benny.
    “The last thing we need is a bunch of kids running around,” the woman said. “This isn’t a playground.”
    “That’s true,” said Jessie, who refused to be rude. “And we’ll try not to bother you.”
    “Tricia!” Ray walked over, the rolled-up posters tucked under his arm. “What are you doing here so early? Rehearsal isn’t for a few hours.”
    “I know,” said Tricia. “But I was driving by and noticed the billboard out front. What’s going on, Ray?”
    Ray shifted uncomfortably. “Listen, Tricia—”
    “No, you listen, Ray!” she cut in. “It’s bad enough my name’s not even up there, but now Fern’s name is above the title of my play?”
    “Try to understand, Tricia,” said Ray. “I’m just trying to keep Fern happy so she won’t walk out.”
    “Who cares if she walks out?” demanded Tricia. “The understudy can play the part of Lady Chadwick, can’t she?”
    Benny whispered to Henry, “What’s an—” But Henry knew the question before he asked it. “An understudy is somebody who goes on stage if an actor gets sick.”
    “Or quits,” added Jessie.
    “Fern wouldn’t even have a role if it wasn’t for me,” Tricia was saying to Ray, her hands on her hips. “First she gets a bigger dressing room, then—”
    Ray cut in. “That’s enough, Tricia.” His mouth was set in a thin, hard line. “I won’t have you questioning my decisions.”
    With that, Tricia turned around and stomped out of the theater.
    “Tricia’s the winner of the playwriting contest,” Ray explained to the children. “I’m afraid her nerves are a bit on edge. She’s worried about opening night.” He handed the posters to Henry. “There’s more posters backstage, but these should keep you busy most of the day.”
    “We’ll come back tomorrow and put up the rest,” Jessie offered.
    Ray looked surprised. “Are you sure you don’t mind?”
    The Aldens didn’t mind at all. They were happy to do whatever they could to help.
    “By the way,” Ray added, as the children turned to go, “there’s a tape recorder in the box with Alice’s tapes. Would you mind bringing it along with you tomorrow? I promised Fern she could use it to practice her lines.”
    “No problem,” said Jessie.
    When they were outside the theater, Henry said, “Someone’s working hard to make everyone believe there are ghosts in the theater.”
    “Why anyone would do such a thing?” Jessie wondered.
    “You don’t think—” Benny began.
    “Are you wondering if the theater really is haunted?” Violet asked her little brother. “I don’t blame you, Benny. I’ve been wondering that myself.”
    Henry shook his head. “A ghost didn’t spill that popcorn.”
    “Now that I think about it,” said Violet, “I’m sure there are no ghosts.” She wasn’t really sure, but she wanted Benny to believe she was.
    All morning long the Aldens walked along the streets of Elmford, hanging posters up here, there, and everywhere. Finally, Benny plopped down on a park bench.
    “Is it lunchtime yet?” he asked with a sigh.
    Henry glanced at his