A heavyset waitress with tight brown curls and old-lady spectacles appeared with a handful of menus. When she saw Elvis she frowned. "Oh, girls, I'm sorry. We can't let you bring your… is that a dog?"
Sabrina ignored the question. "I'm looking for Farrah," she said as she and her sister scanned the restaurant. A horrible feeling crept over her as she eyed the place. Just two days ago this place had been a war zone. The Jabberwocky and Red Riding Hood had carved a path of destruction that only magic could have fixed in such a short time. Glinda the Good Witch and the rest of the Three often took care of such work for the mayor. It was their job to sprinkle forgetful dust on any non-Everafters traumatized by the unexpected appearance of monsters and the unexplained.
What if Farrah had gotten spooked and made sure she was forgotten as well?
"Honey, she's not here," the waitress said.
Sabrina felt relieved. "Do you know where she is?"
"Why, she's on her lunch break," the waitress said with a slight bit of irritation.
Just then there was a loud thump that knocked a coffeepot to the floor. It shattered, sending coffee and glass everywhere.
"That sounds familiar," Daphne said, flashing her sister a worried look.
Sabrina grabbed the waitress by the shoulders. "Do you know where Farrah went?"
"Probably down to the elementary school. Today is election day," the woman replied.
The girls and the Great Dane raced outside and back into the cab.
"We have to go to the school," Sabrina cried. Just then, a second loud thump actually lifted the taxi off the ground.
"Uh, we have a little problem," Daphne replied, pointing behind her.
The girls stared through the rear window. Standing behind the car was Red Riding Hood and her hulking nightmare, panting as if eagerly awaiting permission to rip them all limb from limb.
Chapter 11
Sabrina nearly broke off the gearshift when she slammed it into drive. Daphne stomped hard on the gas until her foot was on the car's floorboard and the engine roared. The car lunged forward and raced across the parking lot; unfortunately, it didn't get far. The Jabberwocky leaped into the air and landed several yards in front.
"Brakes!"
Sabrina shouted and Daphne obliged. The car slid to a stop inches from the monster's scaly leg.
Red Riding Hood skipped over to the car and tried to open the door, but Sabrina reached over just in time to lock it. The little girl scowled and pointed to the door. Her pet stepped over and tore it off its hinges.
"I know you are trying to ruin the game," Red Riding Hood said. "But I won't let you."
Sabrina slammed the car into reverse and out into the street. Then she put it in drive and made a hard right at the next intersection. When she checked her rearview mirror, the Jabberwocky was still behind them, with Red Riding Hood on its shoulders.
Sabrina made a hard left and then a quick right. Unfortunately, no matter how fast the cab went or how many turns she made, the monster and its mistress were gaining ground. They raced along the road that lined the Hudson River, and soon Sabrina saw the school. Red, white, and blue banners were everywhere, encouraging people to vote for mayor of Ferryport Landing. A small crowd of people stood outside in the parking lot and a few others shuffled out of the school's wide-open main doors.
"There it is!" Sabrina said. "Brake!"
Sabrina made a rough turn, hit a patch of ice, and sailed across the parking lot like a runaway train. "Brake again!" she cried.
Daphne pumped the brakes over and over but the old cab's bald tires had no traction and the car slid right through the main doors and down the hallway of the school. Voters screamed and leaped out of the way, narrowly escaping as the big car raced past them. The old jalopy crashed through the gymnasium's double doors and skidded to a stop.
A crowd gathered around the car as the girls climbed out. Many of them were outraged and demanding answers. Sabrina tried to warn them about the monsters chasing them, but no one would listen. Granny and Mr. Canis pushed through the mob and stood between it and the girls. The throngs of people quickly grew quiet. Sabrina wondered why and then noticed Mr. Canis staring everyone down. He sniffed the air wildly and then raised a curious eyebrow.
"Relda, the monster is coming. We have to get the humans to safety," he growled.
"A monster?" one woman cried. "Who is this lunatic?"
"He's right," Sabrina said. "We don't have time to explain to you, but he's not kidding. A real live monster is headed this way."
"Girls, what's going on?" Granny said.
"We know who the Blue Fairy is," Daphne said. She reached into the car and snatched the bag that contained the broken sword and handed it to her grandmother. "She's a waitress at the Blue Plate Special. Her name is Farrah."
"Relda, what is going on here?" Charming demanded.
"Later, Billy," Sabrina snapped. "We need to get these people out of here. There's a Jabberwocky coming."