CHAPTER TEN

The Escape

At dusk he locked up the shed and walked back into the house. He expected Susan to be in the kitchen making dinner but both the kitchen and the living room were empty. He walked quietly toward his room and saw a light coming from Susan's daughter's old room. He approached the door slowly and peeked in. Susan was leaning over the bed examining some pieces of clothing. He watched long enough to determine that she was trying to select a nightgown. They were filmy, dainty and colorful as he could see when she lifted each

one

a

up to the light. "I'm not going to wear one of those! he thought frantically. He turned and walked away from the door quickly. Hearing the footsteps Susan called out. "Terry, is that you? ·· Supper will be a bit late." But he didn't hear word she said. He dashed into the kitchen. Spying her purse he tore it open and dumped the contents out on the table. He had just snatched up the car keys and ran out the door when Susan burst into the kitchen. She saw the purse and then

heard the sound of her car door slamming shut. As she ran out onto the porch the car's engine sprang to life. The tires threw a cloud of gravel and dirt into the air as the boy raced out of the driveway. She shouted to him but it was lost in the noise of his rapid exit. As she watched from the road she could see the tail lights of her shrinking in the distance.

house.

car

Furious, she strode quickly back into the "I have done plenty for that child," her mind spoke angrily. "And this is what I get in return? He's a spunky one all right! I'm afraid

he's going to have to learn the hard way just how serious I am!" Grabbing the phone she dialed de-

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cisively.

"Hello, police? I'd like to report a My license number is ATV 418 ...the blue Ford Sedan It was taken about fifteen minutes ago... Yes Please call me if there's any

stolen car. car is a 1972 from my driveway I'll be up late. news. Thank you.

...

She smashed the receiver back into the cradle and went to mix herself a good, strong drink.

Terry was speeding down the main highway when the flashing red lights appeared in the rear-view mirror. He shot a glance at the speedometer and realized that in his anger he had been going well over the posted limit. He eased the car over to the side of the road and rolled down the window. Before the officer approached the car he made call on his radio. Terry thought nothing of the delay because the patrolman was alone and they were quite a distance from the town. The man probably had to let the station know where he was. However, he was anxious to be on his way and his legs shook as he waited and hoped that the officer would just give him a ticket and let him go.

α

"May I see your driver's license," the tall policeman said when he finally stepped up to the window. Terry reached into his back pocket and was momentarily shocked as he found it empty. In his haste he had left his wallet at Susan's place. He had never needed it while he was working around the house. "I seem to have forgotten it at home, officer," he said apologetically. "Do you have registration card for the car?" the cop continued. Terry popped open the glove compartment. As he pulled out a plastic case with the card displayed prominently in it he heaved a sigh of relief. The officer examined the card with the aid of a flashlight. "Are you Susan Borden?" he queried. Terry realized suddenly what in the darkness the officer couldn't tell whether he was a boy or a girl! Since he didn't have his license and the car did not belong, to him he made a quick decision to lie to the patrolman. In a much breathier voice he replied, "Yes, I am sir. Was I going too fast?" Before the officer could reply the radio in his patrol car belched out a call for him. Just a minute he said to Terry as he returned to the vehi-

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