The Wild One
Page 14
And besides, he couldn’t leave Isabel alone. He shot a glance at his sister. She was staring into space. She didn’t even look that scared. Just totally out of it.
Max shifted from foot to foot. He wanted to do something. But there was nothing he could do.
Did Valenti have them all? What would he do with them if he did?
The double glass doors flew open and Maria, Michael, Alex, and Liz raced out. “He’s right behind us,” Maria shrieked.
The doors burst open again, and Valenti tore through. He reached out and grabbed Liz by the arm. She tried to twist away, but the sheriff wouldn’t let go. Max started forward. He wasn’t just going to watch this happen.
A loud crack of thunder rocked the parking lot, and a ball of bright white light exploded around the entire mall.
Max dashed up and grabbed Liz, yanking her away from Valenti.
“What’s happening?” Alex yelled.
“Look at Valenti!” Maria cried.
Max stared at the sheriff. He stood inside the circle of blazing light—completely motionless.
“That should hold him for a few minutes—and he won’t remember a thing,” a calm voice said from behind them.
Max spun around and saw Ray Iburg. His crazy boss.
Ray scratched his head. “Did I forget to tell you? I’m not from around here, either.”