Midnight for Charlie Bone

  But I suppose she would be if she's in a trance." She strode off with a wave, so that she could spend the last two minutes of break with her drama friends.

  Charlie didn't meet with Gabriel Silk until he went into the cafeteria. The older boy rushed up to the table Charlie was sharing with Fidelio, spilling half his glass of water into his plate of chips. "Hi!" he said.

  "Everything OK? Anything I can do to help?"

  "Not at the moment, thanks," said Charlie.

  Gabriel looked unusually cheerful. Obviously he was wearing all new or very happy-feeling clothes. Charlie realized that Gabriel could be a very useful friend to have on his side. Already he was beginning to think of people as being on his side or against him. He wondered why this was.

  He didn't see Manfred until dinnertime, but to his great relief the older boy took no notice of him. Asa, however, kept darting sly looks across the long table. The meal was exactly the same as last Monday's: soup, egg and chips, and a pear.

  "It's always the same," said Fidelio. "Tomorrow it will be soup, sausage and potatoes, cabbage, and an apple."

  Charlie wished he could swap his gift for hearing voices to one of turning bad food into good. He closed his eyes and pretended that he could. He found that the flat, old egg actually tasted better. Now that he knew the way to the King's room, he found that he was the first one there. Almost. Zelda and Beth were playing some sort of game. They ignored Charlie. Zelda was dark and spiteful looking, and Beth was large and muscular with pale, frizzy hair. They were glaring at each other from either side of the table. In the center a wooden pencil box moved first one way then the other.

  Charlie sat down in the large space between them and plonked his books on the table.

  "Shhh!" hissed Zelda.

  The pencil box shot toward her.

  "Sorry,” said Charlie.

  The pencil box hovered and then moved toward Beth. She growled and, glaring at the box, sent it back to Zelda. Charlie realized they both had the same endowment, moving things with their minds.

  Other children began to drift into the room, ruining the girls'

  concentration. Tancred and Lysander came in together. This time Tancred grinned at Charlie. His hair looked more electrified than ever and Charlie noticed that it crackled slightly when Tancred tried to pat it down.

  "How're you doing, Charlie Bone?" asked Lysander with a big smile.

  "OK, thanks." Charlie smiled back.

  "Shut up!" said Zelda as the pencil box shot sideways, lifted into the air, and crashed onto the floor.

  "Crazy game," said Lysander.

  "It's not a game!" snarled Zelda, retrieving the pencil case. Charlie had managed to get a seat on the same side of the table as Manfred, so he didn't have to worry about the awful stare. He had a much better view of the Red King from this angle, and he found himself gazing up at the dark, mysterious face several times. It had a strange, calming effect on him and he was aware that his homework seemed much easier than usual. In fact, he got it all done before the bell rang. Fidelio and Charlie had agreed not even to whisper about Tolly Twelve Bells in the dormitory Billy was watching Charlie intently and just before lights out he came and stood at the end of Charlie's bed.

  "Is it still all right me coming for the weekend?" asked Billy.

  "Of course," said Charlie. "My mom says it'll be fine."

  “And... and are you going to do anything about Emilia Moon?" Billy sounded a bit awkward.

  Charlie said, "Not sure yet." There was something not quite right about Billy.

  Billy crept back to bed as a voice barked, "Lights out." A large hand came around the door and snapped off the lights. Knowing who the hand belonged to didn't help. Charlie imagined Aunt Lucretia sneaking along the passages, listening at doors.

  Before he finally drifted off to sleep he remembered what Maisie had said. "Benjamin called last night. At least I think it was him because of the barking."

  Why was Benjamin calling so late, and why didn't he leave a message? And why was Runner Bean barking? Charlie fell asleep before he could figure it out.

  Benjamin was not asleep. He'd had a very unpleasant day It was cold and windy and, as he walked home from school, he thought of all the good, hot things he could cook for himself and Runner Bean: sausages, chips, toasted cheese, chicken nuggets, and grilled bananas. Turn! Yum!" Benjamin said to himself. He'd managed to forget EustaciaYewbeam. But there she was, banging pots and pans in Benjamin's kitchen as though she were preparing a feast, not a measly bowl of broth. When Benjamin asked for a sausage she gave him a glassy stare and said, "Whatever for? It's not as if it's Christmas."

  Runner Bean leaped out of his basket, barking with joy and licking every bit of Benjamin that he could find: his face, his hands, his ears, and his neck.

  "That dog hasn't moved all day,” grumbled Miss Yewbeam. "I couldn't even get into the broom closet."

  "He's a very good guard dog," said Benjamin. Later he was bitterly to regret those words.

  That night he listened to Miss Yewbeam walking through the rooms. What could she be doing? She'd had all day to explore. He had an uncanny feeling that someone else was in the house. Eventually Benjamin closed his eyes and fell into an uneasy sleep.

  He was woken up by a terrible noise: a howling, screaming, whining sound. Benjamin leaped out of bed and ran to the top of the stairs.

  "Runner?" he called. "Is that you?" He was answered by a low snarl and then a series of earsplitting growls and barks. Something was attacking Runner Bean. Benjamin tore downstairs.

  "Runner! Runner, I'm coming," he shouted.

  There was a horrible scream, and a bang as the back door crashed open. Benjamin ran down the passage toward the open door. He almost fell over Runner Bean's motionless body.

  "Runner!" cried Benjamin, kneeling beside the dog's shaggy head. Runner Bean gave a sad little whine, and Benjamin, stroking the rough fur, found that it was covered in something sticky.

  The hall light was switched on and Miss Yewbeam marched down the stairs.

  "What's going on?" she demanded.

  "My dog's been attacked," cried Benjamin. "He's all covered in blood."

  "My my what a mess!" declared Miss Yewbeam. "We'll call the vet in the morning."

  "I can't leave him like this," said Benjamin. He ran into the kitchen and came back with a bowl of water and some old cloths. MISS Yewbeam stood and watched as Benjamin washed off the blood and applied antiseptic. Runner Bean's wounds were like huge bite marks. But what sort of animal could have gotten into the house? And why? Miss Yewbeam told Benjamin to go to bed. He refused. "I'm going to sleep down here with Runner," he said. He got a cushion and a blanket and lay beside the injured dog all night.

  In the cold light of Tuesday morning, Runner Bean looked very ill. Benjamin wouldn't go to school. "He might die while I'm away,” he cried.

  "Nonsense." Miss Yewbeam tried to drag Benjamin up to his room.

  "No! No! No!" he shouted.

  She brought his clothes downstairs and tried to make him get dressed. He struggled and fought. She slapped and pushed and pulled.

  "Help!" cried Benjamin, though he didn't know who he was calling to. And then he remembered what Charlie had said, and he dashed to the front door, bounced down the (Steps and, still in pajamas, rushed across the road to number nine, where he pounded on the door.

  The door flew open and Benjamin fell into the hall. He found himself looking up into the grim face of Grandma Bone.

  "And what do you think you're doing, Benjamin Brown?" asked Grandma Bone.

  "I want to see Mr. Paton," said Benjamin, struggling to his feet. "Mr. Paton Yewbeam."

  "He's not available," said Grandma Bone.

  "He's got to be," Benjamin shouted. "Mr. Paton! Mr. Paton!"

  "Shhh!" ordered Grandma Bone.

  Several doors opened upstairs, and Maisie and Charlie's mother looked down from the landing.

  "Benjamin, what's happened?" asked Amy Bone.

 
"My dog's been attacked and I want Charlie's uncle Paton," cried Benjamin. As the two women began to run down to Benjamin, Paton appeared at the top of the stairs in a red velvet bathrobe. "Who wants me?" he asked.

  "Me! Me, Mr. Yewbeam!" said Benjamin. "My dog's hurt. He won't wake up. Please, can you help me?"

  Paton descended and strode to the front door.

  "Paton, you're not dressed," said Grandma Bone.

  "Nonsense!" said Paton.

  "Sun's up," murmured Maisie.

  "Don't worry about the sun," said Paton. "Come on, Benjamin." He opened the front door and marched down the steps with Benjamin beside him.

  Traffic had begun its usual rush up Filbert Street toward the center of the city but Paton took no notice. Looking neither to the left nor to the right, he walked straight across to number twelve. Cars screeched to a halt, and drivers hooted and swore at the tall man in his bright red bathrobe, and the small boy in blue-striped pajamas.

  When Paton entered number twelve, he came face-to-face with his sister.

  “Ah, it's you, Eustacia," said Paton. "I might have known."

  “And what do you mean by that?" Eustacia asked coldly ^

  "Benjamin, where are your parents?" asked Paton.

  "I think they're in Scotland, looking for a missing window cleaner," said Benjamin.

  "We'll soon see about that," said Paton. "Now, where's the dog?" Benjamin led Paton down the hallway to Runner Bean's basket. The big dog lay in an awkward huddle, his torn nose resting on his paws. His eyes were closed and he was hardly breathing.

  "Good heavens," Paton exclaimed, bending over the dog. "A wild beast has attacked your dog, Benjamin. Something with exceptional teeth and claws."

  "It's my fault," sobbed Benjamin. "I told him to guard the cellar. But it was silly really because there's nothing in..." He stopped, remembering, too late, that Eustacia Yewbeam was hovering by the front door. "How could a wild beast get in?" he asked Paton. “All the doors are locked at night."

  "Someone let it in," said Paton, glancing at his sister. "We'll have to get Runner Bean to a vet," he told Benjamin. “And very soon. It looks to me as if time's running out for this poor dog."

  Benjamin had an idea. He remembered how Mr. Onimous said he had a special way with animals. "I know someone who'll come here," he said.

  "Mr. Onimous, the mouse man. I've got his card. He's got these amazing cats, like flames." Benjamin jumped up and ran into the kitchen.

  "I'm off," said Eustacia, and she slid out the front door so fast, they hardly saw her go.

  "What's going on, Mr. Yewbeam?" asked Benjamin. "Why did someone let this happen to Runner? And why are your sisters so mean and angry?"

  "It's war, Benjamin," said Paton. "Something that's been waiting to happen for a long time. Until now; they've had it all their own way but they've gone too far, and some of us are just not going to stand for it!"

  CHAPTER 17

  THE INVENTOR'S DAUGHTER

  Olivia's really working on Emilia," Fidelio told Charlie. It was Friday and they were walking together around the frosty garden. Just ahead they could see Olivia and Emilia, deep in conversation, or rather, Olivia was talking and Emilia appeared to be listening. In a few hours they would all be in their own homes. Even Olivia had managed to stay out of trouble for a whole week. At that moment she darted back to the boys, or rather, she stomped in her huge boots.

  "It's worked," she said in an undertone. "I'm going to visit Emilia tomorrow afternoon. So expect us around teatime."

  "How're you going to get her away from the Moons?" asked Charlie.

  "I'll think of something." Olivia strode away The bell went off and they began to wander back toward the academy Billy Raven brushed past them as they reached the door.

  "See you later, Billy,” said Charlie. "Remember, you're coming home with me."

  "Just for one night," said Billy. “I've got to come back on Saturday,” Charlie was puzzled. "I thought you wanted to stay the whole weekend," he said.

  "I have to get back. Matron said." Billy gave him a strange awkward glance and rushed off.

  "He's been behaving very oddly this week," Fidelio remarked. "Last night he left the dormitory for hours. The smell of that awful dog, Blessed, or whatever it's called, woke me up. I couldn't get to sleep afterward."

  "Perhaps he's sleepwalking," Charlie said. "He looks pretty tired." Neither of them thought about Billy again. At half past three they packed their cases and at four o'clock they were on their way home on one of the academy buses: blue for music, purple for drama, and green for art. Charlie noticed that Olivia had managed to get into a green bus with Emilia. Olivia wore a big green hat and had turned her purple cape inside out; the lining was a dirty green color.

  "Trust Olivia!" Charlie grinned to himself.

  "What's she done?" asked Billy who was sitting beside him.

  "Oh, nothing. She's just funny that's all."

  "Oh," said Billy.

  Maisie made a great fuss over Billy She'd baked a chocolate cake, especially for him, and made up a comfortable bed in Charlie's room.

  "Poor little thing," she kept muttering, as she hovered around the table, pouring orange juice, slicing cake, and trying to tempt Billy with iced biscuits and jam tarts. Billy enjoyed the fuss. He had never seen so many good things to eat all on one table.

  "We had a bit of excitement here this week," Charlie's mother said, as she poured the tea. "Benjamin's dog was attacked and your uncle Paton took charge. I've never seen him so active. He went out in broad daylight."

  "In his bathrobe," Maisie added.

  "Runner Bean was attacked?" Charlie said anxiously. “Where's Uncle Paton now? And where's Grandma Bone?"

  "Locked in their rooms," said Maisie. "There have been terrible fights, every night. Shouting and stamping and slamming doors. I don't know how many lightbulbs we've lost."

  As soon as tea was over, Charlie took Billy across the road to meet Benjamin. The door was opened by a woman with short blonde hair and glasses. She was wearing a gray suit and, although she looked very businesslike, she had a warm and welcoming smile.

  "Hello, Charlie," she said. "You don't recognize me, do you? I'm Mrs. Brown, Benjamin's mom."

  Charlie was amazed. He hadn't seen Mrs. Brown for ages. He was sure she'd once had long dark hair. "This is Billy,” he said.

  "Come in! Come in!" said Mrs. Brown. "Runner Bean's having his treatment."

  "His treatment?" said Charlie, stepping into the hall. There were suitcases on the stairs, rubber boots on the floor, and coats and raincoats draped over chairs and banisters. What on earth had been going on?

  "Benjamin's in the living room, Charlie," said Mrs. Brown. "He'll be pleased to see you."

  Charlie led Billy to a room at the back of the house. He hadn't been in it very often. Benjamin usually preferred the kitchen.

  When he opened the door he was met by a loud hiss and a long, warning meow He could hardly believe his eyes. Aries, the copper-colored cat, stood on the back of an armchair; Sagittarius stood on the back of another; and Leo was perched on the arm of the sofa. They stared fiercely at Charlie, and then relaxed. Aries even gave a soft purr. Benjamin was sitting on the sofa beside Leo. "Come in, Charlie," he whispered. "Mr. Onimous is treating Runner."

  Runner Bean was lying on the floor with Mr. Onimous kneeling beside him. He had a bottle of green liquid in one hand and a cotton ball in the other. Runner Bean had a bandage on his nose and a stitched-up ear. Nasty scars could be seen on his body where the fur had either been torn or fallen out.

  "He's getting better," Benjamin whispered.

  Charlie slipped into the room and sat beside Benjamin, but as soon as Billy came in the three cats set up a low; warning growl. Mr. Onimous looked up. "What's going on?" he asked. "I gotta have quiet." Billy stood with his back against the wall. He looked terrified.

  "Who's that?" asked Benjamin.

  "It's Billy Raven," Charlie whispered. "He's from the academy He ha
sn't got a home so he's staying with me for the weekend."

  "Hello, Billy,” said Benjamin in a hushed voice. "Have a seat!" Mr. Onimous was now changing the bandage on Runner Bean's nose. The dog gave a little whimper. At that moment Billy took a step forward and all three cats leaped to the floor, grumbling and yowling.

  "They don't like me," squeaked Billy.

  Mr. Onimous frowned at him. "Why ever not?" he asked. "I think you boys had better leave the room. Old Runner here is getting a little bit excited." Charlie, Benjamin, and Billy went into the kitchen, which was wonderfully tidy for a change.

  "So what's been happening?" asked Charlie.

  “A lot," said Benjamin. He began with the terrible discovery of Aunt Eustacia in his house, and then went on to describe the mysterious attack on Runner Bean; how he'd run across to ask Charlie's uncle for help; and how; since that moment, his life had changed, because Paton had somehow located his parents and insisted they come home.

  "I think he got the police to find them," said Benjamin. "Mom wears this yellow raincoat sometimes, so she's easy to spot. Anyway Mom and Dad came home, just like that. Your uncle said they'd been tricked and sent on a wild goose chase. I think your grandma had something to do with it. Anyway when they came home, your Uncle Paton had this big long private talk with them, and since then, Mom says she's only going to work while I'm at school, never at night, and never on the weekends." Charlie could hardly believe it. Uncle Paton had put his head up at last. He could obviously make things happen when he wanted to. Mr. Onimous popped his head into the kitchen. "We'll be off now, boys," he said. "Runner Bean's doing very well, considering. I'll be back on Monday." He was off in a flash, as usual, with the three cats whizzing after him like fiery-colored rockets.

  "What a funny man," Billy murmured. "He's a bit like a mouse." The others agreed, although Benjamin pointed out that Mr. Onimous had extraordinary powers. "I thought Runner Bean was dead," he said, "but Mr. Onimous just put his funny hands on him and he began to get better. And the cats kept him warm by walking around and around him, even though they don't like dogs."