Page 81 of The Neighborhood Vampire

“A little on edge,” Carol said. “But we’re fine.”

“They’re gone. I don’t think they’ll be coming back,” Alice said.

“Where’s Hugo?” Carol asked.

“He’s at home,” Alice answered. “He stayed behind in case you needed to make a hasty retreat.”

“No one is going to run us out of our home. Not even some vampires,” Oliver said.

Alice paused. A passing thought pressed on her mind.

This was too easy.

“Something doesn’t seem right,” she said. “It was only one of them. They’re always together. Why would one attack here? Unless?—”

As the horror of the situation played out in her mind, Alice’s stomach sank and twisted. Yet again, the Savinos were a step ahead on the chessboard.

“What is it?” Carol asked.

“I need to go. Keep the door shut. Don’t leave until dawn.” Alice left, slamming the door behind her.

Chapter 21

Seeing Herself In

Hugo focused his attention on his phone as he finished putting on his clothes. There had been no response. No call. Nothing. It was silent, and he didn’t like it. Helplessness washed over him as the unknown surrounded him. He had no idea if the Raskins or Max or Alice were safe. There was only silence and waiting.

He paced around the bedroom, trying to ease his mind. He stopped outside the bathroom door. It was dark and quiet inside. The sounds of Alice’s reflection’s wailing had long since stopped. He flipped on the light switch.

“Go away,” Alice’s reflection yelled. “I want to be left alone.”

Hugo ignored the request and entered the bathroom. He turned to face the mirror. Alice’s reflection was huddled on the floor in the corner of her bathroom, fixated on the wall. A purple bathrobe was wrapped around her like a child being swaddled. Her head was bent over.

Hugo placed his hands on the ornate gold frame of the mirror and leaned in. He tried to speak, but the words failed him. He knewno matter what he said, no matter how sincere, he couldn’t undo the damage.

He could only say, “I’m sorry.”

“Is that supposed to make me feel better?” Alice’s reflection said.

“No, but I wanted to let you know I’m sorry.”

“Do you want a cookie?”

Hugo lowered his head. “She’s putting on a brave face for me, but I need to know. How is she doing?”

“I thought we had this discussion about knowing her innermost thoughts?”

“Yeah, well, I guess I’m failing the test now.”

Alice’s reflection didn’t move.

“I need to know. I need to know how she feels. How you feel.”

Alice’s reflection glanced over her shoulder, a scowl on her face. Mascara ran down her face, and then tears followed.

“You want to know how I feel?” Her eyelids narrowed.

“Yes.”

---