She turned toward the music player, but he caught her wrist and drew her into an embrace. “Let’s get this out of the way.”
His kiss was warm and sensual, and she welcomed it with every fiber of her being.
“Do you have any opinion on that?” he murmured.
“I’m not sure. Show me again.”
Chapter Nineteen
Déjà Vu
CHAIRS WERE BROUGHT into the former chapel and arranged into rows. Tori applauded madly as Raven, the Emcee, took the stage.
“Ladies, Gentlemen, and Satyr, welcome to the show.” He sketched an elaborate bow. “First up is a lovely lady who will dazzle us with her vocal stylings. Please put your hands together for Mrs. Trumbull, singing All Things Bright and Beautiful.”
Tori could not remember a talent show she enjoyed more, from Quigley’s Irish whistle to Mr. Mime and Cody’s rendition of Day-O. Felicia and Chase danced a lovely choreographed waltz. She was clad in a dreamy beaded white gown, and Chase looked sharp in a black tux. As she watched the performance, Tori appreciated Felicia’s accomplished technique—and her obvious chemistry with Chase. They must have overcome their differences.
Fletcher and Ian commanded everyone’s attention with their scene from Othello—complete with capes and doublets culled from Misty’s costume locker. Tori and Raven were the finale. They’d rehearsed for hours, and although nothing could make up for Raven’s lack of training completely, Tori was thrilled with his performance. In addition, he was incredibly sexy in a white satin shirt and black jazz pants. She’d matched her outfit to his, wearing a traditional ballet costume in fluttering black chiffon.
After the show was over, she changed her toe shoes for slippers while Mrs. Trumbull shooed everyone into the dining room for a feast. All manner of traditional English dishes were lined up on the sideboard, including Toad in the Hole, steak and kidney pie, roast beef, and bubble and squeak. Raven had to explain to Tori what several of the dishes were, and she gamely spooned a bit of each onto her plate. When everyone was seated, Ian asked Quigley to hand around flutes of bubbling wine. He lifted his glass in a toast. “I’m not sure when I’ve ever enjoyed a talent show more. I feel like I know all of you just a little better now. Here’s to averting the Apocalypse.”
The sweet, light wine tickled Tori’s nose. It tastes like happiness. She set her glass down, picked up her fork, and sampled a bite of sausage in Yorkshire pudding.
“What do you think of Toad in the Hole?” Raven asked.
“Delicious.” She giggled. “But are you sure this meat isn’t toad?”
He rolled his eyes at her. In the distance, a telephone rang, and Quigley hastened to answer it. Conversation around the table ebbed and flowed as people sampled Mrs. Trumbull’s party fare. A few moments later, the butler reappeared, whispering something in Ian’s ear that made him frown. He stood, excused himself, and brushed past Quigley on his way from the dining room.
Tori exchanged a concerned glance with Raven. “I hope everything is okay?”
Raven crooked a finger at the butler, who crossed over to him.
“Can I help you, lad?”
“Yes…who was on the line?”
“I cannot say, I’m afraid.”
“You won’t say is more accurate,” Raven said.
“A good butler is the soul of discretion.” Quigley bowed and moved off.
“What’s wrong, do you think?” Tori asked.
“I’m beginning to worry it’s something about my mother. I’ll go see what’s going on.”
Raven rose, but before he’d taken more than two steps toward the door, his father reappeared, looking ashen-faced and shaken.
“Is Mother all right?” Raven exclaimed.
Ian nodded. “Yes, but I have terrible news nevertheless. I just heard from the London branch of the Institute. Lord Birmingham’s private plane was en route to the States when it crashed into the Atlantic early this morning.”
Felicia gasped and Fletcher gripped the arms of his chair.
“On board were the directors of every major Shakespearean Institute in Europe. There were no survivors,” Ian said.
“And here I was, waiting for him to call me. Only he won’t because he’s dead.” Felicia’s voice sounded strangled. “I must speak with Mama, if she’s not at the bottom of a bottle.”
As she fled the dining room, she dissolved into tears. Chase stood, abruptly, but Fletcher held him back. “Trust me, I’m the one who should look after her right now.” His gait was slightly unsteady as he followed his sister.
Stunned silence ensued. Chase sank back down into his chair, his face a mask. Tori’s thoughts were jumbled and she didn’t quite know what to think. Horror that the plane crashed. Dismay for the loss of life. Distress on Felicia and Fletcher’s behalf. Confusion at the event itself.
“Does anybody know why the plane crashed?” she asked finally.
Ian shook his head. “There will be an investigation, certainly. All I know is that it happened several hours after takeoff.”
“Forgive me for being insensitive,” Raven said, “but if the directors are dead, doesn’t that mean this whole Apocalypse/blood sacrifice thing is over?”
Ian’s smile was sad. “It certainly looks that way.”
In the midst of the tragedy, bittersweet hope ignited within Tori’s chest. If it’s over, I’m free.
Chase blew out a slow breath. “My mother will want to know about this. Mr. Cassidy, may I use your telephone?”
A nod. “You know where it is, lad. My cell is on the desk if Felicia is on the line.”
After Chase left, Mime and Cody exchanged a glance. “We should go,” Mime said. “We don’t want to intrude on your grief.”
“I do apologize.” Ian gestured to Quigley. “Pack up their dinners, would you?”
“Immediately, sir.” The butler picked up their plates. “I’ll return momentarily.” He hastened from the room.
“I feel terrible for Felicia and Fletcher,” Tori said. “Felicia, especially, because she needed closure with her grandfather.”
“I imagine they’ll by flying home for the funeral,” Raven said. “Perhaps that’ll help a little.”
“I doubt if Birmingham’s body will ever be recovered,” Ian said. “There’s more likely to be a memorial service than a funeral.”
“Doesn’t this throw the Shakespearean Institute into horrible disarray?” Tori asked.
“In a word—yes.” Ian closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose. “Although if the directors were co-conspirators, the Institute was in disarray already.”
When Quigley returned, he handed a brown grocery bag to Cody. “I took the liberty of including some cake as well.”
After hurried thanks, the Mimes took their leave, and only Tori, Raven, and Ian remained at the table. Ian picked up his fork. “I would hate to see Mrs. Trumbull’s hard work go unappreciated. If you’ve got any appetite, tuck in.”
The meal was subdued. At length, Chase returned to the dining room and resumed eating his dinner. Whereas before he’d carried around a haunted look, now his whole demeanor seemed light-hearted. Tori understood completely. Why shouldn’t he be happy? No one will be hunting him anymore, and his mother can come out of hiding.
A few minutes later, Fletcher and Felicia returned to the table as well. Fletcher glanced at the two empty seats. “Mr. Mime and Cody went home?”
“They didn’t feel it was appropriate to stay any longer, under the circumstances,” Ian replied. “Did you speak with your parents?”
Felicia’s skin was blotchy and her eyes were rimmed in red. “I did. They’re stunned, of course. Fletcher and I have reservations to fly to England for the memorial. We’ll leave tomorrow and probably be back next Sunday.”
“How about you, Chase? Will you return to Japan now?” Tori asked.
“I haven’t thought that far ahead,” he said. “I probably will.”
Felicia flinched, and Tori instantly wished she co
uld take back the question. If she cares for Chase, he just ripped out her heart and stepped on it.
“Um, I suppose it’s too early for any of us to make long-term plans,” Tori murmured. “Snap decisions at this point would probably be unwise.”
“On the contrary, snap decisions are often based on a person’s true feelings.” Felicia’s words were edged in ice. “If there’s nothing holding Chase here, by all means he should leave.” She folded her napkin and put it by her plate. “I’m afraid I have a headache. I think I’ll turn in.”
As his sister strode from the room, Fletcher glared at Chase. “It’s your prerogative to go home to Japan and I can’t say that I blame you. But my sister is in a rather fragile emotional state at the moment. Steer clear of her from now on.”
Chase’s eyes narrowed. “Why don’t you stay out of it?” He pushed back his chair and hastened after Felicia.
Tori winced as he left the room. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have brought it up.”
Felicia was halfway up the stairs when she heard footsteps behind her. Chase darted past and blocked her path. “You’ve misunderstood me.” He sat on the step and tugged on her wrist until she sat next to him. “I do have to go back to Japan to see my mother. Where I go after that is up to you.”
She refused to look at him. “Why should it be up to me?”
“You know why. I care about you, but I didn’t want to announce anything to your friends right now. What I feel for you is private.”
The ice around her heart thawed slightly.
“For four months I’ve been constantly looking over my shoulder, never knowing where I would sleep the next night. Meeting you isn’t something I was counting on, and I’m having trouble shifting gears.”
I’m being selfish and unfair—as usual. “You’re right. I’m sorry for acting like you owe me something, Chase. After all, we’ve only just met.” A tear slipped from one of her eyes and she tried to brush it away furtively. “We had a pleasant interlude together. Let’s leave it at that.”
“No.”
He wrapped his arms around her, and she began to sob. Whether it was for her grandfather or for Chase, she couldn’t say. Maybe I’m crying for both of them.
“For what it’s worth, I’m sorry for your loss,” he murmured.
She sobbed harder…until she realized she was crying all over his costume.
“Oh no! I’m ruining your shirt.”
A soft laugh. “I’ll pay for the dry cleaning.” He nuzzled her cheek. “It’s going to be okay, Felicia. I tell you what…let’s sneak into the kitchen and get some cake. Sugar makes everything better.”
“It’s a birthday cake, Chase. We can’t eat it before Tori has had a chance to cut the first piece.”
“Mrs. Trumbull already gave some to Mr. Mime and Cody.”
“Really? Well in that case…”
Hand in hand, they descended the stairs and hastened toward the kitchen.
“You’re leading me astray,” Felicia whispered.
“I hope so.”
At breakfast, Tori learned Mr. Cassidy would be driving the twins to LAX that afternoon, and Chase would be taking a taxi to Bob Hope Airport in Burbank. To Tori’s surprise, Felicia actually gave her a hug good-bye. “I’m glad you’re finally safe,” she added.
“Thank you. I’m only sorry it’s at your expense,” Tori replied.
Felicia averted her eyes. “It couldn’t be helped.”
Her brother’s embrace was far more exuberant. “I hope you’ll miss me while I’m gone.”
A giggle. “I’m sure I will.”
“Have a happy birthday tomorrow,” Chase said.
“Thanks,” Tori said. “Have a good flight to Tokyo.”
She tossed her dance bag into her trunk in anticipation of pointe class that afternoon, and drove to school with Raven following behind on his motorcycle. The air, though not crystal clear, was far better than the previous week. Colorful ash and smoke lingered overhead, however, giving the sky the appearance of an orange-red canopy. Beautiful, but eerie. She was pleased to discover the streets were largely clear of demons. Perhaps the word is out that the Apocalypse is canceled and the demons are already leaving.
In the school parking lot, Raven kissed her cheek. “Welcome to the first day of the rest of your life. What do you want for your birthday?”
“Whirled peas?” she joked.
“Seriously.”
“I don’t know. I’m just so relieved I won’t be responsible for the end of the world, I can’t think about material things.”
“I’ll go shopping while you’re in dance class this afternoon, to see what I can find.”
“Don’t let the bogeyman get you.”
“No worries. The mall is a bogeyman-free zone.”
As they headed across campus, hand in hand, Tori couldn’t keep the silly smile off her face. She even greeted Kirstin in passing. In homeroom, the teacher reminded everyone to turn in their permission slips for the upcoming field trip—a matinee performance of a play in downtown Los Angeles. Since she’d been forging Misty’s signature for years, Tori signed the slip and turned it in with everyone else’s. Last week, I wasn’t even certain if I’d still be alive to see the performance! Now I’ll have to focus my attention on my career again. Since the danger was past, the prospect was less daunting. In fact, she felt more confident than ever before. It doesn’t matter if I don’t dance with SBT. I’ll find some other dance company and do splendidly, as Raven would say.
In drama, Mr. Strunk had his pupils get back into the swing of things with a few tongue twisters to improve their articulation. “Toy Boat” gave her no trouble, but her version of “Sascha sews slightly slashed sheets shut” made everyone—including herself—burst into laughter. She was still giggling about it after class ended.
Her English teacher beckoned her over when she entered the classroom for second period. “Mr. Ashton asked me to send you to him right away.”
Tori was unconcerned. “Oh? Okay.”
Jenny, who was sitting in the front row, overheard. “What’s up?”
A shrug. “I don’t know, but I’m sure it’s nothing bad.”
“You’re in a good mood today.”
“I’m in a terrific mood. See you in a few.”
Humming under her breath, Tori made her way to the Head of School’s office. As soon as she entered the waiting area, the secretary rose from her desk. A look of pity was written on the woman’s features. “Go on in, dear.”
Bewildered, Tori stepped into Mr. Ashton’s office. Three uniformed police officers were inside—two males and a female. Tori barely glanced at them.
“What’s this about?” she asked.
“Have a seat,” Mr. Ashton said.
Wide-eyed, she sank into a chair.
The female officer spoke. “Tori, I’m afraid we have some unpleasant news. Your foster mother, Misty Savannah, has passed away from complications following surgery.”
Shock, followed by a weird sense of déjà vu. This can’t be happening. Not again. “That can’t be true. You’re mistaken. It was just a face lift.”
The woman thrust a cup of water into her hands. “Drink this. It’ll make you feel better.”
Like an automaton, Tori drank. Misty is dead? Misty is dead and I’m alone. Someone said something about minors and wards of the state, but a buzzing sound muffled the words. The paper cup in her hand slipped from nerveless fingers and for some reason she couldn’t pick it up again. Confused, she glanced at the policemen, realizing too late that one of them had red eyes and the other one had horns protruding from his forehead. The woman appeared to be normal at first, until Tori spied the long thin tail curled around her ankle. I have to get out of here. She tried to stand, but her legs refused to support her weight and she curled to the ground. Words flew through the air between the Ashton and the police demons, ricocheting back and forth like ping pong balls. The demons were calling paramedics. I don’t need medical help. Tori’s h
ead shook as she tried to focus. It’s a trick. I’ve been drugged. Where is Raven?
Time passed, but she couldn’t tell if it was seconds or minutes before a pair of reptilian paramedics arrived. Goblins. They strapped her to a gurney and wheeled her out of the school. Since it was during class, no students were around to see what was happening. She screamed…but the sound died in her throat. This is a nightmare and I have to wake up before it’s too late. One of the goblins patted her arm. “Come midnight, you’re going to be the most famous human ever.”
The goblins lifted the gurney into a waiting ambulance. With a Herculean effort, she finally regained her voice. “Let me go.”
Gurgling laughter.
As the ambulance began to roll, Tori tried to free her arms from the straps holding her onto the gurney. Just as she managed to pull one arm loose, an oxygen mask descended over her face and everything went black.
Raven scanned the lunch room looking for Tori, but she was nowhere to be found. He spotted one of her friends, however, and crossed over to her table.
“Jenny, have you seen Tori?”
“She was called to Mr. Ashton’s office before second period and I didn’t see her after that.”
“Thanks.”
He hastened to the Head of School’s office to speak with the secretary, Mrs. Franklin.
“Hi, I’m looking for Tori Moss,” he said. “I was told she came here?”
The woman frowned. “Is she a good friend of yours?”
“Tori’s my girlfriend, and she’s staying with my family while her foster mother is away.”
“Oh, I spoke with your father early this morning about the Harringtons. Terrible tragedy about their grandfather.”
“Yes. You were telling me about Tori?”
“I probably shouldn’t say anything, but you’ll find out sooner or later. Her foster mother died.”
“What?”
“I’m afraid Tori didn’t take the news well. She fainted, and the police who were here to deliver the news called the paramedics. Fortunately, they arrived within minutes and took Tori to the hospital.”
Dancing With Raven (The Young Shakespeareans Series) Page 20
