The Case of the Zombie Ninjas

By Erik Christopher Martin

Twelve-year- old Dotty Morgan wants nothing more than to have a top-notch supernatural sleuthing agency. Wealthy businessman Mr. Sato offers her enough money to make her dreams come true. He just wants access to the sword and cup Dotty’s father recently acquired. But her new friend Sakura claims the items are hers, and her life might depend on getting them back. When zombie ninjas try to steal the items from her home one night, Dotty finds herself caught up in the middle of a war between paranormal factions. To make matters worse, Dotty’s girlfriend Hannah is jealous of her relationship with Sakura, bullies try to steal her new bike, and her mother invites the worse person in the world to live with them.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Erik Christopher Martin
• Release date: Jun 12, 2024
• ISBN: 9780998118277

Erik Christopher Martin

Erik Christopher Martin lives and writes in Southern California. He is the author of the Dotty Morgan Supernatural Sleuth series. Book One, The Case of the French Fry Phantom, was published in March of 2023, and Book Two, The Case of the Zombie Ninjas, will be released in March of 2024. Other books include, Storm Crows, which had a revised edition in 2023, Miralee: A Shadow Knights Tale, and Dexter of Pozzelby.Erik is a member of the SCBWI and the San Diego Writers and Editors Guild.

Book preview

The Case of the Zombie Ninjas

Dotty Morgan Supernatural Sleuth Book Two

Erik Christopher Martin

In A Bind Books

In A Bind Books

San Diego, CA

First publication 2024

All rights reserved

The Case of the Zombie Ninjas © Copyright 2024 by Erik Christopher Martin

Dotty Morgan Supernatural Sleuth Book Two

Cover art and illustrations 2023 by Tatsiana Hubich

ISBN 978-1-961215-91-7 paperback edition

ISBN 978-0-9981182-7-7 e-book

ISBN 978-1-961215-90-0 hardcover edition

ISBN 978-0-9981182-9-1 audio book

Library of Congress Control Number: 2023907585

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblence to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental

Summary: Twelve-year-old Dotty Morgan, investigating an enchanted cup and sword, finds herself embroiled in a war between rival supernatural factions.

Books by Erik Christopher Martin

Dexter of Pozzelby

Miralee: A Shadow Knights Tale

Storm Crows

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Dotty Morgan Supernatural Sleuth Series

The Case of the French Fry Phantom

The Case of the Zombie Ninjas

The Case of the Greensboro Gremlins (Coming in 2025)

This book is dedicated to all the kids who feel different. Be proud being yourself. You are not alone.

Contents

1.Ribbon Cutting

2.The Phantom Eye 3000™

3.The Thing on the Mountain

4.King of the Mat

5.Gladiola Vermont's Advice

6.A Ninja at the Window

7.The Playdate

8.The Green Monster

9.The Face in the Tower

10.Fighting the Terror

11.A Tengu in the Trees

12.Coming Out

13.An Invitation

14.Zombie Ninjas Attack

15.An Unexpected Addition

16.Dotty Gets Picked Up

17.Sakura’s Tale

18.A Spy in the House

19.Lunch Ladies to the Rescue

20.Lord Yamada Satokane

21.Into the Tower

22.Hide and Seek

23.An Escape and a Rescue Planned

24.Greg Alone

25.Dotty Casts a Spell

26.Bound Amidst the Cherry Blossoms

27.Gate Crashing

28.Betrayal

29.Aftermath

About the Author

Find your art

Acknowledgments

Chapter 1

Ribbon Cutting

Hung in front of a ten-foot-tall balloon arch, the banner read:

WELCOME TO THE WAVERLY PERCHANCE MEMORIAL GARDEN!

Brought to you by the Elderton Historical Society and the Sato Corporation.

Twelve-year-old Dotty Morgan’s stomach flip-flopped as more and more people arrived in the clearing for the ceremony. Half her school was there. The press had shown up. And Councilman Tim Worthy was there on behalf of the mayor.

A strong breeze caught the balloon arch. Dotty ran over and checked that the arch was secure. So much could go wrong.

Being Elderton’s only supernatural sleuth had not prepared her for event planning.

Dotty could hardly believe it had only been last October since she’d promised the phantom of Waverly Perchance that people would be more respectful of her final resting place. She thought of the idea of the memorial garden to commemorate the restless town founder. But she never expected it to come together so fast.

That was before the Sato Corporation, the company building a new parking structure for the Crooked Creek Commons, decided to sponsor the project. They had come in, gotten permits, laid walkways, installed the garden, and anything else that needed doing in no time.

Now it was happening in just the second week of April.

Dotty’s BFFs, Parker Pose and Hannah Matson, strolled through the balloon arch. Dotty took their arms and escorted them across the clearing.

I can’t believe this turn-out, she said.

Parker was a slightly built boy with an olive complexion he owed to his Greek mother. His pink and purple sequined jacket caught the sun and cast sparkles on the ground like a disco ball. He regarded the gathering through dark sunglasses. Half the people here are kids from school.

Dotty nodded. I talked Mrs. Carmichael into offering her history classes extra-credit if they came.

Hannah was Dotty’s girlfriend. Like Dotty and Parker, she was twelve, but contrasted Dotty in most ways. Hannah was white, pale and freckled. Dotty was Black with her father's darker complexion. Hannah stood six feet tall. Dotty was still half an inch shy of five feet. Hannah possessed long red hair. Dotty had finally talked her mother into letting her get a close-cropped boy cut. And Hannah was an athlete, the first girl on the wrestling team and a martial artist. Whereas Dotty had never participated in any sports before she started taking kickboxing classes at Hannah’s brother’s mixed martial arts studio last November.

The girls hugged briefly. Dotty still hadn’t told her parents about their dating. And Hannah hadn’t told her adult brother, Finn, who she had lived with since the beginning of the school year.

I see you dressed the part of the hostess, Parker observed, wincing a little as he looked her up and down.

Dotty wore the usual rainbow framed glasses, her signature unicorn baseball cap, and an Unbeatable Squirrel Girl t-shirt under a warm flannel jacket. Only her Elderton Historical Society nametag gave away her association with the event. She looked down at her clothes, frowning. This is what I always wear. What’s the problem?

There’s Logan Miyazaki, Hannah said, waving. Logan sat between Dotty and Hannah in homeroom.

Logan wove his way through the cluster of people and met the trio near the red ribbon that would soon be cut as part of the ceremony.

How long is this thing supposed to take? he asked without preamble.

Mister enthusiasm, Hannah said.

Logan rubbed his hands together then shoved them into his pockets. I’m standing in the middle of the woods. It’s soggy, and I can see my breath. I’m only here because my mom made me come for the extra credit.

The ceremony won’t take long, Dotty said. Afterwards, there is a reception in the historical society building. Mrs. Grundy baked cookies.

Well, that’s something. How about getting the show on the road? Logan asked.

We’re waiting for a few VIPs. I got an email from Mr. Jin Sato himself...

Sato Jin, Logan corrected. In Japan, the family name comes first.

But he signed his email ‘Jin Sato.’

Sometimes Asian people will go family name last when dealing with Westerners to avoid confusion, Logan explained.

But that’s confusing! Dotty said. How do I know if they’re reversing it or not?

Logan shrugged. I don’t know. I’ve never even been to Japan. That’s why my mom is here though. She just sold Blue Devil Castle to the Sato Corporation and is here to schmooze.

Sara Miyazaki was a real estate agent. Blue Devil Castle was a sixty-five-room stone dwelling near the top of Spivey Mountain. The commission for brokering its sale must have been huge. No wonder Mrs. Miyazaki smiled so broadly at everyone she saw.

Anyway, Mr. Sato is coming to the ceremony, Dotty said.

A pretty Asian girl about their age stood on the edge of the clearing peering about nervously. In Elderton, everyone knew everyone else, but she was unfamiliar. Maybe she came with the Sato contingent.

Logan, do you know that girl? Dotty asked.

Her? Oh yeah, her name is Sakura Suzuki—

Don’t you mean Suzuki Sakura? asked Parker. Should we be calling you Miyazaki Logan?

Logan frowned. Dude, I’m American. But she’s Japanese from Japan, so you’re actually right.

Mark it on the calendar, Dotty joked.

Logan continued, She moved here with her uncle. My mom sold them a house on Buncombe Rock Road.

Hey! I live on Buncombe Rock Road, Hannah said.

They don’t live in the trailer park, Logan said. Hannah glared at him. Logan quickly changed the subject. She’s coming over.

The girl walked with her head down, so her long, black hair hid her face. She tilted her head up a smidgen as she drew close and smiled for a fraction of a second.

Hello, Logan. Your mother told me about this ceremony and said there would be many young people. You are well? She spoke precisely with only a slight accent.

Hi, Sakura. This is Parker, Hannah, and Dotty. They go to school with us.

Sakura looked up at Hannah. You attend Elderton Middle School? But you are so tall.

Yes, Hannah is a beast, Logan said. It’s Dotty’s fault we’re all here. She organized this...wonderful event.

Sakura inclined her head and smiled. I am pleased to meet you, Dotty. It is very nice.

Thank you, Sakura. Have you been in the U.S. long? Your English is really good.

I traveled here before. I studied English for a long time.

We’re all sixth graders, Parker said.

I will start in the eighth-grade class on Monday.

A golf cart hummed down the path. These might be my VIPs. Sakura, nice meeting you.

Dotty headed for the balloon arch at the end of the new paved trail. Movement in the treetops caught her eye. When she turned nothing was there.

The members of the Historical Society Board of Trustees clustered around the walkway’s end. They were three women from old families with old money who had nothing to do with the day-to-day operations of the historical society. Councilman Worthy made small talk with the ladies, each one probably a donor. The journalist from EldertonNews.com took photos of the gathering while waiting for the ceremony to begin.

For the first time since leaving the house, Dotty wondered if she should have dressed more professionally.

Nah.

The golf cart arrived, driven by Reed, Dotty’s boss at the historical society. He’d worn full colonial garb for the event.

Reed had three passengers, all Japanese. The man in the front was unsmiling and wore sunglasses, a hat, gloves, and a black suit. The upturned collar of his overcoat partially hid his features.

Sato Jin sat in the back. A man in his forties, he wore an expensive suit and an easy smile.

The third passenger was a boy about Dotty’s age, also dressed in a suit. The boy's expression stayed impeccably neutral, except for his eyes. They looked as if he was in the monkey cage accompanied by the zookeeper. It should be safe, but who really knew what monkeys might do?

Sara Miyazaki bumped Dotty to one side and pushed her way ahead of the trustees and councilman.

Mr. Sato, we're honored you are here today. She stopped a few feet from him and bowed.

Mr. Sato returned the bow and said, It is a pleasure to meet you again, Sara.

Mr. Sato greeted the trustees and councilman before turning to Dotty.

Hello, Mr. Sato. I’m Dotty Morgan. Stomach in knots, she bowed awkwardly.

Mr. Sato grinned and extended his hand. Dotty! I am very pleased to meet you. The Sato Corporation likes to give back to the communities where we do business. I learned of your efforts to honor the history of your town, and I personally made the decision to sponsor it. Your work is commendable.

Dotty shook his hand, a little surprised he knew her name. Me too. About you, I mean. Without the Sato Corporation’s help, this project would have taken forever. Thank you.

It was my pleasure.

The other man did not introduce himself or speak to anyone. He stood to one side, more interested in the crowd and their surroundings than the conversation. Dotty glanced at him. Up close there was something unusual about his skin. Spots near his ear and neck looked scaly and were covered with makeup. Perhaps, he’d been burned or injured in the past.

Mr. Hyousuke is my assistant. Pay him no mind, Mr. Sato said. I’d like you to meet my son, Benjiro.

Hi, it's nice to meet you, she said, unsure if she should bow or shake hands. She just waved.

Benjiro stared at the ground and muttered something that might have been, Hello.

Mr. Sato continued, Being new, Benjiro has no friends his age here. You would make a good friend for my son, I think. Perhaps you could have, what do they call it? A playdate?

Benjiro turned bright red and waited for the ground to swallow him. Apparently being mortified by one's parents was universal.

That sounds…great, Dotty said.

Reed gestured to the place where the ribbon waited. We should get started.

They walked across the clearing. Dotty found herself crowded out by the trustees, councilman, and Sara Miyazaki as they all vied for the rich man’s attention. She stepped sideways and jostled Mr. Hyousuke.

Oh. Excuse me, she said.

He peered down through his dark sunglasses, a slight frown tugged at the corners of his mouth. Pardon me. My mistake, he said before hurrying by. An unpleasant smell lingered in his wake.

Dotty wrinkled her nose.

Ugh, dude needs some mouthwash.

The reporter posed the group for pictures in front of the ribbon. Dotty was pushed into the background with Reed while the trustees, the councilman, and even Sara Miyazaki, who had no role in the ceremony, took photos with Mr. Sato, with the ribbon, and with each other. Always making sure the photographer only got their good sides.

Benjiro was also left out. He drifted to the side. Dotty smiled and tried to make eye contact. He stared up at the sky, possibly beseeching the heavens to end his suffering.

Finally, the reporter suggested they get on with the ceremony.

Mrs. Derbyshire, the oldest and plumpest (and wealthiest) of the three trustees took charge. Mr. Sato, if I could get you to stand here. And kids, (apparently that included Reed) if I could get y'all to stand back there. A little further. Little more. Perfect.

The ceremony began with a short speech about the legacy of the town by Councilman Worthy. The three trustees followed, droning on about their vision in seeing the project through to the end. Councilman Worthy introduced Mr. Sato and handed him the official oversized ribbon cutting scissors.

Thank you, Councilman, for your kind words welcoming me to your charming town. Indeed, those charms enticed me to purchase the location for our new corporate retreat. But the passion of the citizens of Elderton inspired me to invest in the town itself. This project represents heritage. It ties your rich history to the modern consciousness. The support of the mayor's office and you, the trustees, was invaluable. But we would not be here today without the efforts of this young woman standing behind us—Dotty Morgan.

Dotty blinked, surprised to be acknowledged. She had a speech prepared but had resigned herself to being ignored.

Dotty, come here please, Mr. Sato said.

The trustees moved aside, masking their annoyance with artificial smiles. Dotty stood next to Mr. Sato. He handed her the oversized scissors.

Really?

Yes, he said. This is your accomplishment. The honor is yours.

The reporter snapped more photos. Dotty grinned and sliced through the wide ribbon. The audience applauded. Councilman Worthy clapped with his arms fully extended.

Well done. Well done, he said, looking at his watch. I understand a short reception will be held in the historical society building now.

Mr. Sato put one hand on Dotty's shoulder. Are those your parents? I'd like to meet them.

Dotty took Mr. Sato over. Mom, Dad, this is Mr. Sato. Mr. Sato, these are my parents, Leticia and Drew Morgan.

Mr. Sato shook hands with both of Dotty’s parents. Please, call me Jin. You must be as proud of your daughter as I am of my son, Benjiro. He is enjoying North Carolina, but I think he is bored without others his age to play with.

Benjiro’s face reddened.

Mom, maybe Benjiro could come over sometime this week? Dotty said.

Mrs. Morgan considered. There’s still school this week, but what about Thursday after school?

Thursday would be lovely, Mr. Sato said. What do you say, Benjiro?

Thank you for inviting me into your home.

He’s so polite, Mrs. Morgan observed.

I have to help Reed and the other volunteers, Dotty said. We’re all going back to the historical society building now for the reception.

Once there, Dotty had no time to socialize. She was too busy bringing drinks up from the kitchen, finding cups, and emptying the trash.

She overheard Mr. Sato still talking to her parents as she hurried through with a bag of napkins.

A ship’s pilot. How romantic, Mr. Sato said, referring to her father’s job as a pilot for the Port of Cleveland. You must meet many interesting people.

When the reception ended, her parents and friends left. Dotty stayed to clean up with Reed and Mrs. Grundy.

Reed drove them back to the clearing in a golf cart where they collected chairs, took down the balloon arch, and cleaned up.

I'm making next month's schedule, Reed said. I know your community service hours are up, and with this done...

Put me on the schedule, Dotty said. You'd be lost without me.

Dotty had first volunteered to fulfill community service hours she’d received because of damage that had been caused by the phantom of Waverly Perchance. But she’d learned she really enjoyed working for the historical society.

They finished around two in the afternoon. Dotty was exhausted. She gazed out over the memorial garden with pride.

Turning to go, something big and dark caught her eye near the treetops. A giant crow as long