Ghost in the First Row Read Online Free Page B

watch. “Close enough,” he said. “We could use a break.”
    Soon enough, the Aldens were sitting down to lunch at the local diner, studying the menus. When the waitress came over, Henry ordered a grilled cheese sandwich and a cola. Jessie had chicken on a bun, coleslaw and milk, and Violet ordered a toasted tomato sandwich and lemonade. Benny decided on a cheeseburger, fries, and chocolate milk.
    While they waited for their food to arrive, the children turned their attention to the mystery. “Whoever is behind these pranks,” said Jessie, “he—or she—sure knows a lot about Alice Duncan.”
    “That’s true.” Violet handed everyone a napkin from the shiny dispenser. “They know that Alice took her knitting and a bag of popcorn to the theater with her.”
    “And that she sat in the first row,” added Benny.
    “I’m sure most of Elmford knows that about Alice,” said Henry.
    As the waitress brought their food, Benny saw someone he knew. “Isn’t that Gil Diggs?”
    Sure enough, the owner of the local movie theater was sitting at a table in the corner. He was sipping coffee and talking on a cell phone.
    “What choice do I have?” Gil was saying. “My business is going nowhere fast.”
    “He sure looks upset,” Violet said, keeping her voice low.
    “Yes, of course the whole thing makes me nervous.” Gil was talking loudly now. “But I have to shut it down. That’s all there is to it!”
    “Uh-oh,” whispered Benny. “Is Gil talking about the Trap-Door Theater?”
    The Aldens looked at one another. None of them liked the sound of this.

CHAPTER 5
Whodunit?
    When the Aldens returned to the theater, they found Ray outside by the back door. He was standing at an old table covered with tools and rags. The container filled with plaster of Paris was nearby. He looked over at the children and gave them a cheery smile.
    “How did you make out?” he asked them.
    “Good,” Henry told him. “We found a spot for every poster.”
    Ray dried his hands on a rag. Then he reached into his pocket and pulled out some dollar bills. “Let me pay you for—”
    Jessie shook her head firmly. “Please put your money away Ray.”
    “But …” he protested.
    “We like to help,” Violet said in her soft voice.
    Ray hesitated for a moment. Then he shoved the dollar bills into his pocket again. “If you won’t accept money then at least accept my invitation to the dress rehearsal tomorrow night. We’re having a potluck dinner for the cast and crew afterwards. I’d love to have you and your aunt join us.”
    “We’ll check with Aunt Jane,” said Jessie.
    “But I’m pretty sure you can count us in.”
    “I hope so,” said Ray turning back to his work.
    Benny was curious. “What are you making, Ray?”
    “I’m making that mold of the butler’s footprint, Benny. The stagehands are busy backstage, so I thought I’d do it myself.”
    “Super!” said Benny.
    “I already made an impression of the butler’s shoe in the mud.”

    Ray nodded towards a square container filled with dirt. “It’s important to make the mold before the mud dries.”
    “Why’s that?” Henry wondered.
    “A footprint shrinks as the mud dries, Henry,” Ray explained. “For the mold to fit the butler’s shoe exactly it has to be made while the dirt’s still wet.”
    “That makes sense,” said Henry.
    The Aldens watched as the theater director stirred the plaster of Paris with water. When it was just the right thickness, he poured the mixture into the footprint.
    “That should do it. Hopefully, the ghosts won’t get at it before the plaster sets,” Ray said with a wink.
    Jessie caught Henry’s eye. Was Ray joking—or did he really believe the theater was haunted?
    “Let’s get that tape recorder for Ray before we forget,” Jessie suggested, as they wheeled their bikes into Aunt Jane’s driveway.
    “Good idea,” said Henry.
    “Ray said it was in the box with Alice’s tapes,” Benny reminded them, following the