Amulet of Doom by Bruce Coville Page B

room walled in by planks of aged wood. The walls were covered with shelves, the shelves filled with bottles of different kinds—the tools of Mr. Flannigan’s trade.
    â€œHere goes nothing,” she whispered, slipping her feet through the window.
    A moment later she was inside, and a moment after that Kyle was standing beside her, his arm around her shoulders again. “Now what?” he whispered.
    â€œWe go upstairs,” she answered. “Where they keep the bodies.”

10
    ROBBING THE DEAD
    It was a gruesome passage. Mr. Flannigan had his working space here in the cellar, and they had to pass through it as they made their way to the first floor.
    Marilyn clung tightly to Kyle’s arm as he swung the beam of her flashlight back and forth, trying to find the stairway. Two tables with white sheets spread over them had distinctive outlines that made her shudder. She tried to think of who had died lately, then tried to push the question out of her mind. She didn’t want to know who was lying cold, naked, and dead beneath those sheets.
    The whole place had the air of death about it. She found herself afraid to touch things, plagued by the feeling that the essence of death would rub off on her, and that she might never be able to wash it away.
    Suddenly Kyle stopped. “What was that?” he hissed.
    â€œWhat was what?” she replied, feeling a little like a second-rate comic in a horror-film spoof.
    â€œI thought I heard something behind us.”
    They stood motionless, holding their breath while they waited for another sound.
    They heard nothing.
    â€œProbably just my nerves,” said Kyle.
    â€œYou’re nervous?” asked Marilyn, a little incredulously. It had never occurred to her that anything would frighten Kyle.
    â€œI’m scared silly!” he snapped. “If I wasn’t so worried about you, I wouldn’t be anywhere near here!”
    She pulled a little closer to him. “Thanks,” she whispered.
    â€œDon’t mention it. Let’s get this over—”
    His words were cut off by a loud crash. Marilyn let out a shriek and clutched Kyle’s arm as if it were a life preserver. He, in turn, threw his other arm around her and pulled her close to him. They stood for a moment in absolute silence, straining their ears for whatever had caused the noise.
    Suddenly Marilyn began to giggle.
    â€œWhat’s so funny?” demanded Kyle.
    â€œThat,” she said, pointing to their left.
    Kyle swung the flashlight in the direction she indicated. The beam was reflected by a pair of greenish eyes.
    â€œBrick!” he said in disgust. “The world’s clumsiest cat.”
    â€œHe must have followed me,” said Marilyn. “I wonder what he broke. I hope it wasn’t important.” Gesturing to the cat, she called, “Come here, Brick. Come here, kitty.”
    Brick padded over and rubbed against her legs. She reached down and scooped him up. “You’re coming with us,” she said. “The last thing I need is to leave here tonight with you still inside for Mr. Flannigan to find in the morning.”
    Brick purred and snuggled up against her.
    â€œCome on,” she said to Kyle. “Let’s get this over with before anyone else shows up. For a solo expedition, this has gotten pretty crowded.”
    â€œYou want me to leave?”
    â€œDon’t you dare! Just find that stairway.”
    As it turned out, he had already located it while she was fooling with the cat. Taking her by the elbow again, he led her to a set of solid wooden steps.
    â€œThey’re sturdier than you would think, considering the house,” said Marilyn.
    â€œNot when you consider what they’re used for,” replied Kyle grimly.
    Marilyn glanced back at the tables and shuddered. They climbed the rest of the stairs in silence.
    The first floor of Flannigan’s was divided into three major areas. Each was currently in