Chapter 8
EIGHT
ALEXANDER
As the doors slide shut, I instantly see the mistake I made. I lunge for the narrowing gap and miss it, and the elevator gives a big lurch, sinking about half a floor. Then, to put a cherry on top, the lights go out.
“No, no, no,” the other guy in the elevator keens, and I hear him sink down to the floor.
“We’ll be fine,” I say in my most confident voice, hoping it’s true. “Let’s just see what’s up.”
I pull out my phone and turn on the flashlight.
The poor guy looks terrified, crouched in the corner.
Naturally, he’s gorgeous, with a mop of blond hair and wearing easy-access sweats and a tank top, probably just back from a run.
I’ve read enough erotica to know what’s in store…
but not today. I simply don’t have the energy, but that doesn’t mean I can’t lend a helping hand.
I kneel next to him and say, “Breathe…and again. We’ll be fine. Do you like dogs?”
“Yes?” he says, eyes still filled with trepidation in the dim light from my phone.
“This is my friend Max. Why don’t you sit with him for a minute? He’s very friendly. I’ll see what I can do about our predicament.”
Max is only too happy to sit and accept some attention, so I look at my phone. No service…no surprise there. I point the flashlight at the control panel, and there’s a call button. Please, please, please, I beg the potion gods, let this work, if only for this poor fellow’s sake.
“911,” crackles out of the speaker after I push the big, red button. “What is your emergency?”
“I’m stuck in an elevator with no power. Can you help?”
“Certainly, sir. Is anyone hurt?”
“No, no injuries.”
“Where are you?”
I give the address and a few more specifics, and they estimate a response will arrive within the hour. This really shouldn’t be a problem. I’m sure I can keep this fellow distracted for that long.
“They should be here soon,” I say. “Are you doing okay?”
“Thank God,” he says, fingering the cross hanging around his neck. “I’m fine. Better. The light helps. And your dog…he’s great.”
“He is a sweetie, isn’t he? We were just out at the park. Do you have any furry friends?”
“A cat. She has me wrapped right around her paw.”
“What’s her name? I’m Alexander, by the way, and you know Max.”
Time flies by, as much as it can while being stuck in a stuffy elevator.
His name is Arthur and his cat is Dinah, and he’s very active in his church group, scheduled to do some charity work at the local homeless shelter later in the afternoon.
He tries to keep it light, but I can tell he’s terrified the whole time.
I try to project calm and keep him talking.
Every time the conversation lulls, my mind wanders directly to Emerik.
What would it be like if I were stuck here with him, in an elevator in the dark?
He’d probably keep me laughing the whole time, and it would be a great way to learn more about his magic.
Maybe he can generate light with his hands!
I have a sudden realization: my doubts about magic are completely gone.
There’s no other way to explain the improbable events of the day.
Here I am, thrown into a classic forced proximity trope by an actual magic potion, and damn it, I’m wishing I had my magician here to share it with me.
About the time I’m getting worried about my phone batteries, the elevator light flashes on and we lurch up to the lobby floor.
The doors slide open and fresh air wafts in, and Arthur is up and out like a shot.
I gather Max and follow, and Arthur stops and takes my hand.
“Thank you,” he says. “Bless you. I don’t think I would have made it through that ordeal without you and Max.
If I can ever do anything for you, please let me know.
I’m up on the fifth floor. And again, God bless you. ”
As he wanders off to the stairs, I spot Emerik in the lobby, looking concerned.
“Can I offer you a cup of tea?” I ask. With his help, I’m certain we can chart a path through this escalating nightmare.
“You might want something stronger,” Emerik says.