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“And he’s back! Just as mysteriously as Mr. Wiggles disappeared, today he returned with no explanation. Zoo officials say they had almost given up hope of ever seeing the beloved celebrity and spokes-octopus again, but today he mysteriously reappeared in his own tank, ringing the bell that tells zookeepers that he wants a snack. Zoo officials say he seems healthy and happy, and may have even put on a little weight.”

“He did eat a LOT,” Butterbean whispered to Walt.

The camera zoomed in on the tank holding Mr. Wiggles. He pulled himself up and waved to the camera, spitting water onto the reporter standing nearby. Then he winked and gave the camera a thumbs-up.

“Did you see that?” Butterbean gasped. “He winked at us!”

“It wasn’t necessarily at us, Butterbean,” Oscar said. But he secretly thought it was.

“Zoo officials say this is especially good news in light of the recent scandal involving European octopus Monsieur Octavio, also known as the Annihilator. Back to you, Herb,” the reporter said, trying to ignore the water dripping down her nose.

“That is good news! And boy did they dodge a bullet with that Annihilator. Talk about bad news!” The anchorman chuckled to himself. “Glad to see that Wiggles character back where he belongs.”

Mrs. Food hit pause.“What’s all this about the Annihilator?”

Madison grinned.“You didn’t hear about that? He escaped from his tank and ate the entire display of saltwater fish. Apparently he does that a lot. That’s why they were trying to get rid of him.”

Mrs. Food smiled and got up.“Well, then, I’m glad their reenactment worked. You can be proud that you helped find him.”

“No, but that’s just it. It didn’t work!” Madison said, a confused expression on her face. “It was the weirdest thing. There was no official reenactment at all—they didn’t even know what I was talking about! So I walked around and did the stuff I did before, but it felt kind of dumb, so I just came home.”

Mrs. Food looked confused.“But the phone call—”

“I know!” Madison said.

“Huh,” Mrs. Food said thoughtfully.

They both stared at the pets for a long second. Butterbean tried not to squirm. There was no way they could pin this on them.

“Anyway, it was strange…” Madison said, shrugging.

Mrs. Food frowned.“This will sound silly, but you don’t think—”

“YOOHOO!” a voice came from the front entrance. Mrs. Third Floor was standing in the doorway. “Beulah, Madison, I need help, please!”

“Oh no, not again,” Mrs. Food muttered as she hurried to the door. “What is it, Mildred? What can I do?”

Mrs. Third Floor laughed.“You can give me my spare key. You’ll never believe it. I found a renter!”

“Already?” Mrs. Food gasped, handing her the key.

“Already?” Wallace groaned from his pile of cedar chips. He knew it was too good to last.

Mrs. Third Floor clasped her hands together.“Yes, and I didn’t even have to list it. You’re going to be so surprised. Meet my new tenant!” She stepped aside and held her arms out like she was displaying a refrigerator on the Television.

Officer Marlowe poked her head around the door.“Hello, you two.”

“Officer Marlowe!” Madison blurted. “You’re moving in?”

“Guilty,” Officer Marlowe said. “I just had to snap it up. Don’t tell anyone, but I had my eye on that place from the first minute I saw it.”

“And she can help protect it from ghosts!” Mrs. Third Floor said happily.

“Ghosts don’t mess with me,” Officer Marlowe smirked. “Mostly because I don’t believe in them.”

“Well, that’s wonderful news,” Mrs. Food said as Mrs. Third Floor held out the key. “Welcome to the building. It would be good to have a police officer nearby.”

“Thanks,” Officer Marlowe said, taking the key. She turned to go and then hesitated. “Would you like to see what I’m doing with the place? Mrs. Thurfel said it was okay if I did a little decorating.”

Mrs. Third Floor beamed.“I’m going to let her put nail holes in the walls AND paint the rooms a different color! I might even let her have a pet!” She cleared her throat and shot Walt and Butterbean a look. “I haven’t decided about that one, though. No offense,” she said to Butterbean.

“None taken,” Butterbean said.

“So, what do you think, Wallace?” Walt asked, raising an eyebrow. “She might be able to have a pet.”

Wallace shook his head.“No, that’s okay. I’ll find a new place. I was actually thinking about one on seven. That’s my favorite floor, you know. That 7C is pretty nice.”

“But that’s where Mrs. Power Walker lives!” Butterbean gasped.

Wallace shrugged.“I know. I get the feeling she wouldn’t mind. We’ll see. It’s just a thought.”

“Come on, Beulah. We need your opinion on paint colors,” Mrs. Third Floor said, hurrying into the hallway. “You too, Madison.”

Madison picked up the leash.“Do you want Butterbean and Walt, too?”

Mrs. Third Floor made a face.“No, we don’t need them. The ghost is gone! Besides…” Her voice dropped to a whisper. “I have carpeting.”

“Ah,” Madison said, putting the leash away. “Sorry, guys.” She followed the others out.

“Offense taken,” Butterbean grumbled.