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“Yeah, but you’re a freshman,” Omar said, standing next to the backseat door. He gestured for Ricky to get in. “It’s the middle seat for you.”

Ricky growled under his breath. But not very loud, because being squished in next to Omar wasn’t exactly torture. They’d certainly been closer before.

“You’re one of those teenage turtle things, right?” Omar asked when they were seated side-by-side.

Anthony snorted from the front seat.

“He’s the free money guy from the infomercials,” Whitney said, before looking over at him. “Aren’t you?”

“I’m moving back to Colorado tomorrow,” Ricky grumbled. “You guys are the worst.”

“We’re just messing with you.” Omar ruffled his hair. “He’s the Riddler, guys. Easily the best Batman villain.”

“The Joker is better,” Anthony said from the front seat. “Otherwise he wouldn’t be Batman’s nemesis.”

“Maybe,” Omar countered, “but itshouldbe the Riddler. Batman is a detective. The Riddler is super smart. They’re a better match.”

“Catwoman could take them all,” Whitney said, pantomiming like she was brandishing her claws.

“Never mind,” Ricky said. “I’m staying. You guys are the best.”

“Yeah, stick with us,” Omar replied, “because nobody is going to have as much fun as we are tonight. Let’s get this party started!”

Anthony played DJ as they hurtled down the highway. They still talked over the music, often having to shout, but that wasokay. It made it feel more like an actual party. The stereo was only lowered when they took an exit and ended up in an area of downtown Kansas City that Ricky had never seen before. There weren’t any bars or restaurants, nor were there any houses or convenience stores. All around them were huge multi-story brick buildings that occupied entire blocks. Many had the windows boarded up. Aside from the headlights from other cars and the occasional dim streetlamp, the entire area was dark.

“Is this a safe neighborhood?” Ricky squeaked.

“Yeah, of course!” Omar said.

“Except for the Warehouse Slasher,” Anthony said, turning around to face the back. “I’m surprised they let the haunted houses open this year, considering that he was never caught.”

“Stop!” Omar said. “You’ll scare him. The Slasher hasn’t killed anyone in weeks.”

“Weeks?” Ricky repeated.

“Yeah,” Omar said easily, “although most people think that was just a copycat killer because the Slasher only killed teenagers, not cops, like all the recent victims. And besides, he swore he wouldn’t be back until next year.”

“Which is nowthisyear,” Anthony emphasized.

Ricky glanced out the window at the narrow alleys that were infested with shadows. He was beginning to panic until Mindy caught his eye and gave a gentle shake of her head.

“I think Ihaveread about the Slasher,” Ricky said. “Didn’t the police say he was from out of state? And that he might be the same age as his victims?”

“Oh my god, kill me first!” Whitney exclaimed. “Getting murdered on Halloween would be the ultimate!”

They all laughed, although they grew somber again when seeing how long the lines were.

“I wish there really was a Slasher,” Omar complained as they got out of the car. “That would thin out the herd. We’ll be waiting here all night.”

“It always goes faster than you’d think,” Mindy assured him.

“Cool.” Omar moved closer to her. “I’m really sorry about the dress, but you do look amazing.Carrieis such a great movie. I’ve seen it a million times.”

“The book is even better,” Mindy replied without much warmth. “Have you read it?”

“No.”

“Do you ever read?” she pressed.