"I'm not sure how to answer that."
"That's the truth, right there. You mind if we check in with Earl before we hit the security room?"
"No problem." Worry gnawed on Blue's guts. Lila had been gone for more than four hours, and Maddie at least two. If it was the same perpetrator, he was working fast. He would've had to have his eye on both girls to know when and where to snatch them. But how could anyone get into the school? The doors remained locked. Students could go out, but no one could get in without a key, which all teachers and staff had. Maddie had to be in the school. But where? And what had happened during the walk from her classroom to the nurse's office?
They entered the cafeteria.
"That's Earl Blume," said Anelle, nodding toward the buff, gray-haired man sitting at a table with a map and a clipboard. He looked up at Blue and Anelle as they approached.
"Principal," he acknowledged with a dip of his head. "Sheriff."
"Mr. Blume," said Blue. "We appreciate your help."
