I let out a terrified moan. The caped man had reached the bottom of the steps. I could practically feel his breath on the back of my neck. The door has got to open! I told myself. It’s got to! I took a deep breath. Then I heaved my shoulder against the door. I uttered a desperate groan as I pushed. Pushed. The caped man made a grab for me. I felt his hand brush my ankle. I kicked the hand away. Then I shoved my shoulder hard against the trapdoor. And it opened. “Yes!” A happy cry escaped my throat as I scrambled out into the alley. The cold air rushed against my hot face. I stumbled over something hard—a stone or a brick. I didn’t stop to look. I ran through the narrow alley, to the sidewalk in front of the store. My eyes swept back and forth. I searched for Chuck. No sign of him. Had the caped man followed me out the trapdoor? Was he chasing after me? I turned back to the alley. And saw only darkness. Then I took off, running fast, my feet practically flying over the pavement.
