Chapter 3

Initially, Steph had put it down to Tom's new role as Performing Arts Director. But when he made an excuse on his birthday, saying he 'had a casting issue to sort out' so he wouldn't be able to come down to her class for lunch, she knew something was up. He loved birthdays so much that he insisted that birthdays were to be celebrated for the whole week following them. Not to mention it was opening night next week. A little late to be making casting changes in her humble opinion.

Unfortunately, those thoughts would become insignificant later that afternoon.

'Mrs Harris?'

'Yes Jackie?'

'What's that man doing?'

'What man? Can you show me.'

Rather than pointing, Jacob indicated the direction with his eyes. One in a long list of his unusual mannerisms.

'Turn slowly,' he said.

Sure enough there was a man at the door to their classroom. To her relief it was just Layton. He'd been a groundsman at King's since before she'd started working there.

'That's just Mr Rushman, Jackie,' she said, moving to unlock the door.

He shook his head.

'Mr Rushman is left-handed, that man knocked with his right hand.'

'He's holding something in his left hand, that's why he's using his right.'

Olive, who was the security guard undercover as her class's student support officer, stepped towards her.

'Mrs Harris, I think he's right.'

Chills went down Steph's spine as she looked over the man outside. He must have noticed their interaction and her hesitation because he reached for his hip.

Olive instantly pressed the button to tint the windows, that was the push Steph needed. She reached in her pocket for the alert bell she'd hoped she'd never have to use.

The children were thankfully more absorbed by the fact that the room was darker than the reality that someone that looked like their groundsman was about to start shooting at them. Or maybe he already was? There were dull thuds coming from his direction. Looks like the tinting also created some sort of soundproofing.

'Okay, I need you all to get to the safe room. Put Jacob at the farthest corner,' Olive instructed softly.

'How am I supposed to value his life more than the other children just because of who his parents are? These kids are all important!' Steph hissed.

'We don't have time for this right now! Just do as I say and take them in there, I'll fight him off if he gets in.'

Steph did as she was told, though with a prickling conscience. Just as the last child, Kenny, was in the safe room, the door swung open. Shaking, Steph shut the safe-room door and stood in front of it. They were going to have to go through her to get to her kids.

When she saw who it was entering the room she nearly collapsed.

It was Tom.

'Are you alright?' he asked, rushing to her side.

'Yes, I think so. Did they catch him? Are the children safe?'

Tom immediately looked worried and turned to open the safe room.

'Wait! Is it safe?'

'What?' He turned to her. 'Oh yes, the guys have subdued him.'

Steph could only nod. Her heart rate was still going a mile a minute.

'Hey, are you sure you're okay?' Tom said, looking deep into her eyes.

'I will be.'

He gave her a hug but after a moment something dawned on her.

'How did you know something happened? The alert only goes to the security detail and local police.'

'Oh, I was, just coming over for lunch. It is my birthday after all.' He looked at the safe room door distractedly.

'Mr Harris? They're taking the threat to base. We need to debrief, are you free now?' a uniformed man said popping his head in the door.

Steph frowned.

'I think you mean Mrs Harris. My husband just arrived.'

The man's eyes grew wide. He'd obviously made a mistake.

Steph turned to glare at Tom but before he could respond, the safe room door opened.

'Jackie! You know you're supposed to wait until a trusted adult opens the door,' Steph said.

'I know, but I turned on the video to the room and I saw Uncle Tom, so I knew everything was okay.'

Steph's jaw dropped.

Uncle Tom?

Her husband– 'Uncle Tom'– avoided her gaze and bent down beside boy.

'How could you be sure it was me? That man outside was in disguise, I could have been too. You should have waited for the code.'

Jack hung his head.

'I'm sorry. I was excited to see you. You missed last family dinner.'

Steph felt like her head was buzzing. Maybe it was just the adrenaline wearing off.

'Mr Harris? I'm really sorry but we need to get the report done asap.'

'Yes, I'll be there shortly. But I think Mr Abbott would be more concerned with his child's safety and emotional wellbeing than a silly thing like a report don't you?'

'Of course, sir.'

Sir?

'Are you alright Jackie? Scale of one to ten, how bad was it?'

The young boy frowned in concentration for a moment.

'A four. It was strange seeing someone that looked like Mr Rushman but it wasn't him.'

Tom stifled a laugh.

Why would that, of all things, make him laugh?

'Your dad would know a thing or two about that. Actually, so do I.'

What does that mean?

Apparently, Jack didn't understand either because he just quirked an eyebrow at Tom. Yet another of his unsettling behaviours.

'Never mind.' He finally glanced at his wife, 'I'm going to leave you with the lovely Mrs Harris, but I'm sure Uncle Ben will come soon to take you home, alright kiddo?'

'Yay, Uncle Fox!'

'I'll see you later Jackie,' Tom said while giving him a tight hug. Steph was sure there were tears in her husband's eyes.

He turned to leave but Steph caught his arm.

'What is going on Tom?'

'I'm really sorry, but I will explain everything later. I'm sorry.'

With that he left, wiping away his tears.