‘What?’
‘Where?’
‘How did he get in the building?’
Allie found herself standing, although she had no memory of leaving her seat. She felt numb with fear; her hands had turned to ice.
Isabelle and Zelazny huddled with Eloise by the door. Seconds later, Zelazny sprinted from the room, Eloise right on his heels.
‘I need everyone to be calm.’ The headmistress held up her hands for quiet.
Slowly the room fell silent.
‘Nathaniel is outside the gate. He is not on the grounds.’ Isabelle surveyed the room. ‘We have been here before. I need everyone to follow protocol for this. Security team, please report to Raj. Night School students – Zelazny and Eloise will coordinate. For the moment, I need you all to stay inside the building. Nathaniel has asked to speak with me.’ Her eyes searched the group until they found Allie face. ‘And Allie.’
There was a collective intake of breath.
‘Allie… no,’ Rachel whispered.
But Allie didn’t hesitate. She jumped to her feet and crossed the room to join the headmistress.
The headmistress studied her, concern clouding her eyes. ‘I don’t have to tell you how dangerous this situation is.’ She lowered her voice to a whisper. ‘We have no idea what he’s planning. You don’t have to come with me. Nathaniel has no right to ask that of you and neither do I.’
Allie thought of Carter, shoving her into the car. Slamming the door behind her. Knowing he’d be left behind.
He’s not the only one who can be stupidly brave.
‘I’m going with you.’ Her voice emerged strong and steady. ‘I’m not afraid.’
The look Isabelle gave her then was bittersweet. ‘And to think, I just promised your mother I’d keep you safe.’
They turned towards the door, but then Sylvain stepped between them, his eyes blazing. ‘You can’t do this, Isabelle. You can’t take Allie out there. It’s incredibly dangerous.’
Allie opened her mouth to argue, but Isabelle didn’t give her the chance.
‘Sylvain, Allie is neither your possession nor your responsibility.’ Her words sliced through the air. ‘Nor is she mine. She’s quite capable of making her own decisions. Now, let us get on with what we have to do.’
Allie was astonished. She’d never heard the headmistress speak to Sylvain like that. She’d always treated him like an equal.
Colour rising to his face, Sylvain pivoted towards Allie. ‘Don’t do this,’ he pleaded. ‘Don’t you understand? You can’t trust Nathaniel. He could kill you.’
Allie’s fury flared. There was a time when his protectiveness made her feel safe. Now it seemed insulting. Didn’t he know that she could look out for herself? Didn’t he understand how much she’d learned?
‘I’m not an idiot, Sylvain,’ she snapped. ‘I know how dangerous this is. I don’t need your advice.’
She saw the hurt in his eyes and felt the quick sting of remorse. Then Isabelle pulled her away.
‘We must hurry, Allie.’
Together they ran from the room. Soon Sylvain was forgotten behind them.
Allie kept her focus on Carter. He could be outside right now.
She clung to that hope as Isabelle talked low and fast. ‘There are five vehicles, each holding at least four guards. Eloise believes Nathaniel is among them.’
‘What about Carter?’
‘No one has seen him. But it’s dark.’ Isabelle glanced at her. ‘He could be there.’
They ran down the stairs, their voices echoing. Below, Allie could hear the rapid-fire footsteps of the guards racing into position. Her heart thudded hard in her chest.
She loved this feeling. The adrenaline. The danger.
She felt wide awake for the first time in days.
‘Is there anything else I should know?’
Isabelle’s lips tightened. ‘Nathaniel says he has a message for you. He insists on giving it to you directly. That’s the only reason I’m willing to put you in such danger right now.’ She looked away. ‘He hasn’t left me any choice.’
They reached the foot of the staircase and headed down the hallway at a run. In the shadows around them Allie could hear the sound of activity – people rushing in all directions, urgent voices, doors slamming.
The front door stood open. Dozens of guards were on the lawn, scanning the grounds through night-vision binoculars.
Zelazny intercepted them as they turned into the drive. ‘Everyone’s in place.’ His eyes darted from Isabelle to Allie and back again. Perspiration dotted his high forehead. He lowered his voice, directing his words at Isabelle. ‘I don’t like this. The situation’s too fluid. We don’t know what he’s up to.’
‘I’m aware of all of this, August,’ Isabelle said evenly. ‘Keep the students safe. I’ll look out for Allie.’