I almost dropped Fang. Don't worry. I didn't. He'd totally kick my butt if I did. But back to the "utter chaos part". Angel, Nudge, and Gazzy were huddled in a corner, their eyes wide. The door loudly banged against the wall. Iggy was nowhere to be seen. Figures. He'd been such a jerk lately, all I – oh nevermind. I could hear something moving around in the kitchen. Too bad it was shielded from my view. Maybe it was Iggy. I would totally give him a piece of my mind. What was he doing to scare them?
MAX. It was Angel.
What is going on? Where's Iggy? Why do you look scared?
Quick! Run! They're here!
Wha? Who's here?
Them! Quick! Run! I mean it!
No, I can't leave you guys here!
I swiftly turned around to face Fang. "Fang- something's wrong. I know you're not gonna like this, but just shut up and deal with it." His eyes searched mine. I leaned down and scooped Fang into my arms. He struggled in my arms and was about to say something when I glared at him. "Don't speak," I mouthed to him. I ran down the hall as best I could until I found a vacant room. I dumped Fang on the bed and turned to go help my Flock. He caught my hand.
"Max. You can't leave me here."
"Oh yes I can. Watch me." I lightly kissed his lips and sprinted out the door, shutting it behind me.
I crept down the hall and peered into the room. The kids were still there. Iggy was still not there. Something wasn't right. I slipped into the room and pressed my back against the wall. Angel's eyes flicked over to me.
Max. Go. Now. It's not safe.
Who's not safe, honey?
It's Iggy. It's him. He's- he's not him. I mean, he's not Iggy.
Whaat? Not him? I'm coming in.
I looked out into the hall. Perfect. Grabbing the glass case, I broke it and pulled out the fire extinguisher. I plucked the pin off and held it tightly in my arms. Go time.
I walked silently into the room. Nudge just about passed out in relief when she saw me. Her gaze darted back to something in the kitchen. I crept stealthily toward the edge of the wall. I looked around. What I saw was horrible. Iggy was standing there, something in his hands. Something totally horrible and terrifying and creepy at the same time.
A gun.
Well. This dinky fire-extinguisher would do me no good. Figures. I cursed in my head.
Max. That's not Iggy. I pulled my head back and rested it against the wall. I closed my eyes, a million thoughts and worries drifting inside my head. I sighed and opened my eyes.
"Aiiieee!" I screamed loudly. When I opened my eyes – Iggy was right there.
"Hey, Maximum. Miss me?" And right before my eyes – Iggy wasn't Iggy.