Chapter 12

Saturday took forever to arrive, but it was met with the same energy; suspense, a bucket of nervousness and a hint of thrill.

With her homework done and chores out of the way, Valery approached her mother about going for a walk outside. "I'll be at the neighbourhood basketball court with Margret if you need me." It was the perfect alibi for a girl who had never lied about where she went.

"Be back before four," her mother said.

Valery was in her favourite pair of blue jeans, a white top, a jacket, and a cap to match. No one would suspect foul play in such a simple outfit.

By the time she reached the junction, Derrick was fiddling with his cell phone, flooding her messages. He got the locks, and she hurried inside.

"For a moment there, I thought you'd bail on me."

"Yeah, right. Move before I get spotted." Valery strapped on the seatbelt. She turns, and this guy is just sitting there, staring at her with an arrogant smirk. "What?"

"You look normal," he said.

"And you look fla