It had been closed all afternoon.
A strange stillness settled.
Master Sergeant Vale’s hand moved toward her radio.
My mother raised two fingers.
Wait.
Titan growled again.
This time, three other dogs responded, their bodies stiffening, ears forward.
The students sensed the change before they understood it.
The room’s energy shifted from awe to fear.
My mother looked at Principal Wallace.
“Is anyone supposed to be in that room?”
The principal blinked.
“No. It’s just storage.”
“Who has access?”
“Custodial staff. Coaches. Administration.”
My mother’s eyes narrowed.
“Mason, behind me.”
I obeyed immediately.
Titan did not move from my side.
Lieutenant Carter called from near the Navy booth, “What’s going on?”
No one answered him.
Master Sergeant Vale gave a silent hand signal. Four handlers moved along the edges of the court, dogs at heel. Chief Ramirez guided nearby students back from the corner.
My mother walked toward the storage room.
Slowly.
Controlled.
Her entire body changed as she moved.
She was no longer a mother defending her son.
She was something older than that.
Sharper.
read more in next page
