Hank agreed and wanted to check out the place Bull said was called the supply shack. If they could find their workshop, they’d find enough evidence to stop them from doing any more harm.

Ketch said he’d go with Hank. If the men were there, Hank would need backup.

Pecos and Benjamin decided to go to the top floor of the science building and stake out points where they could see the ground where a stage had been set up for the event in the morning.

To no one’s surprise, Professor Clark said she was going with Benjamin. Ketch liked the biology teacher. She might not be in shape exactly, but she was a fighter. All three knew the campus well.

Ketch’s low tone was that of the soldier who’d led many missions. “We go in quietly tonight. And we go in armed. Meet back here in an hour.” Like muscle-memory, Ketch knew what to do.

Everyone nodded in agreement and all checked their weapons except Benjamin. He simply took Professor Clark by her hand and asked if he could speak with her for a moment.

As the professors stepped onto the porch, Hank knelt in front of Millie’s wheelchair. “You’ll be safe here. Will you watch over Simon?”

Ketch noticed tears falling from her eyes. Evidently this whole thing frightened the librarian.

“I will,” she whispered.

“I’ll be fine.” Hank played down any danger. “Don’t worry, Millie. This is what I do for a living, and besides, I’ll have Ketch with me.”

She smiled. “Then I won’t worry,” she said as she straightened. “I plan to learn Simon’s game while you’re gone.”

The sheriff rose from an old chair in the corner of the room. “I’m staying here, boys. I’m too old to run around after dark, chasing ghosts. If any of you get into trouble, dial 911 and they’ll patch you through to me. I’ll have a few highway patrolmen at the edge of town and anything else you need. I think I’ll be your backup tonight. If any one of you don’t make it back in one hour, I’ll be on my way.”

The others all nodded.

Chapter 36 - Ben

Chapter 36

Ben

Ben could barely make out Jenny’s big blue eyes in the moonlight as it spread over the porch. “You can’t go with me, dear one. You need to stay here. I’ll be back, I promise. All I’m doing is mapping out where the speech will be.”