the ghost asked from behind the counter of the hot dog stand. “Uh, no,” fibbed Kate. “Not really.” “Sorry about that,” the ghost said. “The spring on that security grill makes it snap open. I’ve been asking them to fix that for weeks now. It can be a little surprising if you’re not ready for it.” He pushed the white hood back over his head. The “ghost” was just a slightly balding older man. “Name’s Bud,” he said. “I didn’t mean to spook you. Usually there aren’t a lot of people around when I open up.” “That was a pretty loud bang,” Mike said. “I know. Sometimes that security grill even scares me.” Bud laughed. “How about a free drink to make up for it?” Mike looked at the row of sodas, juices, and sports drinks on the shelf behind Bud. Blue, red, green, yellow. But he knew what he wanted. “Thanks!” Mike said. “I’ll take a PowerPunch.” PowerPunch was his favorite drink. “Root beer, please,” Kate said. “What brings you two down here so early before a game?”
