chapter 24

I run out of school. I hear the receptionist calling me, but I don’t stop. I run and run, but I’m in a nightmare dream of running and I can’t get there fast enough. I see the Penguin’s car pull out and drive away. I’m too late. She’s got Red. I’m sure of that.

I stop outside the house and watch her car disappear into the traffic.

“Scarlet? Scarlet Mackenzie?”

I turn and see a police officer walking toward me from Madame Popescu’s house. I try to look beyond her to see if Madame Popescu is inside.