Page 63 of Forever

Her fingers tightened in mine as we made our way through the spooky hallway.

“Shit,” I said when we reached the gate near the end.

The zombie started rising from the floor behind us.

“What?” Brooklyn asked.

“I don’t have the key.”

“What do you mean you don’t have the key?” She held my hand even tighter.

“The invitation really should have said to bring it…”

The lights flickered and went out in the hall.

“Finally. I’ve been waiting to talk to the two of you all night,” said a deep voice from behind us.

Chapter 16

Friday

Brooklyn

I didn’t even have time to scream. Matt pushed me behind him. I couldn’t see anything in the darkness. But I still heard the zombie groaning.

“Who’s there?” Matt said.

“It’s just me,” said the deep voice.

A voice I was pretty sure I’d never forget now.Magnus King.

“I’ve been waiting to talk to you,” he said.

We had nothing to talk about. What was he doing caging us in against this gate? I grabbed Matt’s arm.

“Why is it so dark?!” yelled a high-pitched voice. And then she screamed bloody murder.

The zombie groaned again. But this time it sounded like it was because he was in pain.

The gates creaked open behind us.

“Step away from my friends or you won’t be able to walk ever again,” Tanner said.

I’d recognize his voice anywhere.

The lights turned on and Tanner was standing next to Matt. Tanner didn’t look intimidating in his old man costume. But his authoritative voice made up for it. And after seeing him throw a knife at Luigi Locatelli, I had no doubt that he could hurt anyone he wanted.

“What the fuck is going on?” Magnus said. “Everyone calm down.” He reached into the hole in the floor to help Poppy up.

The zombie actor did not look happy that Poppy had fallen on him.

Magnus and Poppy were both dressed like Dr. Evil. It was an off-putting sight for several reasons. But mostly because the taller one had kidnapped me a couple weeks ago. And the shorter one was Poppy, which was off-putting all by itself.

“Magnus,” I said. “Poppy.”

“I was just trying to apologize,” Magnus said. “For the other night.”

Poppy rolled her eyes. “I don’t know why Uncle Richard is making us do this. Brooklyn knows we’re on her side.”

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