“Betty fell off the top step,” Mike says sadly. “It was a long drop. And… She didn’t make it.”

We all gasp. “That’s terrible!”

Mike nods. “There were rumors that Ella pushed her. She didn’t want Betty to get the part.” He shrugs. “But that was never proven.”

“So Betty’s the ghost?” I’m aghast with a mix of excitement and horror.

“Well, if you choose to believe in ghosts,” Mike says. “Some say Betty’s never left Stage Five. Rumor has it that she doesn’t want anyone to succeed—or any show.” He gives us a knowing look. “I mean, why do you think Motor Clowns was canceled so quickly?”

Because the show was about clowns? I almost say.

“Anyway, that’s the story,” Mike says, standing and grabbing his walkie-talkie. “Is it real? Who knows? But that’s Hollywood for you! All kinds of weird stuff happens in this town.” At that, he walks off, whistling.

My friends and I stare at each other in shock. I have to say, I’ve definitely experienced a lot of firsts today.

First time on a soundstage in Hollywood.

First time meeting a new crew.

And the first time maybe meeting someone else too.

A ghost.

Chapter Three

After Mike heads off, I realize what I need to do. I grab my friends’ arms. “Group meeting. Now.”

“What about Paul?” Aubrey whispers. “He wanted to talk to us.”

“Paul can wait.” This is big. Really big. Besides, Paul is still talking to Monique. He’s using expressive hand gestures, which means they’re having a disagreement. This might take a while. I just hope Paul doesn’t have a run-in with Betty the ghost too.

That is, if Betty is even real.

We head down the ramp, across the alleyway, and into my trailer. It’s a basic movie-set trailer with a couch, a table, a mini fridge, and a bathroom. Someone has sprayed it with woody vanilla, my favorite scent. I can finally put Salmon down, and my kitty gratefully stretches his legs and then hops up on the windowsill.

But then, a shadow fills the doorway. It’s Morton York, the famous producer who’s helping out with season two. He catches the door before it can fully close.

“Hayley, right? And…Cody? Aubrey?” His gaze flits between us. “Everything okay? I saw you run out of there like the place was on fire.”

I can feel my friends shift. Does Mr. York know about Betty? Did she haunt Motor Clowns too? Should we ask him?

But maybe he’ll think we’re being silly. We all want to impress this guy—it’s really true that he can turn actors just starting out into major stars. How amazing would it be if he cast all three of us in his new movie?

“We’re great,” I tell him, smiling broadly. “Just getting ready for the day.”