The Return of Black Hood – A Riverdale Story (Chapter 2)

„No, Dilton Doiley can't be Black Hood!", Betty thought. „He's much too thin and much too small."

Then she swallowed the pill.

But Mr. Weatherbee? Is he a more likely candidate? You don't become a principal if you are crazy, do you?

„Hey Dilton. Why do you think that Mr. Weatherbee is Black Hood?"

„First of all, like Black Hood he's got a strict moral code. Maybe he couldn't stand watching all the rotten things that are happening in Riverdale. Maybe he thought that it was time to act. Maybe he thought that talking wasn't enough anymore. Imagine how many examples of bad behavoiur a principal like him has to hear day after day. Maybe he became aware how helpless he was and this feeling of impotence piled up so much that he exploded."

„Yeah, maybe", Betty answered slowly. She felt strangely tired and wondered if this was good or bad. She tried hard to concentrate so that she could put the next question into words.

„And how could he bring us her without being noticed? And without help?"

„Well, perhaps he HAD help."

„By whom?"

„By his staff, the teachers. Maybe his secretary."

„This sounds like a conspiracy."

„Maybe it is."

„I don't know. I only know that I want to get out of this place. Will you help me, Dilton?"

She tried to prove her determination by taking some quick steps but the weakness in her bones made it difficult.

„Phew. This pill is really strong...", Betty groaned.

„I'm sorry, Betty. I just wanted to take your fear away."

„You better take ME away, Dilton! Away from this place! Come on! Give me some light!"

„Of course. You can have my flashlight, Betty."

„Thanks, Dilton."

When Betty took this tool, she wondered how heavy it was. Or was it her who was too weak?

„I think I need a rest", Betty admitted after a few seconds.

„That's okay, Betty. Take your time."

The girl sat down on the ground. But soon sitting wasn't enough. She wanted to lie, she wanted to sleep.

„Dilton. I ...", were the last words before Betty fell asleep.

When she woke up and opened her eyes, she was blinded by the light. But this light didn't come out of Dilton's flashlight. It was daylight. The next thing she noticed were the trees around her.

„Where am I?", Betty asked, still in a daze.

„You're safe, Betty!", she heard Dilton say. „Because I saved you."

„So you finally found a way out of that cave?"

„Yes, I did. I followed the rats that led me out of our prison. Then I carried you here. I'm sorry that I'm not strong enough to carry you home."

„Don't apologize, Dilton. I'm very thankful for what you did", Betty said and touched Dilton's arm softly. „Do you have any idea where we are?"

„No, I'm sorry. I'm a bad scout."

„Don't say that. I'm sure you will find a way home. I believe in you."

„Thank you, Betty. That's all I need to know. With your faith in me and your help I will find a way."

„I'm afraid that I can't help you very much."

„Don't be so hard on you. You're a smart girl. You're a second Nancy Drew!"

„No, I'm not."

Betty suddenly remembered that Black Hood knew about her childhood obsession with this girl detective. Now she wondered if Dilton mentioned her name by chance.

„Dilton, did you know that I was a Nancy Drew fan when I was a child?"

„No, I didn't. And how could I? We hardly spoke to each other."

Well, speaking was not the only way to find out things, Betty thought and shivered. Was she really safe here?