Wrong Number 2 by R.L. Stine Read Free Book Online Page B

of that,” Jade replied, her eyes lighting up excitedly. “First, I drove by her house this morning. Guess what I saw? A big for sale by owner sign in front.”
    â€œYeah. So what?” Deena demanded. She always had trouble following these schemes of Jade’s.
    â€œSo I went home and called her,” Jade continued impatiently. “I told her I’m a real estate agent, and that I’ve sold a lot of homes in her area. I told her I was sure I could find a buyer.”
    â€œAnd she believed you?”
    â€œWhat do you think?” Jade replied. “I know how real estate people talk. My aunt has been selling houses for years. Anyway, I told her ‘my associate’ and I would be over later this morning to examine her property.”
    Deena remained silent for a moment. “Jade—even with wigs and these dreadful clothes, Linda Morrison is going to recognize us.”
    â€œShe hasn’t seen us in a year,” Jade argued. “Besides, when I get through making us up, our own mothers won’t know us!”
    â€œI hope you’re right.”
    â€œI know I am. Anyway, the important thing is to get in there and find out what’s going on.”
    She pulled the car into a gas station and parked by the curb. “Come on,” she urged, pulling a big shopping bag out of the backseat.
    Deena followed Jade into the ladies’ room. Jade had a shoulder-length auburn wig for Deena and a cap of curly black hair for herself. She pulled out a makeup kit and got to work.
    A few minutes later Deena stared at a stranger in the mirror. “Wow!” she declared, admiring herself. “I look at least twenty years old!”
    â€œI told you,” Jade replied. “There’s no way Linda Morrison will remember who we are.”
    Deena turned to Jade’s reflection. Jade looked glamorous with the dark curly hair and her sparkling green eyes and creamy-white, perfect skin. She turnedaround once in front of the mirror, then folded up the bags.
    â€œRemember,” Jade instructed as they walked back to the car. “Keep your eyes and ears open. And let me do most of the talking.”
    The one-story wooden house was small. It sat on a tiny lot, squeezed between two other similar houses.
    As they stood on the front porch, Deena felt her heart begin to pound. She swallowed hard, her mouth dry.
    What if Jade were wrong? What if Linda Morrison did recognize them?
    She had tried to run them down last night.
    What would she do if she had Jade and Deena trapped in her house?
    I’ve changed my mind, Deena thought. I want to get out of here.
    Jade always has the craziest plans. Why do I always go along with them? Why do I always get suckered in?
    This was a major mistake. I want to leave—fast.
    But before she could tell Jade, the front door opened. Linda Morrison peered out at them.
    She’s gained a lot of weight since the last time we saw her, Deena realized. Morrison’s blond hair had dark roots now and was pulled back into a ponytail. Her face seemed puffy, older.
    â€œYes?” she asked, her voice flat and unfriendly.
    â€œMiss Morrison?” Jade began in a businesslike voice. “I’m Louise Smith and this is my associate,Darlene Mathers. I called this morning about representing your property?”
    â€œOh, yeah. Right,” Morrison replied. “Come on in.”
    Deena held back for a second, her heart pounding. Then she followed Jade into the house.
    The small living room smelled of bacon. Deena could see the remains of breakfast on a small table against the far wall.
    Papers and magazines were piled on every surface. Deena could see a thick layer of dust on the windowsills. Not much of a housekeeper, Deena thought.
    â€œJust push some of that stuff on the floor and sit down,” Morrison instructed. “I haven’t had a chance to straighten up lately.”
    â€œThis is a good-size room,” Jade commented,