I will return

73

Using Professor Ernesto's body, I approached Vilma with a kind expression.

"It is truly admirable, Miss Dinkley." Watching her interact with the children and guide them..." I said in a genuine tone. His dedication to science is inspiring.

Vilma looked at me and smiled, visibly flattered.

"Science is my passion," he said. Seeing these kids so excited reminds me why I chose this path.

*I guess that's why it was so easy to bring her here,* I thought as I smiled back.

We continued talking a little more, and I kept my eyes hidden on my henchmen, Zarkos, Titan, and the other fighters, who were disguised as janitors. They walked around the place, pretending to clean while the few remaining teachers chatted or finished writing down each child's belongings.

—I would like to ask you about your life solving mysteries, Vilma. "I imagine he has a lot of anecdotes," I told him, keeping the conversation light.

Vilma let out a small laugh, and shook her head.

"Please don't remind me," he replied. Although it's funny, my friends and I are planning to get together again very soon to solve another mystery.

Just then, one of my henchmen came in carrying a trash can in which I had left specific instructions. When I saw it, I knew that my real body was there, well hidden and ready to act. It was only a matter of time.

—And how did you think of this little break from the mysteries? —I asked him.

"It was necessary, to be honest," Vilma responded, somewhat thoughtfully. I love solving mysteries, but sometimes I need space to myself. It's good to have time for other things.

"That's good to know, Vilma," I said with a smile that I could barely contain.As soon as my henchmen closed the main door, I saw how Vilma was heading towards it to leave. I managed to hear her saying:

—Excuse me, but I think the door is closed.

The other teachers seemed distracted by their things, but Vilma continued to insist:

—Excuse me, but I must leave soon; I have a bus to take in an hour.

Without wasting any more time, I appeared in front of her, still in Ernesto's body, and in a low and threatening tone, I said:

—You're not going anywhere, Vilma.

A dark laugh escaped my lips as the curtains slammed shut. The teachers finally noticed the change in atmosphere, and silence fell over the room. I made sure that no one could escape before uttering, with a sinister smile:

—No one is going to get out of here.