“And where are the missing Doggie Donuts?” added Jake.

“I don’t know,” said Cassie. “Are we going to play Ghost in the Graveyard or not?”

“Maybe a ghost took the feathers and treats,” Ethan said with a sly grin.

“There’s no such thing as ghosts,” said Cassie. “They’re just in games and stories and stuff.”

“Except . . . ,” said Jake.

“Except what?” asked Cassie.

“Haven’t you heard about the ghost of Animal Inn?” Jake said. “On dark and windy nights, it scritches and scratches at windows and doors.”

“And whatever you do,” Ethan continued in a spooky voice, “don’t let the ghost inside. Or Animal Inn will be haunted . . . forever!”