Chapter 23

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CALLA

I've been inside my room since the announcement last night. I don't know why I feel scared. Every little noise startles me.

I couldn't sleep either. When I close my eyes I see that monster, hurting someone else.

What was I thinking, making a deal with a sadistic madman? He wasn't going to keep his promise. I just know he'll find a way to hurt someone else.

And when he does, I won't be able to say anything.

I should report him. But I don't want my cousin to get hurt. She wants to move here permanently,  after she graduates from college. That means she'll be around more, and closer to that monster. I want her to keep living with her parents, but since I know how annoying it is moving all over the country, I can't say no.

Dana knows that I know who the Phantom is, and she agrees that I don't report him yet. "The police are so close to catching him anyway," she had said. "You'll only be putting yourself in danger for no reason."

Those words were the only reason I hadn't gone to report him yet.

I was so deep in thought that I didn't hear Dana come home for lunch.
"Calla?" she called from downstairs.
"Coming," I yelled back.

I came down the stairs and went to the living room.
The air was full of the smell of Chinese food. I followed the scent to the dining room.

Dana had already taken out some of the delicious food and set them on the table.
"I brought your favorite," she beamed. "Just to cheer you up."

"Thanks," I said gratefully.
We sat down to eat.

"You know what I think?" Dana said in the middle of our lunch. "You should get more friends around here."

"I have friends," I said. "Luke and Jenna are my friends."

"Get friends you're not solving a murder case with," Dana argued. "You need to get out more."

"You know that calling too much attention isn't good for us," I reminded her. "If people find out about … you know –"

"No one will find out," Dana dismissed. "And let's drop that subject."
"Okay."

She didn't say it, but I knew she was worried, too.

Because if someone figures out the truth, our entire plan will crash and burn, and there's nothing that we would be able to do about it.

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LYNN

"Finally, it's the weekend!" my boyfriend, Peter hollered excitedly. School was over and we were at his locker picking up his stuff.

"We shoulders go somewhere tonight, like the movies or the mall –" he stopped talking when he realized I wasn't listening. "Lynn, what's wrong?" he asked.

"Nothing," I replied. "I was just thinking about an assignment due on Monday that I haven't finished. I don't think I have time to go out."

"Aw, Lynn, I'm sure you can make some time for me! You've always been so busy these days, you deserve a break!"
He looked at my guard. "Is she allowed to have breaks?"
My bodyguard, Mitch, gave Peter a small nod, which made Peter more adamant.

"C'mon Lynn, even this guy agrees with me!"
By now I had had enough.
"Listen Peter I just don't want to go anywhere!" I snapped angrily.

I didn't mean to sound so upset.
It was obvious that I hurt Peter's feelings. But he didn't show it much.
He such a good guy. Why am I treating him this way?

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