The night before Frank ‘n Stein’s Grand Reopening Celebration Week began, Frank threw a private party. Cooper stood at the back of the dining area, taking it all in. The diner didn’t seem to have a “creep factor” anymore—and not just because all the Halloween decorations were down. Likely it was because the room was filled with so many of the people Cooper cared for most in the world.
His mom sat at a table with three other ladies. Hiro’s mom. Gordy’s mom. And the big surprise was Lunk’s mom. Cooper had seen her before, but never looking as happy as she did right now. They chatted away, laughing and talking over each other.
Mattie sat at a table by herself, humming and drawing pictures of ponies on a sketch pad.
Cooper’s dad stood near the ordering counter with Gordy’s dad and Detective Hammer. They all looked toward the kitchen while Hammer pointed and motioned with his hands. Probably going over some of the events of Halloween night. A night Cooper would never forget—and in some ways, didn’t want to.
Like the moment his mom and dad burst into the police station. Dad hadn’t gotten the phone message until after the circus. He said that after hearing Cooper’s confession, he busted every speed limit getting to him.
Cooper never wanted to forget the way his dad rushed to his side and held him. Or the way his mom wept, thanking God over and over for answering her prayer. Cooper never wanted to forget how good it felt to confess everything to them in person, and to know his parents forgave him completely.
But most of all he didn’t want to forget a promise he made to himself that night—never to lie to his parents again.
“Coop, get over here,” Gordy called from their usual table. Hiro sat next to him.
Just as Cooper slid into the booth, Frank Mustacci stepped out of the kitchen carrying a large tray of monster shakes. He looked like himself again. Strong. His cheeks had good color, and the bruising around his eye was nearly gone. He wore a new white apron for the event. No blood stains. Lunk followed with a tray in each hand, loaded with orders of fries.
Frank stopped at Cooper’s table. “Okay, my dear friends. Time to celebrate.”
“Oh yeah!” Gordy stood and reached for a shake.
Lunk helped Frank distribute the food around the room.
Frank circled back to where he started. “And now,” he said, raising his voice so everyone could hear, “I want to thank each of you for joining me tonight at this little party.”
Lunk set down the empty trays and glanced at Cooper. He stood in the aisle, looking a little stiff. Like he wasn’t quite sure how to fit in—but he wanted to. Cooper slid over and motioned for Lunk to join him.
“This has been quite a couple of weeks,” Frank said. “Actually, it seems like less than that—but maybe that’s because I spent half of it in a coma.”
Everybody laughed.
“I thank God every day that I’m alive, and for my very special friends at this table.” He took a step closer and put his hand on the back of the booth. He looked directly at Cooper. There was life in his eyes. “And as a small token of my appreciation, I’m giving all four of you free monster shakes and fries for the next year.”
Gordy jumped to his feet and pumped his fist in the air. “Yeah!”
Cooper smiled. Maybe this would trigger a growth spurt of his own.
“I’m going to take good care of this bunch,” Frank said. “I know Hiro wants to be a cop, and Cooper a fireman, but at some point I’m going to need a new partner. Maybe one of the other boys will fill that spot someday.”
“Gordy will eat all the profits,” Hiro said.
The group laughed again.
Lunk sat up a little taller and looked toward his mom. She smiled back at him. Cooper tried to imagine Lunk as partner. Wouldn’t that be something?
Frank kept talking, but Cooper’s mind drifted. Mr. Stein still hadn’t been found, but it was only a matter of time. Life could get back to normal now. Whatever that was. With Lunk, Gordy, and Hiro around, there was likely going to be another adventure. Hopefully Hiro wouldn’t get to play cop again too soon.
He glanced over at her and found she was fingering her necklace, looking at him. She raised her eyebrows and gave a little nod. Was she reading his mind or something?
The corners of her mouth curved into the slightest smile.
Cooper smiled back. Hiro knew him so well it was spooky.
Frank finished his speech, and the room broke into applause.
Lunk stood and shook Mr. Mustacci’s hand like he’d just received a promotion. And in a way, he had.
Cooper dug in his pocket, pulled out a quarter, and slapped it on the table in front of Gordy.
Gordy picked it up. “What’s this for?”
Hiro sighed. “He’s going to teach you those trick moves on that classic arcade game.”
Gordy laughed and was on his feet in an instant. “You’re on.”
“Wanna join us, Hiro?” Cooper said, standing. “Just think about it. The forces of good and evil locked in mortal combat. It’ll be an adventure.”
Hiro smiled and shook her head. “I’ve done enough of that lately. And I’ve got a feeling we’ll be doing it again for real—sooner than you think.”
Cooper laughed, grabbed his monster shake, and followed Gordy toward the game. Somewhere, deep inside, he believed Hiro was right. A slight thrill rushed through him, a crazy mix of fear and excitement. He rubbed down the goosebumps forming on his arms and made another promise to himself. Whatever happened, next time he’d do the right thing.