Case File 13

by J. Scott Savage

  Nick noticed Aunt Lenore searching the faces of the undead army. Was she looking for her father?

  “You think they remember what it was like to be human?” Nick asked.

  “I doubt it,” Angelo said. “I’ve been adding up the time in my head. If your great-aunt’s father was trying to stop the Zombie King, I bet some of these guys have been zombies for almost fifty years.”

  Nick hadn’t thought of that. Fifty years of being under the control of a dark sorcerer—your mind and body weakening every day. “That thing Isabelle said,” he told Angelo, “about us using the amulet to scare Frankenstein—I mean Cody. If I ever make it out of this alive, I’m going to tell him I’m sorry.”

  “You know he’ll just beat you up,” Angelo said.

  “I know.”

  “I’ll apologize with you,” Carter said.

  Nick looked over at him, wondering if he was joking. But he seemed sincere.

  “Besides,” Carter said, “after this, getting punched now and then doesn’t seem that bad.”

  The rough dirt road they’d been following ended at the gate to the castle, and the zombies ahead of them moved aside. The boys stepped onto the gleaming black stone inside. Drafts of hot air blew across their faces, like the breath of a great black dragon.

  “Use his ego against him if you can.” Aunt Lenore’s whispered voice was cold against Nick’s ear. “He’s not used to anyone opposing him.”

  The boys nodded. Nick hoped they’d get the chance. This close, the army of undead and the immense castle were more intimidating than he could have imagined. It was all he could do to keep putting one foot in front of the other.

  The last of the zombies cleared a path in front of them and a set of long black steps appeared. At the top of the steps, a tall ebony throne glittered with dozens of precious gems. Seated in the throne was a man. His black cape and clothing blended into the throne so that his pale white face appeared to be floating in midair.

  “Welcome to my humble home.” The man’s voice boomed and echoed. “How do you like it?”

  Nick was too terrified to speak. But Carter called out, “Kind of got a thing for black going, huh? Have you ever considered purple or pink?” He pointed to the wall above the throne. “Maybe you could put a flat screen up there. Do they have zombie cable?”

  The Zombie King seemed taken aback by Carter, but he quickly recovered. “You’re a very funny little boy. I like you.”

  Carter held out his hands. “It’s a talent. What can I say?”

  Nick gaped at Carter. “What are you doing?” he whispered.

  “I wonder if my pets will like you as much as I do?” The Zombie King snapped his fingers and a pair of huge black hounds raced from the sides of the hallway. Their skin hung from their ribs in flaps. Sharp white teeth snapped and gnashed as the dogs charged toward Carter. All three boys tumbled backward and Isabelle’s fur bristled in all directions.

  At the last second, the zombie dogs skidded to a halt as though held on an invisible leash. But they continued to bark, their teeth flashing. Nick, Carter, and Angelo stood trembling as far away from the dogs as they could get without touching the zombies that had closed in behind them.

  “That’s more like it,” the Zombie King said. “Children should learn to respect their elders, don’t you think, my minions?”

  A roar of “Yes, my King” filled the hall.

  The Zombie King stood. His black cape flowed out behind him as he moved gracefully down the stairs. Unlike his army, his skin and hair appeared perfect and bone white. Nick wondered if it had something to do with the astral. His nose was thin and sharp, his cheeks like slabs of granite. His irises were so big they made his whole eyes look red.

  He strode toward the boys, his hand gripping a scepter that burned with black flames, his head held high as though he really were a king. Nick could imagine people bowing before this man in terror. Several feet from the boys, he stopped and looked down at Isabelle. “You have done well, my child.”

  Isabelle pressed her small body against Nick’s ankles and gave a low hiss.

  Ignoring her anger, the Zombie King turned to Nick and held out a palm as pale as his face. “I believe you have something for me.”

  “You’ll never have it!” Aunt Lenore stepped out from behind the boys, her arms held wide. “Give up now and release these poor haunted souls.”

  The Zombie King’s eyes went wide. With a snarl he swung his flaming scepter at Aunt Lenore. Scepter and hand went right through her, like a gust of wind splitting fog. For a moment he seemed shocked. Then he threw back his head and laughed, pointed teeth glittering. “I’d always hoped to kill you myself. But it seems someone has beaten me to it.”

  “Well worth it to see that you are never returned to power,” Lenore said, and Nick felt his aunt’s courage seeping into him.

  The zombies closed in behind Nick and his friends, forcing them forward. Their stench was overpowering. Stalling for time, Nick said, “How do I know you’ll change me back once I give you the amulet?”

  The Zombie King lifted a single finger of his outstretched hand and bright green flame leaped from the stone floor. “Step through this and you’ll be good as new. Perhaps your friend should try it as well—it might cure his obnoxious mouth.”

  Carter snickered. “Nice one. You should have your own TV show.”

  The Zombie King glared at him.

  Nick looked at the flames. The Zombie King couldn’t kill him before he got the amulet back. What did he have to lose? He took a step forward, but the Zombie King lowered his finger and the flames disappeared. “After you give me the amulet,” the bokor said.

  Nick’s fingers tightened around the amulet. He hoped Angelo and Carter came up with something soon.

  “Don’t do it!” Carter yelled. The Zombie King snarled at him. Carter gulped but kept talking. “You’re totally not a jewelry guy. It doesn’t work for you. Maybe a tattoo or something. You know, a—”

  In an instant the Zombie King reached out and grabbed Carter by the throat. Lifting him so that the tips of his shoes barely touched the ground, he held him dangling. “I’ve had enough of your insolence.” He turned to glare at Nick. “Give me the amulet now or your friend dies.”

  Nick started forward, but Angelo threw an arm out in front of him.

  “Wait,” Angelo said. “Don’t hurt him and we’ll give you the amulet.”

  The Zombie King released his grip enough so Carter could gasp for air.

  “Here’s the deal,” Angelo said, his voice trembling. “Let me show you one thing first. Then the amulet is yours. Right, Nick?”

  Nick nodded, wondering what Angelo was up to.

  The Zombie King grimaced, his lips pressed tightly together. How were they ever going to get him to open his mouth enough to get the ball of black salt inside? “I’m losing my patience.”

  “It will only take a minute,” Angelo said. “You’ve been waiting all these years. You can wait one more minute, can’t you?”

  “Very well,” the bokor said. “What is it?”

  “This is going to be great. You’ll love this.” Angelo patted his pockets as if looking for something. “Okay, I just need a worm and a glass of chocolate milk.”

  “What!” the Zombie King burst out.

  “Chocolate milk,” Angelo said. “I need a glass of chocolate milk and a worm to show you this.”

  “I’m not playing any more games,” the Zombie King said. “Give me the amulet now.”

  “His ego,” Aunt Lenore whispered.

  Nick took the amulet from his pocket. At the sight of it, the zombies moaned, pushing toward its red gem. The Zombie King reached out, his eyes glowing. But Nick held it over his own head like he was going to put it on himself. He had no clue what Angelo was up to, but if it required a worm and chocolate milk, then he would get it. “You promised. Give him what he needs or I swear you will never touch this. Unless you can’t do it.”

  “I can do anything!” the Z
ombie King growled. He snapped his fingers. “Bring me a worm and…a…a glass of chocolate milk.”

  Nick had no idea where they got them, but a moment later two zombies limped forward. One held a slightly smeared glass of what looked like the most disgusting chocolate milk ever. The second held a worm coated with something slimy and green.

  Angelo took the glass with a weak grin. He wiped the worm on his shirt, trying to remove the green stuff. If this was his distraction, it was working, Nick thought. It was definitely distracting him.

  “Watch closely,” Angelo said, his face nearly as pale as the Zombie King’s. “You’ve never seen anything like this before.”

  Holding the wriggling worm in one hand, he took a big gulp of the chocolate milk. A second later he did something Nick would never have imagined from him. He popped the worm into his mouth.

  “That’s it?” The Zombie King chuckled. “You wanted me to see you eat a worm? I’ve seen men eat their own hearts. I’ve seen men devour—”

  Angelo held up one finger, cutting the Zombie King off in mid-sentence. He put both hands over his ears, puffed out his cheeks, and…exploded.

  At least that’s what it sounded like. Chocolate milk spewed out of his nose in two brown streams. It was truly incredible. But that wasn’t all. A second later, he reached into his right nostril with his thumb and forefinger and pulled out the worm—still wriggling.

  Nick’s mouth dropped open in surprise. So did the Zombie King’s.

  At that moment, Carter’s hand shot forward. It was perfect. Angelo’s distraction had done exactly what it needed to. The Zombie King’s mouth hung wide-open. Carter’s fingers uncurled to reveal the brown ball. He shoved it toward the Zombie King’s lips.

  Like a striking snake, the bokor reached out and caught Carter’s wrist. He squeezed until the ball dropped from Carter’s fingers to the floor. Carter cried out in pain.

  “Very amusing,” the Zombie King said. “Now you will give me the amulet or I will tear your friend apart piece by piece.”

  The Zombie King twisted Carter’s right arm until he screamed.

  “Okay!” Nick held out the amulet. “Stop hurting him.”

  Easing back on Carter’s arm ever so slightly, the bokor released his scepter. It floated in the air, black flames dancing. He held out his hand to Nick. “Give it to me.”

  “I don’t care what you do with me,” Nick said, his eyes blurring with tears. “But promise you’ll let my friends go and turn Isabelle back into a girl.”

  “The time for promises has passed. Give me the amulet or watch your friends die agonizing deaths.” He pointed a finger at his floating scepter and the flames drew out like sizzling black hands, reaching toward Carter’s eyes.

  “Stop!” Nick threw him the amulet. “Here. Take it.” Despite everything he’d tried, he’d failed. And now because of him, his friends were going to be zombies forever.

  The Zombie King caught the amulet. His mouth drew back in a greedy smile. “At last.” He looped the chain around his neck and the gem at the center of the amulet flared bright red. The zombies surged toward the amulet’s light.

  Nick looked down at his body, waiting to become human again.

  “It takes a few hours to change back,” the Zombie King said. “Unfortunately, you don’t have that much time.”

  Hands closed around Nick’s arms and legs. At the same time, zombies grabbed Angelo and Isabelle. Nick struggled, but the undead hands held him tightly. “What are you doing?” he screamed, trying to pull away from the scabby hands that clutched at his body.

  “I will turn your friends into my mindless servants,” the Zombie King said with a wicked sneer. “I’m sure it will amuse Elisheba to see her daughter returned to her—as a drooling zombie. Perhaps I’ll even let her become one herself. But not you. As Lenore is no longer alive, I’m afraid I will have to take out the revenge meant for her on you.”

  “Please,” Lenore begged. “You have what you want. Let him go.”

  “What I want is to see him suffer the way I’ve longed to make you suffer.” The bokor motioned to the brown ball lying on the floor. A zombie reached down and picked it up. Another pair of zombies grabbed Nick’s jaws. Bony fingers with slivers of stinking flesh forced his mouth open. “No!” he screamed when he realized what they were going to do.

  “Allow him to experience the fate he had in store for me,” the Zombie King said.

  Nick twisted left and right trying to get free.

  “Let him go!” Angelo shouted. Isabelle scratched and clawed, hissing and growling, but couldn’t escape. Aunt Lenore swung her insubstantial limbs. Only Carter—perhaps in shock—remained silent.

  The zombie holding the brown ball stopped in front of Nick. The Zombie King watched intently, his eyes glittering with pleasure.

  Slowly, the undead creature forced the ball between Nick’s lips. Nick tried to clench his teeth—to force the ball away with his tongue—but the zombies were too strong. As soon as the clay was completely inside his mouth, the undead holding his jaws forced them shut.

  Nick closed his eyes, waiting for his body to disintegrate into a million particles of dust. When nothing happened, he opened his eyes. He looked at Angelo, who shook his head, then at Carter. Amazingly, his friend grinned and winked.

  The Zombie King opened his mouth in amazement. In that second, Carter brought up his left hand. Somehow it also held a brown ball. Before the Zombie King could react, Carter jammed it between the bokor’s lips and shouted, “The Three Monsterteers!”

  The Zombie King had one startled moment of surprise before his body exploded into a whirling cloud of sand. At the same moment, the amulet burst into millions of tiny red rays of light. The sand swirled in the air for a moment before settling on the ground in a small white mound.

  “I told him he would have been better off with a tattoo,” Carter said.

  Without the leader to guide them, the zombies released their hold on Nick and he dropped to the ground. Nick spit the ball into his hand. “What…?” he started to ask before seeing what was in his palm. Now that he was no longer terrified, he could taste it as well.

  “I don’t understand,” Angelo said, looking from the ball in Nick’s hand to the pile of white dust that had been the zombie king. “If you had the black salt ball in your left hand all along, what did they put in Nick’s mouth?”

  Carter laughed. “I call it the Snickers bar offensive.”

  Angelo smiled widely. “You rolled up the candy bar.”

  “You did it!” a voice squealed.

  The three boys turned to see a girl about their age. She was wearing a plain white dress. Curly hair the exact color of the cat’s fur flowed across her shoulders.

  “Isabelle?” Nick asked.

  She nodded excitedly. “I thought I’d be older now. But I guess the curse didn’t work that way. Look at me,” she said waving her arms. “I’m human.”

  Carter, Angelo, and Nick, who weren’t particularly experienced talking to pretty girls, nodded awkwardly.

  Isabelle dropped to her knees and sifted through the pile of white sand. After a few seconds of digging, she pulled out a green bottle. “Do you mind?” she asked Nick.

  “Not at all.”

  Isabelle lifted the green astral above her head. Something inside glimmered for a moment as though sensing its impending freedom. Then she brought it down and smashed the bottle on the stone floor of the castle. A thousand moans of relief sounded at the same time. The zombies’ dull, witless faces lit up.

  One of them looked a little like Nick’s father. Aunt Lenore flew toward the zombie, crying, “Father!” She threw her arms around the man’s neck just as the entire undead army disappeared with a whoosh—freed at last to fulfill their own destinies.

  A second later, Lenore disappeared too. As she did, Nick could have sworn he heard a soft “Thank you.”

  Isabelle turned to Carter. “That was brilliant. I had no idea you were capable of something like that.”


  Carter blushed. “It was just, you know, I, well, um…”

  Isabelle stepped toward him. “You were wonderful!”

  Carter backed away. His face, which had already been pink before, now flushed a red nearly as brilliant as the Zombie King’s amulet. The world around them swirled, like paint going down a drain. Isabelle reached toward Carter, but before her fingers could touch him, they all disappeared.

  Nick blinked. They were in the cemetery again, near the broken angel statue. In the east, the sky was beginning to turn from black to purple. “We’re home,” he said with a sigh.

  Carter reached down to touch the grass as if making sure it was real. “That was the most scared I’ve ever been in my life.”

  “It was definitely a close call,” Angelo agreed. He looked down at his monster notebook, and Nick could see his friend mentally cataloging all the new information he’d need to add to it.

  “I seriously thought life as we knew it was over,” Nick said.

  “No kidding.” Carter touched his cheek. “I think she was going to hug me.” The thought of being hugged by a girl other than possibly their moms was too weird for any of them to imagine.

  Nick took a deep breath. His heart was still pounding from—Wait! His heart was pounding. His lungs were inhaling and exhaling. “Look,” he said, holding out his hand. The stitches where his finger had been sewn on were gone. “I’m human again.” He walked in a circle. His leg and back felt fine and there was no farting sound anymore.

  “I wonder if Isabelle’s back with her mom?” Carter asked. “Not that I care or anything. Just curious.”

  Nick laughed and clapped him on the back. “You are such a lady’s man. I think you wanted her to hug you.”

  Carter balled up his fists. “Take that back or I swear…”

  Angelo stepped between them, putting a hand on each of his friends’ shoulders. “I think we’ve had enough fighting for one day. We need to get home before our parents realize we’ve been out all night. Besides, don’t forget, we were going to apologize to Cody today.”