The doorbell rang.

“You want me to get that?” Dunc yelled.

Amos was taking a shower and singing “Love Me Tender” at the top of his lungs.

Dunc tried the bathroom doorknob. The door was locked. He shrugged and trotted down the stairs. “Amy? Is anybody down here?”

There was no answer. Dunc went to the front door and pulled it open. “The Binders are tied up right …” His voice trailed off when he saw who was standing on the porch.

C.D. whipped his cape around him. His black eyes resembled burning coals set against his white skin. His lips were red, and he spoke with a thick European accent. “I’ve come to issue an invitation. My parents would like very much to have you for dinner.”

“For dinner?” Dunc gulped. “Me?”

“All of you. Please tell Miss Amy that I will be by for the three of you tomorrow night at seven o’clock sharp.”

“You can tell her yourself, handsome.” Amy stepped in front of Dunc, moving him out of her way. “But why bring the twirps?”

“My parents request it.”

“Whatever you say, sweetie.” Amy waved goodbye and closed the door. She turned to Dunc. “Where’s the dweeb?”

“Amos?” Dunc moved back up the stairs.

“He’s taking a shower. Why?”

“I don’t want him messing this up for me. If he gets out of line once, I’ll shove his skinny little body down the garbage disposal.”

Dunc winced. “I’ll tell him you mentioned it. Uh, Amy?”

“What?”

“Why do you call the guy C.D.?”

Amy smiled dreamily. “Isn’t that just the cutest nickname? He’s a count, you know, or will be when his father kicks off. Has his own castle too.”

“And you call him C.D. because …”

“If it’s any of your business, his family name is Drago. And since he’s due to become a count any day, I thought C.D. sort of suited him. Don’t you think so?”

“Yeah, real cute.” Dunc hesitated. “Amy?”

“What is it now?”

“Do me a favor and be real careful when you’re alone with that guy.”

Amy winked at him. “Why, Duncan Culpepper, I didn’t know you cared.”

“He doesn’t.” Amos appeared at the top of the stairs wrapped in a towel. “Nobody does. For all we care, C.D. can have every ounce of your sorry old blood. It’ll probably poison him anyway.”

Amy looked at Dunc. “It’s finally happened. The little nerd has flipped out. I’d call for a strait jacket, but I need him tomorrow night. Don’t forget to give him my message.” Amy pushed a strand of blond hair behind one ear and sauntered out of the room.

Dunc sighed. “Sure, Amy. No problem.”