25. Clarry

CLARRY

Inside the projection room, Mavis didn't even seem to notice the package of dynamite sitting alongside the stacks of reel cannisters on one of the shelves. But as Dwight and I burst into the room, it was the first thing I saw.

The timer taped to the sticks of dynamite counted down the seconds toward doom.

7:23

7:22

7:21

Dwight took Mavis gently but firmly by the shoulders. "Mavis my darling, we need to go now."

"But Dwight, I haven't finished choosing which reels I'll take. The Wizard of Oz is a must for me, and of course you'll need Thirteen Bridges —"

"We don't have time, my darling." Dwight turned her to face him. "The countdown's begun."

He pointed to the bomb with the timer attached.

Mavis caught her breath. "Oh my. It really is the final bow."

Dwight held her tight. "For the Ritz, yes. But for you and me… the show must go on. "

I pulled the door to the projection room open. "We need to get her out of here now."

Quickly Dwight led Mavis from the room.

I was about to follow when I glanced back and saw a cannister on the top shelf. The tape that labeled the reel was yellow and fraying, but the title written on it with black marker was clear as day.

The Goddess of Happiness.

I let the door close behind Mavis and Dwight and rushed to the shelf.