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“Copy that.”
I kept to the far wall, avoiding the glass as much as possible. If I could avoid alerting this guy I was in the building, that would allow Tate time to get in and find a good position. Then again, if I stepped on the glass, it would alert the shooter to my location and draw him out.
Except, I only had two guns, and if this guy had an automatic rifle, I would run out of bullets long before him if I didn’t have a good shot.
I crept over to the office, peering around the corner of the doorframe. I made eye contact with one of the office ladies who pointed at the door leading into the hallway. Ducking down, I hid behind the counter and rounded it until I was right across from her.
“Are you hurt?”
She shook her head, but tears filled her eyes. “No, we’re all okay. He was just firing wildly. Not pointing the gun at anyone.”
“What kind of weapon was he carrying?”
“Some sort of rifle. I’m sorry. I don’t know anything about guns.”
“That’s okay,” I whispered. “Are there any classes right now in the east wing?”
She nodded again. “Uh…there’s a shop class and a few special ed classes.”
“What about the band room?”
“No, they don’t have any classes here until the afternoon. The teacher is at the other school for the morning.”
“Alright, how many of you are in the office?”
“Uh…three.”
“Alright, I want you to all get in that room,” I pointed behind her, “and lock the door. Do not open it until you get the all clear.”
She nodded vigorously, then slowly crept out from under the table. I kept my eyes on the door until they were all in the room, shutting the door behind them. I crawled over to the door leading to the hallway and looked through the side glass.
“Nick, do you copy?”
“Loud and clear.”
“I’m in the office by the east hall, about to enter and clear. There are classes in the shop room and a few special ed classes. There shouldn’t be any students in the band room right now.”
“What about the teacher?”
“He’s supposed to be at the other school.”
“Roger that. We’re positioned outside the doors on the east side. We’ll clear the room and head your way.”
“Copy that.”
As quietly as possible, I opened the door and slipped into the hallway. Doors lined both sides of the hall before leading to a staircase that led to the shop room and the band room at the end of the hall.
As I passed each room, I gave a small twist to the handle, making sure they were locked, and also peering inside to make sure the shooter hadn’t entered. It was impossible to clear the whole room, but I couldn’t break the lockdown procedure and have them open the doors when I didn’t have the manpower to help the students and teachers escape.
Once I reached the stairs, there were only two rooms left to clear. If I had to guess, I’d say the shooter was in the shop room. I hoped the students and teacher had time to hide before the shooter got there. But just as soon as I thought it, my hopes were dashed as the shooter stepped out.
I fired off three shots before he took cover behind the alcove wall. Icould see a small pool of blood forming on the ground. At least I’d gotten a hit.
“Put the gun down and step out with your hands over your head!” I shouted.
“Fuck you!”
I rolled my eyes at the unoriginal comeback. “Look, whatever you’re angry about, I’m sure you don’t want to hurt anyone.”