It was Thursday, and that meant bowling. Tonight, though, she was a mess: Frank’s team were to snatch her as she walked home and nervous energy thrilled through her system. She was bowling like a drunk.

“What’s the matter?” Michael had been glued to her side all evening. Why tonight, Mikey? she screamed in her mind, Two years and you pick TONIGHT?

“I’m just not feeling too well tonight,” she said, truthfully enough. It was nearly time to go and her heart was pounding in her chest. “In fact, I’m going home.” She stood, waved goodbye to the gang and headed for the exit.

She’d not gone far when she realised that she was being followed.
“Katie, hang back a moment.” It was Michael.
“I’m going home, Mikey. I’ll see you tomorrow.” She tried to be as firm as she could, but he was having none of it. “I’ll just see you home.” Determinedly, he linked his arm with hers and they walked on together.

All her life, her destiny had been dictated by others. Tonight was not so different.