Super Dark (Super Dark Trilogy) by Tanith Morse Read Free Book Online Page B

horrible sense of being watched. Instinctively, I turned around and saw—nothing. The seats behind us were totally empty. Perhaps I’d just imagined it, but it was an odd feeling—the same feeling I’d had all those years ago, just before the white van drove up.
    Am I just being paranoid?
    Fifteen minutes later, Lee returned to sit with us. It was now Hannah’s turn to bowl, and she was doing a pretty good job of it after the coaching session she’d had with him. Becky, Marie, and now Hannah. Everyone had had their turn in Golden Boy’s arms. I was so mad I could barely speak.
    “Hey, Sam, want an apple?” Frasier asked, unzipping his sports bag.
    I shook my head, so he offered the apple to Lee. Then he got out one for himself and continued watching the game. I lowered my eyes as Lee bit into his apple and tried not to listen to the loud noise as he ate. Glancing around, I saw a couple of girls watching him. The way they were staring it would appear as if they’d never seen someone eat an apple before. I shifted awkwardly in my seat, crossed my legs, and tried to focus on the game.
    A couple of hours later, things were just about ready to wrap up. Frasier and I went to check in our shoes and grab out coats. As we waited for the reception girl to come back, I watched Lee and Becky link arms. They were so close, it was nauseating.
    “What are you doing afterward?” Hannah asked me. She still wasn’t talking to Frasier after he’d blasted her.
    “I’ll probably head home,” I said, turning to go. “It’s getting late and I’m tired.”
    Outside it was dark, as most of the shop fronts had their lights off. A cold, wet breeze stung my face. The group lingered in the parking lot for a few minutes, saying our goodbyes. There was a brief discussion about how people would be getting home. Most of them would be taking the bus.
    Lee released himself from Becky’s grip and dug through his pocket till he found his car keys. He pressed a button on the key chain and the doors to a yellow Lotus Esprit unlocked.
    “Wow, that is one cool car!” Jermaine said. “What does she do zero to sixty in?”
    “Four point eight seconds,” Lee replied with a grin, adjusting his cap. “Well, I’ve got room for one of you. Who needs a ride?”
    “Me!” Becky squeaked, and before anyone could protest, she’d crossed the parking lot and jumped in the passenger seat.
    “Well, I guess that’s decided, then,” Lee said. Fleetingly, his eyes rested on mine as he waved goodbye and joined Becky in the car. Within seconds, they were gone.
    “Come on, Sam, let’s walk to the bus stop,” Frasier said.
    As we plodded up the street, I felt a drop of rain. The evening was about to get worse.
    ***
    “Sam, I’ve got Neil on the phone for you.”
    “What?” I said, pulling off my headphones.
    Mum was standing by my bedroom door, holding out the white cordless phone, her lips tight with disapproval. “It’s Neil. He says he wants to talk to you. He says it’s urgent.”
    I checked the time on my iPod. Eleven pm.
    Whatever Neil wants, it must be pretty important for him to be calling me at this late hour.
    I switched off the iPod and tossed it on the dresser. Then I pulled the pillows into a pile and slouched back against them.
    “Here,” Mum said, handing me the phone like it was something dirty. “Talk to him.” With a scowl, she turned and hurried away.
    “Sam?” Neil said when I answered. His voice sounded strange.
    “Yes, Neil, it’s me,” I said. “Are you okay?”
    “I don’t know, to be honest,” he replied. “I’ve got some bad news about Elliot.”
    My heart skipped a beat as I braced myself for the worst. A thousand scenarios flashed through my mind.
    “Do you remember me telling you about a possible sighting of Elliot in Liverpool?” Neil asked.
    “Yes, a boy was seen at a gas station several days after Elliot went missing,” I replied.
    “Well, Harry managed to track the boy down to Newcastle.”
    My