“Why don’t we go to the police?” Cindy asked. “That’s what they’re here for—to help in times of emergency.”

Sally snorted. “That may be true in other cities. But in Spooksville the police are afraid to answer a call to get a cat out of a tree. Too many of their buddies go out on calls and never return.”

Cindy was doubtful. “I think we have to at least warn them. Adam, would you come with me? We can catch up with Sally and Bum in an hour or so.”

“An hour is a long time when you’re dealing with creatures that can multiply,” Sally warned. “But of course Adam will go with his dear Cindy just because she asked. He does whatever she asks because he loves her, and she acts like she loves him. It doesn’t matter that the safety of the entire world is at stake. Isn’t that true, Adam?”

“Well,” Adam said, caught off guard. “I think we should let the police know.”

Sally and Bum exchanged knowing glances.

“We’ll pick out the flamethrowers,” Bum said.

“We’ll have them gift wrapped before these guys show up,” Sally agreed.

4

The chief of police of Springville—the proper name of Spooksville—was alone in the station when they arrived. There wasn’t even a secretary around, never mind other officers. There was just the chief sitting behind his big oak desk, reading a comic book and eating a box of chocolates. From his wide belly, it appeared he often ate lots of them.

They knocked before entering but nevertheless startled him. He glanced up and nervously set aside his comic book. He smoothed his blue tie, which was stained with chocolate, and blinked behind his gold-rimmed glasses. He was probably only fifty years old, but his hair was snow-white.

“Yes,” he said. “Can I help you?”

“Yes,” Adam said. “The two of us and two other friends were hiking in the hills behind Spooks—Springville this morning when we came across these huge blocks of ice. We thawed one out and this creature—like a cold man—jumped out and grabbed our friend, Watch. He dragged Watch into the woods, and we haven’t seen Watch since.” Adam paused. “We need your help to rescue him.”

The chief just stared at him for minute. Then he offered each of them his box of chocolates. “Would you like one?” he asked.

“No thanks, we’re not hungry,” Cindy said. “We’re too worried about our friend. Can you help us?”

The chief helped himself to another chocolate. He ate it slowly—chewing seemed to take all his concentration.

“I don’t know,” he said. “What do you want me to help you with?”

Adam felt exasperated. “We just told you. One of the Cold People kidnapped our friend. We want you to help us get him back.”