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ustine’s living room was an eerie wonder, the ultimate fantasy of the ultimate Halloween dream—or nightmare. Artificial cobwebs hung in every corner, and cutouts of skeletons, witches, and bats dipped and swooped from the ceiling.
    Along a narrow balcony above one side of the living room were colored spotlights that seemed to sweep the room in time to the music, their flickering lights causing everything to move eerily. The only other light came from the huge open fireplace, where a big black kettle was boiling, sending greenish fumes bubbling up.
    All the furniture was from another century, but the music booming from hidden speakers was now . The whole effect was like the world’s most modern haunted castle.
    Even Murphy was impressed. “Wow,” he said, stopping just inside the living room door. “I mean—wow!”
    â€œOh, Terry, it’s excellent!” Niki gripped his arm in excitement.
    They stood in the open door a moment as an apparition of beauty—or evil—crossed the room. It took Terry a moment to recognize Justine. She was dressed all in black, in a body-hugging, low-cut satin gown and high spiked sandals. Her thick blond hair was piled high on her head, and she had powdered herface and throat so they were dead white—except for a slash of red on her full lips and the glittering green irises of her eyes.
    â€œShe looks like that dark-haired woman on TV with the horror movies. Elvira,” Terry whispered.
    Justine paused for effect, then smiled warmly. “Welcome to my crypt!” she said. “Almost everyone else is here. We were beginning to think the ghouls got you!”
    â€œGreat costume, Justine,” said Niki.
    â€œThanks,” said Justine. “I always wanted to be a vampire.” She said it as if she meant it, then laughed. “Your costume’s pretty cool too. It reminds me of one I saw at the Venice Carnivale.”
    â€œThe what?” said Niki.
    â€œA big party they hold in Venice once a year,” said Justine. “Everyone dresses up and parties through the streets and canals. That’s Venice, Italy,” she added. “I used to live there with my—my uncle. Which reminds me. Uncle Philip, I’d like you to meet my new friends.”
    A very skinny man stepped out of the shadows beside the fireplace. He was wearing a blue satin clown costume, and his face was covered with greasepaint in a sad clown mask. A single sparkling tear was glued below his right eye.
    â€œThis is Murphy Carter, Niki Meyer, and Terry Ryan,” Justine said.
    â€œI’m very pleased to meet all of you,” said Philip, studying each one carefully with his sad clown eyes.
    â€œWe’re very pleased to meet you,” said Terry, shaking Philip’s hand. “Your place is terrific.”
    â€œYes,” agreed Niki. “This is the most incredible party I’ve ever been to.”
    â€œWhy, thank you,” said Philip. “We had an engineer from Starflight Disco install the lights and sound system. Justine picked out all the tapes and CDs. We—my niece and I—have done all we could to make sure this is a party you will never forget.”
    â€œLet me take your coats,” said Justine. “Come on in and join the fun. There’s food over there on top of the casket, and soda chilling in that kettle.”
    Justine and her uncle left to talk to the other guests.
    Terry remained by the door, checking out the fantastic decor. A couple of kids were dancing by the fireplace, and a few more were standing and eating and laughing. With all the decorations, the place looked like a movie set.
    Justine and her uncle must have a lot of money, Terry thought. This party cost plenty. I wonder why she wanted to spend so much on just nine people?
    â€œPretty weird, huh?” said Niki at his side.
    â€œWeird? Are you kidding! It’s great!” exclaimed Terry.
    â€œThey’ve spent a lot of