9. The First Sash

THE FIRST SASH 9 At last, it was Friday: Eerie Day! The morning bell hadn't rung yet— but Sam, Lucy, and Antonio were already in Principal Winik's office. They had to set their plan in motion... "Principal Winik," Sam said. "We'd like to volunteer to lead visitors through our haunted school tonight."

Mr. Winik leaned back. "Hmm. There will be lots of people attending: students, teachers, parents, and other townspeople. And as hall monitors, you know this school better than anyone," he said. "Okay, the job is yours!" The friends exchanged excited glances as they left the office. So far, so good. Antonio carried a duffel bag. It was full of last night's hard work. Sam grinned. "Guys, our plan will work if—" YANK! A hand grabbed Sam! Another tugged Lucy's backpack and the strap of Antonio's bag. They were yanked into the janitor's closet.

This was no ordinary closet. Its rear wall began to move. Soon, a secret door opened and they were in a hidden room. The room was dark. It smelled wet. It was the same room where Sam had begun his journey as hall monitor. Mr. Nekobi stood in the shadows. "I apologize for scaring you. But secrecy is important. No one can see what I am about to give you." Mr. Nekobi held a small glass box. It looked like a box for storing a prized baseball. "Tonight, you'll need all the help you can get," he said. "I am too weak for battle. But this might help you."

The friends crowded around. "This box contains my hall monitor sash from years ago," Mr. Nekobi said. Sam leaned in. The orange sash was faded and yet it seemed to glow. It reminded Sam of Mr. Nekobi himself: worn around the edges, but still strong.

"Your sash looks like it's seen some action," Sam said softly. "For real," Antonio said. "So cool...," Lucy added. "Oh yes," Mr. Nekobi said. "But those are stories for another time." Sam took the box. Holding it, he felt stronger and braver. "Thank you, Mr. Nekobi," he said. "This might give us the edge we need to defeat Orson Erie once and for all!" "Let us hope," Mr. Nekobi said. "Now hurry to class. It will be nighttime before you know it."