8. Caught!

CAUGHT! 8 BOOM! BOOM! BA-BLAM! There was another series of booms. Bright flashing lights came from the second floor. Sam grabbed the railing, trying to calm his nerves. The steps creaked and groaned. His heart pounded as he climbed to the top.

The friends peered into the first room on the right. It was pitch black. They couldn't see a thing. But then a bright flash of light lit it up for a moment. Sam choked back a gasp. He saw that there was a large, strange machine in the room. Jasper Eerie stood before it. His hair was wild, like that of a mad scientist.

Antonio ducked back into the hall. "Okay, I was wrong. Jasper is not a zombie. It's worse!" he said to Sam and Lucy. "He's like Dr. Frankenstein! He's bringing Orson back to life. Right here! Right now!" "That sounds nuts," Sam said. "But it could be true..." Sam took a step back, but as he did he bumped into Lucy. "Oof!" Lucy exclaimed. Her foot slipped on the top step. Her eyes went wide as she began falling backward.

Antonio caught her just before she tumbled down the staircase. "Sorry, Lucy," Sam whispered. As he turned to look back into the room, he almost screamed. Jasper had heard them! His eyes were locked with Sam's. "Run!" Sam shouted. The three friends dashed down the hall. But as they ran into another room, a shadow flashed ahead of them. Jasper had somehow made it into the room first. There must be shortcuts hidden inside this house, Sam thought.

The tall man was now blocking their way. "You kids shouldn't be here," Jasper Eerie growled as he stomped toward them...