We drove past the covered bridge that met the winding road leading up to the factory on the outskirts of town. I could see the smokestacks high above the trees, as if they were deliberately taunting me--reminding me of Jagger's presence.
"But Ihave so muchonmymind," Isaid, slightlyhinting to Becky.
"What's up?"
"If there was something youwanted to happenbut it might be a threat to others, what would you do?"
"I wouldn't want it to happen."
"It's that simple?" I asked.
"Why would I want something that was not good for everyone?"
Becky was analtruist. That's why she was such a good friend to me. But in this case I would have preferred she be a bit more cynical.
"Why would it be bad?" she asked, worried. "Is this about you and Alexander?"
"It might not be bad," I confessed, and it was true, since I didn't ultimately know Jagger's plans. I was just going by his previous history.
"I think it would be easier if you just told me what you are talking about instead of being so cryptic."
"It's not reallya threat, not now anyway," Isaid.
"Iguess you'd have to take the threatening part away. That's the onlywayit would work."
I thought about what Becky said. If some how I made sure that no vampires were invited to the Crypt, other than the ones already inhabiting the vacant mill, then maybe there wouldn't be a threat. I knew Onyx and Scarlet, and so far they didn't seem to take advantage of unsuspecting mortals. If Sebastianliked Luna, Onyxhad her fangs set on Jagger, and we kept a close eye onScarlet's fondness for Trevor, all the vampires would be accounted for.
Perhaps it could be a funplace for Dullsville's highschool students to hang out. Theycould, at last, finally understand what I've beencraving all mylife. Maybe the darkness could make them, too, feel more alive than ever.
And it could be a huge, morbid playpen for me.
"You are a genius," I declared.
"Now are you going to tell me what you are talking about?"
Just then my cell beeped. It was a text from Alexander.
I can't sleep. Thinking of you.
I melted inside, knowing that my boyfriend was lying in his coffin and dreaming of me. And though I loved Alexander's mysteryand old-fashioned style, I was grateful to be a not-so-normal girl witha not-so-normal boyfriend now that we were able to communicate like a normal couple.
I quickly texted back.
Miss you like crazy.
I held the phone out to Beckyproudly. "Alexander," I said.
"I have something to tell you. . ." mybest friend said as we pulled into the entrance to school. "There are rumors aboutAlexander's party. Some people are saying Sebastianbit Luna. Like for real--like a vampire!"
"Why would they say that?" I asked skeptically.
"Someone swore they saw blood and the rumor snowballed. Now some kids are freaked out. They've beentalking about it all week. Iwas kind of afraid to tell you. Ididn't want youto be upset. But it isn't going away."
"So? That's all these people do is talk."
"But Ithink it doesn't reallymatter, since Sebastianand those guys aren't evenhere anymore."
They are still here, I wanted to say. I weighed my thoughts. I wasn't sure if it was time to tell her Sebastian and Jagger were sequestered in the factory, making a second Coffin Club.