The Crazy Christmas Angel Mystery Read Online Free Page A

Tressler.
    Eric pointed to Dee Dee Winters and said her name.
    She handed him a basket of Christmas cookies. “I hope you like angel cookies.”
    Carly stood beside her. “She made them and I sprinkled them.” The girls giggled.
    The old man nodded. “Thank you, indeed.”
    Eric said, “Now Shawn and Jimmy Hunter want to teach you a Korean folksong.”

    The boys started to sing. The rest of the kids tried to join in on the chorus. Everyone clapped at the end. Even Mr. Tressler.
    Dunkum seemed shy when his turn came. “I made up a poem for you.”
    Eric could see the words angel and mystery on the paper. They were spelled right. Good for Dunkum!
    Abby Hunter smiled when Eric introduced her. “I have a gift for you, but you must come to my church on Christmas Eve to get it. It’s the Christmas play. I’m going to be Mary.”
    Mr. Tressler smiled for the first time. “Why thank you, I’d be delighted.”
    Jason Birchall was next. He couldn’t stand still. “Want a fast dance or a slow one?” he asked.
    â€œAs you wish,” Mr. Tressler said.
    Jason began his jig. It looked like he was making it up as he went.
    Then Mr. Tressler began to play his flute. It was “Jingle Bells” with lots of extra notes.
    Jason’s jig got better and better.
    At the end, Mr. Tressler said, “Now I have a surprise for all of you.”
    Eric peeked through the storm door. He could see Mr. Tressler heading for the kitchen. But he didn’t see any angels.
    What was going on?

ELEVEN
    Eric heard a soft cooing sound.
    Mr. Tressler was coming through the living room. Eric leaned forward to see.
    What was that on his shoulders?
    Eric couldn’t help it. He stared.
    Mr. Tressler stood in the doorway. He was covered with white doves! They perched on his shoulders. And on his head. When he cupped his hands, three flew into them.
    So these are the angels! thought Eric.
    The birds seemed so comfortable around the old man. It was like he was their trusted friend.
    Dee Dee’s eyes grew wide.

    Carly giggled.
    Abby’s jaw dropped two feet.
    Stacy whispered, “Wow!”
    Dunkum scratched his head and stared.
    Shawn and Jimmy watched silently.
    Jason blinked his eyes faster than ever.
    Softly, Mr. Tressler began to whistle. The doves cooed along. Eric could see their short legs under their round bodies. What a strange sight.
    Doves do look like tiny angels , thought Eric. All in white with big wings .
    Eric felt good inside. Mr. Tressler wasn’t like anyone he’d ever met. Except maybe for Grandpa.
    Grandpa loved birds, that was no secret. And sometimes he did strange things, too. Like tramping around in the spring, spying on birds with his field glasses.
    Mr. Tressler stopped whistling. “Merry Christmas, kids,” he said, waving his arms. The doves flew to the Christmas tree. They perched on the branches.
    The kids shouted, “Merry Christmas Mr. Tressler!”
    The new neighbor wore the widest grin on Blossom Hill Lane.
    Eric whispered to him, “You whistle good.”
    The old man winked at him. “So do you.”
    â€œWant to come caroling, uh, whistling with us?” Eric asked.
    Mr. Tressler reached for his cane. And his long brown coat. It looked just fine. Not creepy at all.
    First stop, Eric’s house.
    Eric pressed the doorbell. He stood beside Mr. Tressler. They whistled while the others sang “Silent Night.” They sounded good.
    Grandpa came to the door. Eric introduced him to Mr. Tressler. Grandpa gave Eric a big hug, then he grabbed his coat and hat. He joined the group as they caroled around the cul-de-sac.
    Eric was so happy he stopped whistling and tried to sing. It sounded flat, but it didn’t matter. Mr. Tressler would never have to bealone again. The Cul-de-sac Kids could be the old man’s family!
    Mr. Tressler’s cane danced in the air as the carolers went from house to