Even after this morning.
Especially after this morning.
I have a sinking feeling this is going to be the longest field trip of my life.
The usher opens the heavy side door, and the noise of the theater dims instantly, replaced by the hush of a darkened service hallway.
He shines a small penlight toward the floor, guiding us forward.
“Restroom’s right ahead,” he whispers.
The corridor is narrow—old building, old bones—so there’s no room for the three of us to walk side by side.
Theo moves smoothly behind me, close enough that I can feel the heat of him, his presence a solid wall at my back.
I turn my head slightly to check on him—and I frown.
Because Theo isn’t the only one behind me.
The usher has slowed.His hand lifts—not with the penlight this time, but something darker, heavier.
“Wait—” I start.
Too late.
He brings his arm down hard.There’s a sickening thud as metal—or worse—connects with the back of Theo’s head.
Theo grunts, dropping to one knee.
“Run!”he shouts, already twisting, already moving, spinning low and tackling the attacker at the knees.
The man yells something sharp and guttural—German, maybe—and suddenly there are more footsteps.
Fast.Closing in from the opposite end of the hallway.
My blood turns to ice.
“Miss Rosetto, I’m scared!”Manny screams.
That snaps me out of it.
“It’s okay,” I lie.
I scoop Manny up without thinking, adrenaline lending me strength I didn’t know I had.We bolt through the first open door we see—an office, maybe a storage room—and I slam it shut behind us.
The lock clicks.
I shove a chair under the handle, then crouch, setting Manny behind a heavy desk, pulling him close, shielding him with my body.
My heart is pounding so hard it hurts.
I want to help Theo.
I need to help Theo.
But Manny is shaking, clutching my sleeve, and my duty—my purpose—is right here.
The sounds outside explode into chaos.
