“Amos, you can’t wear that.”

“Why not? I figure if I put on everything except the head, I’ll be ready in case something comes up and we’re a little late to Melissa’s party.”

“Well, for one thing, Amy isn’t going to be too thrilled if you go to the Dragos’ dinner wearing the bottom half of a Bambi costume, and for another, you don’t want to ruin it. I borrowed it from my dad’s friend, the casting director over at the college.”

“I’m not going to ruin it. I’m taking very good care of it. See, I wrapped up the antlers in this sheet.”

“That’s another thing, Amos. What are you going to do? Carry a deer head around with you all evening?”

Amos folded his arms stubbornly around the sheet. “I don’t care what anybody says. Melissa is more important than any old vampire dinner.”

A horn honked from the street below.

Dunc looked out the window. “It’s C.D., Amos.”

Amy yelled from downstairs. “Get down here, maggot-heads. Our ride is outside.”

“Boy, your sister really has a way with words. I can’t wait till she sees how you’re dressed.”

“With any luck she won’t know until it’s too late.” Amos peeked out his door. “She’s already outside. You walk in front of me to the car.” He stopped halfway down the stairs. “Did you bring the envelope with the vampire poison?”

“That’s the fourth time you’ve asked me.” Dunc patted his shirt pocket. “I told you, it’s right here.”

Amos reached for the doorknob. “Let’s get this over with as fast as possible. It’ll probably ruin Melissa’s whole night if I’m late.”

“I wouldn’t spend too much time worrying about that if I were you.” Dunc stepped out the door in front of Amos.

“Wait. What do you mean by that?”

“Justin Smeltzer said she invited Biff Fastrack and half the football team. If you don’t show up, I’m sure they’ll be more than happy to console her.”