Nancy nodded. “She got right up.”
Mrs. Wolaski shook her head and sighed. “It’s always something, isn’t it?”
“Let’s hope the gala will make everyone feel better,” Bess said. “I know I’m looking forward to it.”
“Are you going to the gala, Mrs. Wolaski?” Nancy asked.
“Oh, no. Once I get home at night, I’m always too tired to think of going out again.”
Bess grabbed her coat. “Oh, Mrs. Wolaski, you really should go. Remember the saying, “All work and no play . . .”
“. . . makes you very tired at the end of the day.” Mrs. Wolaski chuckled. Then she rubbed her back. “No, I think soaking in a hot bath sounds like fun to me.”
“Well, if you change your mind, we’ll be glad to pick you up,” Nancy said.
“You’re both very sweet,” Mrs. Wolaski replied. “Now go and have a good time for me.”
The girls said goodbye, then Nancy took Bess home. As soon as she got home herself, Nancy showered and changed into her new turquoise party dress and black patent leather heels.
Half an hour later, Nancy was parking her Mustang in front of Bess’s house.
“Come in, Nancy,” Mrs. Marvin said as she opened the door. “Bess is just about ready.”
“I’m totally ready,” Bess said, hurrying down the stairs in her bright red brocade dress and matching leather flats.
“When will you girls be home?” Mrs. Marvin asked as Bess was putting on her coat.
“We shouldn’t be too late,” Bess replied. The girls said goodbye and headed for Nancy’s car.
“Would you mind stopping off at the dance academy on the way to the country club, Nancy?” Bess asked. “I forgot to bring Michelle’s Clara costume home with me, and I’m supposed to do the hem.”
“Sure,” Nancy said. “We’re a little early, anyway.”
Nancy turned down Mason Street, then pulled into the dance school’s parking lot. It was dark, and the only other vehicle in sight was the school van, which was parked in its usual place at the back of the lot.
“I don’t think anyone’s here,” Nancy said. “How did you plan to get in?”
“I’ve got a key,” Bess said. She opened her black evening bag and took it out. “Mrs. Wolaski loaned it to me yesterday, and I forgot to give it back.”
Nancy pulled the Mustang to the end of the front sidewalk and parked. Giggling, the two girls held on to each other as they inched their way up the icy walk to the school in their dress shoes. Once inside the door, Nancy was about to turn on the lights when she heard a noise coming from down the hall.
“Did you hear that?” she whispered to Bess.
Bess nodded. “I sure did!”
“I’m going to check it out. Wait here,” Nancy said, slipping out of her heels.
“No way,” Bess said, taking off her own party shoes. “I’m going with you.”
Nancy tiptoed down the shadowy hall in her stockinged feet. The hall was dimly lit by the weak glow of an emergency light. Nancy could hear Bess breathing as she followed just behind her.
Nancy stopped in front of the recital room door and put a finger to her lips. The girls listened first at the door to studio A. Then they heard a crash from the prop room.
Bess jumped. “What was that?” she squealed, clutching Nancy’s arm. “I think we’d better call the police.”
Nancy shook her head emphatically. “If we wait for the police,” she whispered, “whoever it is might get away.”
Bess grimaced, then nodded reluctantly. Nancy hurried to the prop room. Slowly, she pushed open the door and peered inside cautiously. It was pitch black.
Stepping into the room, Nancy felt along the brick wall for the light switch. Bess was so close behind her that she kept stepping on Nancy’s heels.
“Grrrr!” A loud growl made Nancy swing around. Bess screamed as a black shape jumped up from behind the shadowy sled.
Bess screamed again as the creature lunged for the door. In the dim light from the hall, Nancy could see it had a huge head and pointy ears.
“A monster! And it’s coming after us!” Bess cried, shrinking back against Nancy.
“Stop, whoever you are!” Nancy pushed past Bess, trying to reach the creature. But her leg hit something solid and she tumbled over a box. At the same time, the monster bolted past her and out into the hall.
Bess helped Nancy struggle to her feet. “We can’t let it get away!” she yelled, but Bess just stood frozen in fear.
Nancy leaped toward the open door. Wham! It slammed shut in her face. Quickly, she searched for the door knob, but then she heard a click. With a sinking feeling, Nancy turned the knob, then rattled it. Nothing happened. The door was locked.
She could hear Bess gasp. “Don’t move,” Nancy whispered to her friend. “I need to find the light.” Groping along the wall beside the door, Nancy finally located the light switch. When she flipped it on, nothing happened. Someone had turned off the power. Nancy and Bess were locked in a pitch black room!
8
In the Lair of the Mouse King
