The First Horror Read Online Free PDF Page A

“Why doesn’t anyone turn the lights on in here?” Cally complained. Cally made her way through the dark room. Their old furniture looked small and unfamiliar in the big living room. As Cally hurried toward the kitchen to tell her parents her news, she didn’t see the small, dark creature perched on the arm of the couch. She didn’t see it until it leapt onto her chest.

Chapter 5
    A lamp flashed on. The creature raised its snout to Cally’s throat. “Down, Cubby!” she heard James shout. “Get down, Cubby!” It’s a puppy! Cally realized, laughing. The little dog licked her neck. Then it dove to the floor and scampered across the room to James. He scooped it up in his arms. “For a moment, I thought …” Cally started to admit. Behind her in the living room entryway, Kody laughed. “You thought it was a rat? It does kind of look like a rat!” “Don’t say that about Cubby!” James said angrily. “Cubby is not a rat. Cubby is a Labrador retriever.” He gave the dog some nose kisses. “Where did you get him?” Cally asked, her heart still racing.
    “Dad got him for me at the ASPCA. He’s mine,” James said, hugging the dog tightly. The dog squirmed and struggled to get down to the floor. “He’s cute,” Kody said. “Why did you name him Cubby?” “Because he looks like a Cubby,” James replied. Cally knew better than to question her brother’s logic.
    “Our first dinner in our new home,” Mrs. Frasier said, smiling. She pulled her chair closer to the dining room table. “Isn’t this great?” “It’s starting to feel like home,” Mr. Frasier said, unfolding his napkin. “I can’t believe Cally thought Cubby was a rat,” James announced, rolling his eyes. “Let’s not talk about rats at the table,” their mother replied. “Let’s have a civilized dinner—okay, James?” James burped loudly, then burst into giggles. “That’s not funny,” Cally told him sharply. “It’s pretty funny,” James shot back. “Did Mr. Hankers get rid of the rats in the basement?” Kody asked. “He’s working on it,” Mr. Frasier replied. “He was down there all day.” “Why are we talking about rats?” Mrs. Frasier complained, “I made a beautiful dinner. A big roast beef—your favorite. Let’s have some pleasant conversation.” “Cubby is the cutest dog in the world,” James boasted. “I’m glad you like him,” Mr. Frasier replied, smiling across the table. “We hired a housekeeper today,” Mrs. Frasier told the girls, ignoring James. “Would you believe she popped up on the front steps? Just like Mr. Hankers.” “What’s her name?” Kody asked, spooning mashed potatoes onto her plate. “Her name is Mrs. Nordstrom,” their mother replied. “She’s starting tomorrow morning. She’s kind of stern and sour faced. But I have a hunch she’ll be a really good housekeeper.” Mr. Frasier pulled the roast beef platter closer and picked up the big carving knife. “Hey, I just had an idea,” he said, his eyes on Kody. “Kody, how would you like to have a job right here?” Kody’s eyes opened wide with surprise. She dropped the serving spoon back into the mashed potato bowl. “Huh? What do you mean?” “Well, there’s so much work to be done,” Mr. Frasier said, gesturing with the big black-handled knife. “Way too much for Mr. Hankers and me to do on our own. And you love woodworking and painting and everything.” Kody narrowed her green eyes at her father. “You mean you want me to stay home and work on the house?” Mr. Frasier nodded. “Yeah.” “While Cally gets to dress up and go to town every day and meet people?” Kody demanded. “You know you like fix-it work,” Mrs. Frasier chimed in. “I’ll pay you by the hour,” Mr. Frasier offered “It’ll be like a real job. Lunch hour and everything.” “Well …” Kody’s expression turned thoughtful. “It might be hard to find a job this late in the summer,” she murmured, thinking out loud.