I've been sitting here since seven. Ten more minutes. Nervous? No. Just terrified. I don't know if it's supposed to seem ironic or dearly cheesy when they ask me to wait for them right where they took her from me. It's like they're trying to rub my nose in the whole thing. "Are you impressed?" they wrote. Psychopathic scum. A kick of sadness hits me. Is it really sadness, because I have a feeling it was pure terror.

7:55

I never knew how fast one's brain can think. Not just the speed. But the capacity too. I mean I've been thinking about Hazel's lips, the car that snatched her from me, daisies, her favorite plate, the fact that I am playing for her life, the smirk one of the captors displayed, Hazel's perfume, her body lotion too, her one sided smile, her red jacket, her grey nail polish, the sight of her abandoned bike, if I will ever get her back, what she's doing now, if she's hurting, detective Danes. I wanted to give him a call earlier but I changed my mind. Calling him will only add to my burdens. He might object my progress in a way or another. Plus he wouldn't believe me. Isn't this the point after all? Tearing the paper down or returning it. They don't want anyone to help me. They want me to remain implausible.

7:59

It' almost time.

I scan the arcs in my vision scope when I spot him. Standing only five meters away. I don't really recognize him but it's all about the way he looked at me. Like he was anticipating something. And when our eyes, not really our eyes but my eyes and his sun glasses, met he grinned mischievously. That was when I lost it and jumped to my feet. I know I wasn't supposed to interfere. I was supposed to follow the rules, right? Do as asked. Nod and submit. But no. My reflexes had other opinions. So I chased him, regretting skipping most of my meals these past days. For I was already tired in just some seconds. I was heaving and easily lost him in a pretty small crowd. I was dizzy and tired so I returned back to that same bench I occupied earlier. My vantage point. That's when I found the paper. Folded as its precursors. So it was a distraction. Well played.

I unfold the paper and read.

Seems like someone was up for a run, huh? Do I have to remind you what's on stake once you try getting out of track? I don't think you forgot. Anyways. I think you deserve another chance since you won me the bet. I gambled with 500 bucks on that chase. MK didn't agree, though.

Okie dokie, let's start the game. You've got three stations. In every station you get a task and a deadline. In the third station, however, you meet with me and your Queen B, of course. In other words, the last station is when you meet the mastermind ;) Fair enough, right? Now leave the paper were you found it and go home. You'll find your first task waiting for you there. I don't have to remind you that once you involve the cops, your girl will be wiped from existence. Do I?

P.S. She's saying hi!

Psychopath. I refold the paper and place it back. I walk home thinking if I was still sleeping because this must be a nightmare. God knows what I will be asked to do. And if I will be able accomplish these tasks. In time.