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too many years living under the Science Police.”
    And with that, Kiel knocked his hands up into the police officer’s, reversed the handcuffs, and latched them onto the officer’s wrists instead. Then he disappeared into the night, his black cape and clothes cloaking him in the fire’s shadows.
    â€œSuspect escaping on foot!” one of the cops shouted into his radio. “We need backup!”
    â€œHe didn’t do it!” Owen shouted as an officer dragged him by his cuffs back to the police cars. “Why won’t you listen to me?”
    The officer opened his squad car door and tossed Owen into the back, as even more sirens filled the air, and the whirring of a helicopter sounded from a far-off distance. A helicopter ? The police officer jumped into the front seat and began fiddling with his computer.
    â€œThe guy who did this is named Doyle Holmes!” Owen shouted. “He kidnapped a friend of mine, Bethany Sanderson!”
    The police officer frowned, then pushed some buttons on the computer screen. “I’d advise you to keep your mouth shut until you get to the station. Anything you say can and will be used against you, as I said.” The computer beeped, and he paused. “Also, there’s no record of a Bethany Sanderson in this town, so maybe come up with a better story next time.”
    â€œWhat?” Owen said. “Of course there’s a record. She’s my classmate! Call her mom, she’ll tell you!”
    â€œI have a Stephanie Sanderson, thirty-nine,” the police officer said. “No dependents, though.” He abruptly shifted the car into reverse and, without looking, slammed on the gas, narrowly missing the other squad car and two light poles. “Base, I’m coming in,” he said into the radio on his shoulder. “Have one of the arsonists from the library. Throw the book at this one.” The officer turned to glare at Owen. “He deserves it.”
    Owen’s eyes widened, and he turned to the door, only to find it had no handle on the inside. Had Kiel been right? Was this a huge mistake?
    And why was there no record of Bethany?
    â€œ Please believe me,” Owen said to the police officer. “My friend is in danger. This guy, Doyle Holmes, said that we’ve got two hours before we never see her again.”
    â€œYou might never see the friend who doesn’t exist again?” the officer said. “I’ll be sure to alert the FBI.”
    â€œI’m serious!” Owen shouted as the officer slammed on the gas again, sending the car bursting out into traffic. Owen quickly grabbed the door’s arm rest just to hold on as the car weaved in and out of the few vehicles on the road this late at night, driving at least ninety miles per hour down the street. “She’s in real danger! This Doyle guy isn’t from around here!”
    The police officer looked back at Owen, his eyes not even on the road as he continued to swerve. “Boy, you’re just really digging yourself in deeper, aren’t you?” he said, smirking.
    Owen sighed and collapsed back against the seat, then glanced down at the watch on his wrist: 01:55:46.
    Kiel had been right. This was a huge mistake.
    But maybe that was okay. Kiel was still free, and he was a hero . He was probably out there right now, finding Bethany all on his own. Knowing Kiel, in fact, Bethany was probably free already!

CHAPTER 13
    01:55:46
    I t took Bethany several minutes to realize that she wasn’t dreaming the sound of running water. She opened her eyes and immediately gasped.
    She was in a room made entirely of cement, it looked like, though it was so dark she almost couldn’t see. The only light came from the ceiling, where grates let in streams of water. The room was empty except for large metal shelves against one wall, cameras in each corner, and whatever she was sitting on.
    Bethany tried to stand, only to find she