Closed for the Season by Mary Downing Hahn

Author:Mary Downing Hahn [Hahn, Mary Downing]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Juvenile Fiction, Friendship, Murder, Horror & Ghost Stories, Mysteries & Detective Stories, Mystery and detective stories, Neighbors, Virginia
ISBN: 9780606150972
Google: DBQEkgAACAAJ
Amazon: 0547398530
Publisher: San Val
Published: 2009-01-02T06:00:00+00:00

Just to be safe, we rode home the back way, zipping down alleys and cutting across back yards. To our relief, we didn’t meet Silas or anyone else.

Mom was sitting on the porch, reading a mystery novel as usual. When she saw me, she frowned. “It’s about time you got here, Logan. You missed lunch, and now it’s almost time for dinner.”

Arthur poked his elbow in my side and gestured toward his yard. Violet s old car was parked out front. May sat on the grass, making a clover chain, and Danny was tossing a ball for Bear to catch. He looked happier than usual.

From the porch steps, Mrs. Jenkins called, “Come on over here, Arthur. Bring Logan with you.”

I glanced at Mom, sure she’d order me inside, but she was lost in her book again.

Reluctantly, Arthur and I headed toward his house.

Danny stopped tossing the ball and stared at us. “Just because I’m staying here doesn’t mean I’m your friend or nothing.” He kept his voice low, too low for Mrs. Jenkins to hear.

“I assure you the feeling is mutual,” Arthur said, affecting an English accent for reasons known only to him.

Danny scowled. “You’re weird. You know that? Nuts. Crazy.”

Arthur shoved his glasses back up to the bridge of his nose. “At least I’m not stupid.”

By now Mrs. Jenkins was crossing the lawn, a big smile on her face. “Logan, have you met Danny?”

Before I could answer, Arthur said, “Logan had the dubious pleasure of meeting Danny at the Toot ‘n’ Tote.”

“They say two’s company and three’s a crowd, but I’m sure you boys will get along just fine.” Mrs. Jenkins smiled again, clearly determined to see things in the most optimistic light. “Come inside and cool off with some soda.”

May slipped her clover chain over her head and followed us to the kitchen. Violet was sitting at the table, her chin propped on her hand, her eyes sad and distant. The little girl pulled the clover chain off and gave it to Violet. “I made this for you, cause you’re pretty and I love you.”

“Thank you, May.” Violet hugged her daughter. “That’s very sweet of you.” For some reason, she looked as if she was about to cry.

Mrs. Jenkins patted her shoulder. “You’re lucky to have such a sweet child.”

Violet nodded, looking even more tearful.

Danny came inside with Bear. “When we go home,” he told Arthur and me, “this dog’s coming with us.”

“Oh, no, he’s not,” Arthur said. “We’ve been taking care of him ever since your…“Catching a warning look from Mrs. Jenkins, Arthur left his sentence hanging.

“Bear’s my dog.” Danny turned to his mother. “Isn’t he?”

Violet shook her head. “We can’t afford a dog. You know that.”

Danny slumped at the table, his legs stuck out, his face ugly. “I never get nothing I want,” he muttered.

Violet reached out to pat his arm, but he jerked away from her.

In the silence, Mrs. Jenkins busied herself handing out sodas. Pointing to an open bag of cookies, she said, “Help yourselves.

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