Summary of last few chapters:

Nancy Jordan's student, Tina Alice, escaped Milton Middle School, which had been besieged by evil beings. Through various trials, she made her way home where she was able to contact, Emory Settler, a special officer in charge of supernatural beings. On the way, she enlisted the help of a Shadow Wolf captain, Kurt Kirkpatrick, a handsome young werewolf and medical student.

The last chapter focused on the efforts of different members of the Daredevil Girls and Guys to rescue hostages and upset the plans of the witches.

The new chapter continues with a focus on Bruce and Becky, who have a group of freed hostages in the Band Hall.


"Shh," Bruce warned. He leaned against the band room door and began to ease it open. Becky and the kids held their collective breaths, crossed their many fingers, and prayed that the way would be clear.

Before Bruce could get the door completely open, a large hand jerked it out of his grasp. The kids gasped as they saw a tall, dark-haired man appear on the outside. Partially cloaked in shadow, alluring blue eyes drew them to a face that could have been either cruel or kind, depending on the angle viewed.

"Who are you?" Bruce asked.

"Jerry Crandall," the man answered, stepping out of the shadows. He was a tall man with an air of importance and power. A golden hue tinted perfect skin, and the trace of a smile graced his handsome face.

"Jerry... Jerry the Vampire?" Bruce stuttered.

"In the flesh."

"Whose side are you on?" Becky stepped forward as though approaching an old acquaintance, her tone somewhere between accusation and trust.

"As always, yours," Jerry said with a sweeping bow. "I haven't changed my ways, but came in response to a plea from a determined young lady named Tina Alice..."

"You've seen Tina?" Bruce asked, his heart speeding up. "You have no idea how worried we've been."

"I didn't exactly see her," Jerry said. "She and I spoke on the phone. From what I understand, Emory Settler gave her the task of rallying the troops."

"But she's safe?" Becky asked.

"From what I could tell, yes. She seemed at ease, though in a terrible hurry to fulfill her mission. Right now, though, we need to get all of you out of this building. It's my understanding the witches have a bomb planted in the bowels of the school."

"Yes, we've heard about it as well," Bruce said. "I'll instruct the kids to follow you, but Becky and I need to stay behind to free other hostages."

"Very well."

"How are you going to get them away?" Becky asked. "There are a lot of children."

"I have connections at the bus barn," Jerry said. "There's a fleet of buses waiting in the parking lot, and lots of friends to drive them."

"Reliable friends?" Bruce asked with a raised brow.

"Quite reliable. Some are my kind, others are human associates, but all can be trusted. There isn't a person out there who wouldn't risk their lives for these children."

"Are you really a vampire?" Tommy asked, joining the adults.

"I'm what they call a Daywalker," Jerry explained. "A good vampire, if you will."

"That means he's never taken a life," Becky explained. "Because of that, he's not a member of the 'undead', and is free to roam about during the day."

"How do you know that?" another child asked.

"We've met before," Becky said.

"Another long story?" Tommy asked.

"Very," Bruce said, "but I believe we can trust him. We'll have to."

"Hey, my shirt says, goodguys.com." Jerry said. "Can't argue with that."

"Right," Tommy said. "It's kinda cheezy, you know?"

"I couldn't agree more," Jerry said, "but it gets the point across. Now, if you kids will follow me, my friends and I'll get you to safety."

"Are there werewolves out there?" Becky asked. "I heard the witches have allies guarding the school."

"Indeed, the woods are full of them. But, my dear Becky, they are on our side. Come, kids, follow me."

The students filed out of the room and into the protective custody of the odd, but captivating, stranger. Only one child lingered behind.

"You'll need my help finding your way around," Tommy said.

"We'll make it," Becky said. "You need to go to safety."

"My sister is in the sixth grade and still in the building. I'm not leaving without her, Ma'am."

Becky started to argue, but changed her mind. Tommy looked like a boy, but the fire in his eyes proved the situation had turned him into a man. "Okay, Tommy, come on."

Bruce turned to close the door, but was surprised by a head popping around the edge.

"Hi, laddie, mind if I join your little party?"

"Hey, you're that Sean guy, who brought food yesterday," Tommy said. "I remember you."

"Yes, that's me... Sean Flannery, caterer extraordinaire, and I've come to offer me help."

"Oh my gosh," Becky said, "Sean, the leprechaun. The prankster with the dynamite hands. I'd heard you reformed."

"Yes, of course, lassie... completely cured of all my nonsense. No more setting fires, no more spreading discord, and no more pulling pranks on friends... well, maybe not that last one, but a leprechaun's got to have his fun, hasn't he?"

"I suppose," Becky agreed. "So what can you help us do? I don't think you're here to clear children out of rooms."

"Indeed not," Sean said. "I'm here to defuse your bomb."

"You can do that?"

"Aye, Lassie. Remember, I'm a bit of an explosion expert. Anyone know the way to the boiler room?"

"I do," Tommy said.

"Lead me there, laddie."

"I'm coming, too," Becky said. "Bruce can you handle the evacuation yourself?"

"Yeah. I'll grab a few of Jerry's buddies out there. I have a feeling they can get to the rooms without crawling on beams."

"Ya mean the vampires?" Sean asked. "Some say they aren't to be trusted."

"Yeah," Becky said, "and some say that about leprechauns, too, but today we'll all have to trust each other."

"Aye, lassie. That we'll have to do."