“It’s doubtful that the same key would work on both the mudroom door and this attic trapdoor,” Kylie assured him. “Maybe we missed something with the mad lib. Or maybe there was a key hidden in one of those books . . .”

Becca thought hard for a minute, then suddenly realized that she knew exactly where the key was. “Frankie,” she said. “Do you still have that key from the dirt cake challenge?”

“How could I have forgotten?” Frankie cried, reaching into their pocket and pulling the key out. “It’s right here.”

That has to be it, Becca thought hopefully. What else would that key be for?

“Yes!” Miguel cheered. “And no searching required, very nice.”

“Now the real question is, how am I supposed to reach that trapdoor?” Frankie said, walking in circles beneath it. “I mean, I guess I could climb on this bookshelf. It’s really high, but I think I could do it. Maybe I could just pop my head into the attic for a minute and look around to see if I can spot anything unusual. You’re in gymnastics, Becca—would you be willing to spot me?”

“Of course.” Becca breathed a sigh of relief. Bless Frankie for volunteering to be the one to check out the attic first. Spotting, she could do. She could practically spot in her sleep!

Frankie carefully climbed up the shelves until they finally reached the top, the old bookshelf creaking under their weight but holding strong. Becca stood below, ready to dash and catch if necessary. Frankie took the key from their pocket and reached up cautiously to try it on the trapdoor. Becca watched as the key sank into the hole, then turned easily, the loud click audible even from down on the floor.

“It worked,” Frankie cried excitedly. They pulled down on the key to create a small space between the end of the trapdoor and the ceiling, then pulled it down until a small ladder slid down to reach the top of the bookshelf. “I’m gonna peek in!”

“Be careful,” Danny said nervously as he filmed Frankie. “One misstep could send you flying. We don’t need three ghosts in this house!”

“Not funny,” Frankie said. “I can’t think of anything worse than being in this house forever and ever. I’d rather haunt the school—and that says a lot.”

“I’ve got you,” Becca called up to assure Frankie. “What do you see in there?”

Frankie carefully climbed up the first few steps of the ladder, poking their head in for a moment before reaching a hand inside. “There’s a note from the Game Master,” they called down. “I’m gonna drop it down.”

A moment later, a piece of paper fluttered down, landing at Becca’s feet. Matt bent down to grab it so Becca could keep her eyes on Frankie. After he opened it, Becca heard Matt suck in air through his teeth.