The Dark Corner by Christopher Pike Page B

frowned. “How do you know this?”
    Sally sat back and nodded gravely. “I have my sources.”
    â€œI don’t believe it,” Watch said. “Bryce Poole doesn’t even know what the Secret Path is. I asked him about it once and he didn’t even know where it began.”
    â€œHe was just acting like he didn’t know,” Sally said. “After I told him about our adventures on the other side of it, he told me he didn’t think you were equipped enough to survive the dangers of the interdimensional portal.”
    It was Watch’s turn to frown. “Equipped with what?”
    â€œI don’t want to get personal here,” Sally said.
    â€œYou are always personal,” Adam said dryly.
    Sally was offended. “Don’t take it out on me because Cindy is suddenly interested in another guy.”
    â€œI didn’t say I was interested,” Cindy said.
    â€œYour voice said it all,” Sally corrected. “And I understand what Adam’s going through. I’m sympathetic. To experience raging jealously and bitter rejection for the first time is not easy.”
    Adam sighed. “I am so grateful for your sympathy.”
    â€œWe’re arguing about nothing,” Watch said. “Bryce isn’t a super hero. He’s probably not ever used the Secret Path.”
    â€œHow do you know?” Sally shot back. “You’ve been afraid to use it since that first time.”
    â€œI haven’t been afraid,” Watch said. “I’ve just been busy with other things.”
    â€œYeah, like saving the planet with me, his best friend,” Adam added.
    â€œI saved the planet, too,” Sally said.
    â€œThen you and Bryce should be perfect together,” Adam said.
    Sally laughed. “You are so jealous!”
    Adam got angry. “Why should I be jealous of a guy who thinks he’s James Bond? I agree with Watch. This guy has not been on the Secret Path. He doesn’t have the guts.”
    Sally stood. “Why don’t we go see?”
    â€œGo where?” Cindy asked. “See what? What is the Secret Path?”
    â€œIt winds through town and leads to other dimensions,” Watch explained.
    â€œIt starts or ends in the cemetery,” Sally added. “Depending on how you look at it. Why don’t we gothere and look for signs of Bryce? Then we can see who the real hero in this town is.”
    â€œWhy would Bryce leave signs that he’s been using the Secret Path?” Watch asked.
    â€œYeah,” Adam said. “Who is he trying to impress?”
    â€œYou guys have an answer for everything.” Sally snickered and turned for the door. “Are you chickens coming or not?”
    The way she worded the question, it was impossible to say no.

2
    A t the cemetery they had no trouble finding Madeline Templeton’s tombstone. It was larger than all the other stones, and it had a large black raven carved on the top. The bird glared down at them and Adam was reminded of the last time they had taken the path, and the horror they had experienced. He shuddered as he glanced around the cemetery. The place was dismal. The few naked trees stood like angry skeletons. A shadow seemed to hang across the dry grounds, although there wasn’t a cloud in the sky.
    â€œDid you put this here?” Watch asked Sally as he knelt by Madeline Templeton’s tombstone. He held up a green knapsack. Sally took a step forward and shook her head.
    â€œNo,” she said. “Why would I put anything here? It probably belongs to Bryce.”
    â€œHow convenient,” Adam said.
    Sally ignored him. “What is inside it?” she asked.
    Watch opened the sack. “Binoculars. A thermos of water. A compass. A few flares.” He held up a hunting knife. “It looks as if Bryce was anticipating trouble.”
    â€œBut why would he leave his equipment here?” Cindy asked.
    â€œI don’t