The moon hung high, casting pale shadows over the darkened estate.
Inside, the room was silent except for the slow ticking of the clock. Derrick stood near the closet, pulling on a pair of black pants.
He moved with quiet precision, careful not to wake Mona. But as he slipped on his black hoodie and reached for the door, her voice stopped him.
"Derrick," Mona called softly from behind him, her voice laced with confusion. "Where are you going this late?"
Derrick didn't turn around. His hand rested on the doorknob, his hood covering half his face.
"I have to get to somewhere very important," he said flatly. "I need to get some things fixed."
Mona sat up in bed, frowning. "It's almost midnight. Can't this wait until morning?"
"No," Derrick replied sharply. "It's only at this kind of time that battles are being won."
"But..."
"Don't concern yourself too much," he cut in before she could finish. "I'll be back before you know it."
