Chapter 57

When I turn up at Ryle's house, nobody greets me but the locked doors and windows. I try to check the rear door, but it's also latched from the inside. I try to ring Ryle, but he isn't answering, so I just send him messages about my visit. Again. I’m getting more anxious now . . . again. Again. Where could he be? Is he still at the university? I doubt that. Maybe he's in his father's penthouse, but I can't go there. If ever his parents are there and they find out I’m looking for him, they might get suspicious. I don't want to dismay Mister Rusco. Not now that I know I might be not the girl he . . . they want for their son.

I spend another couple of minutes sitting on an elevated concrete on the driveway before finally deciding that I should leave for now. I don't know what the neighbors would think of me if I stay here longer. Some have already given me mysterious looks. Ergo, I walk out of the village and hail a ride.

Along the way, I can't set my mind fixed. All I can think about is