Mr. Simplesmith’s assessment of the coverage the tree-lined route provided was exact. The abandoned shed proved a perfect haunt for Bones to haunt, and Sally’s assumption that no one would miss her at recess was right on the money. Over the next few weeks, she continued to receive the occasional anonymous note, but they had become oddly encouraging, praising her secret-keeping skills and promising no harm would come to her or Bones if they kept up the good work. But still, the threat remained—keep the demon dog a secret or else! Sally had no intention of finding out what that meant. Meanwhile, Viola Vanderperfect’s Operation: Pretend Sally Doesn’t Exist was in full swing, and Sally quickly turned this most painful indignity into her greatest asset. No one on the playground noticed when Sally ducked into the side alley at recess and didn’t return until the end-of-period bell. None of her classmates seemed aware that she had stopped taking the bus to school in favor of walking an illogical and lengthy route.
