Gasp of the Ghoulish Guinea Pig Read Online Free PDF Page B

sorry.”
    “Who? What? Me?” From under the table, Flash gave a shocked squeak.

    Of
course!
Joe sighed with relief. Mrs Crawford was telling Mum about Flash’s tragic end in the washing machine. Joe had forgotten that no one else knew what had happened to Flash after they’d left the Crawfords’ house.
    He tried not to smile. If only Mum and Toby knew that, at that very moment, Flash was sitting on the floor nibbling Toby’s lunch crumbs!
    “That’s so sad,” said Toby. His lip was trembling. “I liked Flash best!”
    Flash puffed up his chest proudly.
    “What are you going to wear to the party, Joe?” asked Mum, trying to change the subject.
    “It’s a monster party,” said Toby, still looking tearful. “I’m going as a troll.”
    Joe looked desperately at Mum. “I don’t have to dress up, do I?”
    Mum smiled and shook her head. “Don’t worry, Joe. You can wear what you like!”

CHAPTER NINE
    A few hours later, Dad, Joe and Toby were on the Crawfords’ doorstep. There were balloons tied to the letterbox and a big “HAPPY BIRTHDAY” banner taped across the front door. Flash had already scrambled out of Joe’s rucksack and vanished into the house.
    Through the front window they could see a crowd of kids dancing round the living room. The sound of laughter and shrieking and loud music boomed out.
    “Do you think the present will be OK?” askedDad, ringing the bell again. “Maybe guinea-pig toys aren’t the best thing to give a boy whose pet has just died!”
    Toby hugged the brightly wrapped box tightly. “He’s still got Bolt and Lightning!”
    Not for much longer if I don’t find that snake
, thought Joe.
    “Toby! Joe!” The door burst open and George stood there, wearing a Frankenstein costume. He had a pretend bolt through his neck and scars painted on his face. “We’re playing musical statues!”

    “Hi, Joe,” said Erin, appearing behind Toby. She was dressed as a zombie – her hair messy, her raggedy dress covered in red paint. “Want to come through to the kitchen – away from the little kids?”
    “Hey!” George made a cross face, then darted off. “Quick, Toby!” he yelled. “In the living room.”
    “Goodbye then, boys! Have fun.” Joe’s dad turned and headed towards the car.
    “Do you want some lemonade, Joe?” asked Erin. “Watch out!” she yelped as three small monsters zoomed past them, spilling handfuls of cheese puffs everywhere.
    “Wow!” Joe said, when he saw the kitchen.
    Every surface was covered with food and right in the middle was a giant chocolate monster cake!
    “Help yourself to some snacks,” Erin said.
    As Joe scooped up a handful of crisps, Erinpoured some lemonade into two paper cups.
    “I’m laying out the treasure-hunt clues. You can help me if you like.”
    “Uh-huh,” mumbled Joe, but he wasn’t listening. He was peering behind the fridge. Was Thor there?
    “What are you doing?” Erin gave him a funny look.
    “Nothing,” said Joe. “I think we’ve got the same fridge as you…” he added.
    “Did your mum tell you what happened to Flash?”
    Joe nodded.
    “I miss him!” Erin sniffed.
    Joe shuffled his feet uncomfortably. He never knew what to say when people were upset.
    “JOE!” Flash burst into the room. “The guinea pigs have gone. They’re not in their hutch!”
    “Where are they?” Joe said, realizing toolate that he had spoken to Flash out loud.
    “Who?” Erin frowned.
    “Er, I mean, where are the other guinea pigs?” asked Joe.
    “Outside in their run. Mum thought it would be safer for them with all the little kids in the house.”
    “Phew!” said Flash. “Right, let’s start looking for the snake.” He vanished back through the kitchen door.
    “Where are you going to hide the clues?” Joe asked Erin, taking a quick look in the kitchen bin, just in case Thor had snuck inside.
    “I’ve done most of them. There’s just a few we need to put upstairs.” Erin picked up some bits of paper and