Chapter 46. Coming Home

20 YEARS AGO AT CAST NEW, NEW ORLEANS

Rick made his way down the corridor and out of the newsroom. The hallway used to be crowded, but it was now so quiet that you could hear a pin drop. There are no signs of any of the reporters leaving for field work. Even the janitor who often occupies the hallway wasn’t present. He heard strange, rapid activity in the corridor.

He has looked around twice, but neither time has he seen anyone. He sensed that he wasn’t by himself. He had the impression that something wasn’t right.

When he heard the swift movement for the third time, he swirled. There was still no sign of anyone around. He smirked to himself. Only one person in his life would put on this move. “Daryl, I know it’s you!” he said. “Quit messing around!”

He still needs to use the restroom, and the men’s room is just a short distance away. A loud scratching sound rang in his ears deeply as he proceeded to walk down the hallway. He was struck from behind before he