Elian I finally struck a deal with Melvin. I didn't have any choice. Where will I start from? I had no idea what the hood was all about. I needed someone to let me know everything. If it deemed fit, I might escape before fulfilling my own part of the bargain. Melvin said he wanted to see his mother and that was his reason for helping me put. I couldn't trust him completely but I had no other choice. He was the only one willing to help me at this crucial moment. He had agreed to take me through a survey of the hood. Melvin had untied me to have a great sleep. A kick jerked me up from sleep and I jumped to my feet. My back still ached badly from the whips. "Follow me", Melvin said. I staggered along as he took me to a secluded area in the hood. It was my

