CHAPTER 28 APRIL AND BILLY

She stood in the deep shadows, near the back of the stage. Her eyes wide. Her mouth open.

Fangs! Billy thought. Are her fangs still down?

April’s hands flew up to cover her mouth. She made a gagging sound and turned away from the pale body on the stage.

Should I tell her? Billy thought. Should I tell her she doesn’t have to pretend in front of me?

Should I tell her I know she is a vampire?

No. She knows that I know.

Billy strode across the stage to where April stood. He grasped her arm and spun her around.

April gave a little shriek when her gaze fell on the body. She took a stumbling step backward.

“What are you doing here?” Billy asked her. “I thought you were with Jay.”

“I was,” April said. Her breathing came in sharp gasps. “But he was too tired. He had to go home. I came back to the theater because I wanted to ask Ms. Aaronson something. But I . . .” Her voice trailed off.

She stood there, trembling, pretending to be bewildered and scared.

She killed Ms. Aaronson, Billy knew. Just as she killed the others.

“I just got here,” April insisted. “Only a minute ago. I came in and found Ms. Aaronson. Then I heard a noise. And I hid—because I thought it was the killer. I was so terrified. But it turned out to be you.”

“I’m going to call the police,” Billy told her.

She nodded.

Billy ran to the phone in the lobby and dialed 911. The dispatcher promised to have an officer there in a few minutes. The police will be thrilled to see me again, Billy thought bitterly.

He slammed the phone down. Turned—and found April standing a few feet behind him. His stomach tightened.

It suddenly dawned on him.

She’s a vampire. And I’m alone with her.

Billy tried to move back.

Banged into the wall.

April’s eyes locked onto his. She took a step forward.

Another.

“Billy,” she whispered. “Billy . . .”

Date: 2015-04-20; view: 529