51

Vindlérson is way out at the treeline, and the witch Giselle is nowhere to be seen. You step outside, stay low around the edge of the field, and head into the woods, approaching Vindlérson from behind. Two vans are parked in a clearing and have probably been there since before the show started. Yes, even in the darkness you can trace the tire marks back: they rolled in from the main road a few hundred feet away from where you hopped out of Roscoe's van. Going back to the vehicles, you see a Hampshire County Sheriff's vehicle and a news van.

Okay, you see what's going on here.

The moment the fire starts, the cops will roll up to arrest kids and the TV news will be there to report on it. "Fire at illegal club." If that's Heinrik's plan, it's not bad.

A moment ago, Vindlérson was leaning against the hood of the TV news vehicle, chatting with a reporter and two sheriff's deputies. You notice him at the last moment and drop prone just as a flashlight beam slices through the air above you.

"He's here," Vindlérson growls. Both deputies hop up and draw their sidearms. You crawl backward, away from the sweeping flashlight. You can't get close to the vans without Vindlérson spotting you. Rising cautiously, you creep back toward the barn and consider whether to try the woods again from another direction or head back inside and see what Heinrik's other minion, Roland, is up to.

Saint Homunculus is still playing as you step back inside and cut through the crowd, heading for the stage. You spot Roland backstage just as he changes into his glabro form. He looks around, then raises two stripped wires and touches them together.

He screams as electricity rips through his body. The current blasts him against the wall hard enough to crack the wooden boards. People shriek as sparks rain down on the stage and the sound system cuts out. A moment later, flames start to crawl up the stage curtain.

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