Page 161 - Nuts to You - The Nutcracker Retold

She didn’t know how, but she knew in her heart of hearts that the Nutcracker inside the curio cabinet was Franz, just as her Godfather had claimed! Clara barely had time to register this earth-shattering conviction when she noticed the Ratties were closing in, pressing closer as that – that – mouse in man’s clothing minced his way toward her. Then in a panic, she realized the Ratties were pushing her away from the cabinet and away from the Nutcracker. And with a sudden plunging feeling in her stomach, Clara realized the entire night had nothing to do with her, but it had everything to do with the Nutcracker.
Franz! Franz was in danger!
Clara fought her way back to the curio door, just as Reggie reached it. Having already thrown everything in reach at the Ratties, Clara yanked off her shoe and threw it at
R
e floor, and quivered
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er as he shook them off
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yanked at the curio
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or – which of course,
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eing locked, nearly
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ulled his arm out of the
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p
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socket. Yowling in
s
pain, Reggie turned on
p
Clara – and bit her! 147