2 FALLING INTO STEP

CHAPTER 2 FALLING INTO STEP Why are you walking like a zombie?" Alexander knew that gruff-sounding voice without looking up. "Good morning, Rip," he said. "I'm trying to keep my ant farm from shaking. I don't want to mess up the tunnels!" "Yeesh," said Rip. "It's just a box of bugs. Who cares?" He gave his ant farm a toss in the air. Alexander kept his eyes on his ants.

"Oh, great," said Rip. "Here comes another zombie—and this one's wearing a hoodie!" Nikki shuffled into view, holding her ant farm at arm's length. "Go kiss a balloon goon, Rip!" she said.

Alexander laughed. Rip and Nikki were his two best friends, and this was about as good as the two of them ever got along. Together, the three friends were the only members of the super Secret Monster Patrol— the S.S.M.P. They went to school by day and battled monsters by night. And morning. And late afternoon. Weekends, too. S.S.M.P. DON'T GET EATEN! "You guys can take baby steps to school if you want," said Rip. "But I'm not going to creep around like a sleepwalking zombie because of some weenie ants! That's just Oooh! Candy!"

Alexander peeked over his ant farm. Pieces of candy lay scattered all over the sidewalk. Rip was on his knees, scooping up as much candy as he could. "Don't eat that!" said Alexander. "You don't know where—" "Too late!" said Rip. He popped a lemon sucker in his mouth. "Wow! Super sour!"

"Was there a parade?" said Nikki. "Sometimes people throw candy from parade floats... and look! There are strips of paper —like confetti— near the curb." Alexander thought for a moment. "I think Mile would have heard if there had been a parade," he said. "Especially a parade where something crashed into a pole!"

Alexander pointed up to a nearby lamppost. Rip gave his sucker a slurp. "Yow. It's totally wrecked." "This lamppost was fine yesterday," Alexander said. He took a step back to look at the damage. "That means— WHOA!" Alexander stumbled and fell backward. Into a huge hole.