THIRTEEN

He had been awake since fifteen minutes ago. But he still felt lazy to leave the dark room that surrounded him. He felt more comfortable there, calmer, and he could think clearly in this dark room. No one had ever entered this room but him. It made Calvin feel like this room was the only place that offered him privacy.

Now he stroked his dark brown hair slowly, channeling all his frustrations while propping his chin on his elbow which was one of his habits when he was cornered. So far he still doesn't know what he's going to do next. There was a woman as well as a little girl whose life he risked in this task. He really felt sorry for dragging the beautiful judge into his troubles. But he really doesn't trust anyone other than the judge in law enforcement. Too many intruders are playing pretty in the seat of government. There's nothing truly honest out there other than a few people who still have a noble heart like Hazel Hayes.

Thinking of her in his dark room made Cal