Roger jumped back. He didn’t think it was possible for someone to sneak up on him in a school hallway. The echoes should have made it all but impossible. Yet someone had snuck up on him.

He turned and found himself facing a man who gave an apologetic tilt of his head. The stranger was tall and thin with a derby hat that didn’t quite hide dark hair underneath. A white collared shirt was tucked into pants that were a little too big. Roger was surprised at how young the man looked.

“I’m sorry to scare you but my daughter, you see, she was just here but she’s run off. Did you see her?”

It was Roger’s turn to be apologetic. “No. Actually I haven’t seen anyone here except you.”

The other man nodded glumly. “Well, my name’s Hank and I’d appreciate it if you could help me find her. Sometimes she gets taken with a notion and frightens herself right out of her wits.”

“My son too. If she ran off, should we get more help? The more eyes, the better.”

Cold and quiet grew.

“You’re the only one I’ve seen tonight.”