That Friday was the longest day of my entire life. I retreated to my house to fidget and pace the time away. I was in my room trying to distract myself with a video game when I heard the kitchen door open and close and the sound of Mom's voice.

I raced downstairs to talk to her. She had to know about Galleytrot and Pain. But by the time I made it to the kitchen she was already leaving, her blue and white Mustang racing off down the street.

Instead, I came face to face ...