Beyond that was a gymnasium and a section for storage under the auditorium. “Do you hear anything?” Jacobs called. Tom shook his head. “Split up. You look near the auditorium, and I’ll check the gym.” He sprinted toward the gym; the locker rooms were the first thing he came to. Stopping at the entrance, he held his breath and listened. Soft whimpering and sobbing was coming from near an equipment locker. Tom rushed in that direction and found a little girl. She was the little sister of one of his students. “I had to use the bathroom. I didn’t mean to leave the class.” She looked up at him with tear-stained eyes. Tom knelt in front of her. “Where is everyone else?” This little girl was too young to be one of the students in the rooms on the second floor. She pointed to the gym, then to the auditorium. He took her hand and led her out of the locker room. “There was a strange man,” she said. “I’ll find him. Right now I want you to go outside, through there. Can you do that?” The girl nodded. “Your brother is out on the playground. Go there as fast as you can and stay with him.” She nodded again and said, “I will.” Tom stood and turned when he heard movement behind him. At the same time, he gave the little girl’s back a gentle shove. “Go on. I’ll get the others and be right behind you.” He watched until she was far enough away he knew she’d be fine. Clenching his fists, Tom turned and hardened his stare at the man standing before him. “Archie, what the hell are you doing?” His gaze slipped to keys dangling in Archie’s hand. A glance to the side and slightly behind Archie, and Tom saw a puddle of blood and feet. The shoes on the feet were Mr. Jacobs’s. They both jumped when the door to the gym rattled and someone banged on it. Tom saw a chain had been pulled through the door handles and fastened together with a heavy lock. Tom held out his hand and marched forward, grabbing at the keys and snapping out, “Christ, are you insane? This is a school, you ass! Give me those keys!” Archie came at him and grabbed Tom’s arm, and something sharp was shoved into his side. He carries a shiv. “Come on, you’re getting me out,” Archie growled. Click the banner to find dozens of books!
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