CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

None of them were surprised to see the others at the café partaking in a pre-meal cup of coffee and slice of pie. The ladies in the café were really testing new flavor combinations and exciting ways to make pies not look like pies.

Today, their special was hand-held pies. The flaky, lightly browned crusts held amazing treats inside. Chocolate-chocolate chip silk, lemon-ginger meringue, blueberry cream, and an all-time favorite praline.

"I could sit here and eat another two pies," said Ian, shaking his head.

"Same," nodded Baptiste.

"Baptiste actually had a young man ask about his workout routine in class today," smiled Faith. "I appreciated that you were honest about your diet. I think a lot of these kids are diet or workout obsessed."

"I agree. I just want them to have realistic expectations. We were all blessed by our parents and hard work," he smiled. "But it's important to keep perspective."

"Anyone have any breakthroughs today?" asked Angel.

"Maybe," frowned Mary. "I had a few interesting questions, but I can't be sure. Noah was there as well."

"I agree with Mary. There were some interesting questions but nothing that would have made me point a finger at someone. But there is something going on in that classroom."

"Maybe we should cross-reference the students in our classes," said Baptiste. "If we have common students, we focus on them."

"That's not a bad idea," said Ian. He tapped his comms piece. "Comms? Did you read that?"

"Read and following up. We'll let you know what we find."

"I think some of my students were a bit freaked out about Gifford's death," said Baptiste. "They mentioned that it had been a rough week for them. I have to assume, based on what we know about him, that a lot of these kids knew him. UNO isn't that big."

"Hey, guys," smiled Ashley and Bree walking in the back door. "What are you doing?"

"Pie and coffee. And counting our blessing that we don't have to teach all the time," smirked Ian. "I enjoy it as a break, but damn. I do not want to do this all the time. Kudos to all the teachers out there."

"I know what you mean," smiled Bree. "Having a tough time on this one?"

"We all think that this has to do with the psych class that Mary and Noah took over. It's focusing on fears and phobias and how to overcome those," said Faith.

"Do we think it's something like what happened with that guy Shaw? You know, the one who was tattooing the kids and placing them in their worst fears and letting them go again," asked Ashley.

"It's a good thought, but I don't think so," said Ian. "Whoever is doing this is finding out their true phobia and fear, then killing them using it against them. I cannot imagine how horrible that would be for someone."

"One of the students asked me what my fear was," said Mary. They all quieted, looking at her. "I honestly had a hard time thinking of something, so all I said was losing my family or something terrible happening to my family."

"That won't happen, baby," said Angel.

"I know. But just saying it made my stomach hurt. I know there's no way for anyone to get to any of you, but it still felt wrong to even say it out loud."

"I can see how you would feel that way," said Bree. "Just know that this person can't get to us and most likely can't get to you either. We're talking about an individual or individuals who are early twenties, at most. They have unrealistic expectations of what the world holds for them. They all believe that they're prepared for whatever comes at them, but they probably are not."

"How do we tell if someone is truly unhinged?" asked Ian. "I mean, give me a bad guy pointing a weapon at me, and I get it. This is different. It's subtle, hidden, and that, to me, is even scarier."

"It should be," said Ashley. "Whoever this is, they're hiding who they really are, what they really want. I'm guessing that they want to know how others react when their fears are played out. Maybe he or she believes that if their own fears were to manifest themselves, this will help them to overcome them."

"Any hints as to how to flush this person out?" asked Baptiste.

"Play out the fears of the students in front of the class," said Bree. "I know it sounds terrible, but the technique is used in helping victims of domestic violence overcome their fears. They face an aggressor and overpower them, giving them back their sense of independence and security. Maybe this person needs to see that, and maybe the other students need it as well."

"It's not a bad idea. I think I'd just like to have you and Ashley in the room with us if we do that. It could trigger something we're not ready for," said Mary.

"Just let us know. We'll be happy to help," said Bree. "By the way. There are four pies on the menu for tonight."

They all stared at Ashley and Bree as they walked away, laughing at them. They'd scarfed down all of the pies and were already hungry for more. What were they putting in these things?

"Well, I guess I could work up my appetite before dinner," smiled Ian. "I've never been able to turn away a slice of pie."

"Easy for you to say," said Mary. "I have to fit into professional attire for the time being." Angel kissed her neck, nuzzling behind her ear.

"Baby, the only attire you need around me is your skin. Everything else just doesn't matter."

"Where does she live?" asked the altered voice.

"We don't know, and that's the truth," said one of the young men. "Look, I'm done with you and your torture. You want to report me for cheating on an economics exam, go ahead. I'll deal with the fallout, but I will not do this shit for you any longer."

"Suddenly brave?" laughed the voice.

"No. I suddenly realize you have no power over me any longer. None." He turned to his friend. "Are you with me?"

"Strength in numbers. I'm with you." They turned to leave the darkened room.

"Where are you going? What do you think you're doing? I'll destroy you!"

"Go ahead. Anything is better than this."