321. Next of kin

Apart from the big teenage boy who is sitting in the far corner by the right inside the principal's office, there's no one else around. The boy who I guess is Lucas looks at us questioningly, expecting us to say or ask something but I ignore him in the meantime.

'That must be Lucas.' Eric says through the mind link as we both look around the room.

'It must be...' I reply, my eyes focus on the empty sofa nearest to the picture window. 'She was certainly here. Her essence is stronger here. I wonder if that belongs to her?' I nod towards the girlish backpack sitting on the floor near the sofa.

'Maybe she didn't leave like you thought. Obviously, this place is a waiting room. Maybe she's inside that room with the principal.' He says, looking at another closed door inside the office.

'Yeah, maybe.' I reply, walking to where the bag is sitting.

The nearer I get to the chair, the stronger the fragrance of her essence.

'This sure belongs to her.' I say and pick the bag up. Before I know wha