Chapter 44
Pressing his ear to the door, Jesse listened for noise on the other side but heard nothing. He pulled it open. The stale air of the unused second floor wafted through the exit.
“I love you,” Emma said as he stepped outside. “And don’t forget, Gideon loves you, too.”
“I know.” It was a fact he never forgot. And he couldn’t afford to forget it now. “I love you, too. And I’m counting on you to keep all of them calm, right? Panicked people do stupid things.” Like hunt vampires in the dark with a crossbow and a candle.
Jesse shut the door and lit the candle he held. He strained his ears, knowing he would never hear Gideon, but hoping for signs from the remaining guests. After several seconds, he heard the unmistakable sound of a boot scraping across the hardwood floor. Jesse hurried to the stairs with light steps.