Leila dashed about, trying to stomp them out.
Ridley moved beside the still-smoking box. “Olly! Izzy! We’ve got to knock this over. Give me a hand!” She directed the twins to shove at the top half of the box as she kept the bottom in place with her footrests. They weren’t strong enough, but then the Other Mr. Vernon bounded over. As the box began to tilt, Ridley swiveled her chair out of the way.
“Hold tight, Mr. Vernon!” she called out as the box tipped and crashed to the blackened stage. The chains were still wrapped tightly around the lid, the brass lock looking too complicated for even Leila to crack. Instead, Ridley flipped up a soot-covered latch from the bottom panel, nearly burning the tips of her fingers. The floor of the box fell down to the scorched stage floor, revealing a pair of feet. A voice groaned from inside. The Other Mr. Vernon knelt down and grabbed at his husband’s calves.
A moment later, the Other Mr. Vernon cradled Dante in his arms. The magician’s suit was still smoking. He began coughing violently, then let out a low groan. “Well, well,” he said weakly, then coughed again. “That was a hot one.”
By the time the ambulances and fire trucks arrived, most of the townspeople had scattered into the night.
Many members of Vernon’s Magic Circle hid around the Grand Oak theater as the police took Kilroy Kalagan away in handcuffs. The guardians watched from the stage wings, as if this had all been a play and they were waiting to take a final bow.
After it was done, Ridley and the other Misfits rode with Quinn the concierge to the hospital where the ambulance had taken the Vernons. The doctors told the group that he was suffering from smoke inhalation. He also had some minor burns.
“I’m so sorry, Mr. Vernon,” Ridley said at Dante’s bedside. His nose and mustache were covered by an oxygen mask. “I wish I could have broken Kalagan’s spell faster.”
“You were incredible,” said the Other Mr. Vernon. “We wouldn’t be here now if it weren’t for your quick thinking. All of you.”
The Misfits gathered around the bed. Mr. Vernon reached up to remove his oxygen mask. “Only for a moment, darling,” he assured the Other Mr. Vernon. “I must tell these children how sorry I am—no, Ridley, I must apologize for the secrets that I never should have kept, and then we will leave it to rest for good. I am so thankful to have each and every one of you in my life, and I promise never again to be anything less than honest, as you all were so bravely tonight, sharing your secrets and fears.”
Mr. Vernon returned his mask to his nose and mouth and took a few slow, deep breaths. The Other Mr. Vernon looked worried, but smiled as his husband removed the mask again to continue.
“Carter: You’ve been through more than any young person should, and not one of us would begrudge you an extra mouthful of food. The help you’ve given others outweighs tenfold a necessary past thievery.” Carter ducked his head, though Ridley saw a smile on his face.
“Leila: My wonderful girl, nor would any of us judge you your past decisions, made in an effort to help someone as well. You are so good and so kind, and I know you always will be.” Leila’s face was covered in tears as she reached out to hold her father’s hand.
“Theo: So thoughtful and considerate. We could no more think that you neglected your doves than believe a word out of Kalagan’s mouth. Let us instead remember your bird fondly, knowing it is soaring through the sky on its own adventure.
“And Ridley: You saved us all with your quick thinking and willingness to admit a great secret. I know I cannot reassure you of your mother’s love, though I am certain it is far stronger than you know. But I can make sure you realize how beloved you are by everyone in this room.” Releasing his fingers from Leila, he took Ridley’s hand and squeezed it tightly.
Ridley was so taken aback by this declaration that she could only nod and rub a tear off her cheek. In fact, both Vernons and all Misfits were sniffling and smiling, looking to one another in happiness and relief that all was forgiven, and that they were finally safe.
(I’ve gone through an entire box of tissues myself since the start of this scene!)
“Hey, what about us?” Olly