I glanced up at Jagger as he tried to lock his blue and green eyes with mine. He gently grabbed my hand like he'd done in the Coffin Club. "We can find him together," I recalled him saying. Then I remembered the note I'd found in Alexander's room--"HE IS ON HIS WAY!"
I backed away from Jagger and reached into my purse. It was worth a shot. My fingers shook as I tried to pry open the container of garlic.
The container's suction was like Super Glue. I struggled with the lid when Jagger stepped toward me.
I raced out the door and ran down the hallway. I pressed the elevator button and glanced back. Jagger stepped through his doorway and began running down the hall after me. I could hear the screeching elevator above me, but it was nowhere to be found. I looked up. The number "3" lit up; "2" lit up. "G" lit.
"Hurry! Hurry!" I mumbled, pressing the button repeatedly.
I could hear Jagger coming closer. Suddenly the "B" lit up, and the elevator stopped in front of me. I pulled the rickety door to one side and jumped in. I used all my strength to pull the accordion door shut just as an angry Jagger stepped in front of the elevator.
I darted back, away from the door, as his gaze caught me. He reached out for the door, realizing I hadn't yet pushed a button. I quickly pressed my finger against the "G" button.
As the elevator began to lift, I leaned against the wall, away from him. "I hope you find him," I heard Jagger call. "Before I do." "What are you doing here?" Aunt Libby asked when she found me peeking underneath the shades in her dressing room after curtain call. "I called you at intermission, but you didn't pick up."
"I must have been in the shower," I rambled. "But I wanted to see you."
"You did? That's so cute!" she said, wiping off her makeup.
"I'm having such a fabulous time. But I have something to tell you."
"Yes?"
"I have to go back home tomorrow."
"So soon?" she asked, putting down her makeup sponge.
"I know," I whined. "I don't want to leave, but I still have tons of homework to do."
"When I was in school, spring break was just that--a break."
"And I'll need to leave early. Before sunset."
"Still afraid of the vampires?" she teased.
The truth was, I wasn't sure--I didn't know who or what Jagger was. The one thing I was sure of was that he was following Alexander.
It was just moments ago that I had barely escaped Jagger's lair. If I attempted to find out Jagger's reason for his search, I might be putting myself--and, more important, Alexander--in danger.
Now that Jagger was following me--outside the theater yesterday and waiting for me in the alley tonight--I knew if I returned to the manor house, or anywhere I thought I might find Alexander, I would lead Jagger right to him. Although it broke my heart, I had no choice. I would have to leave Hipsterville.