Tapped

Riley’s heart was pounding as she crept into Hurst Hall. She swiftly looked around and noted the halls were empty. As she rounded a corner, she almost lost her balance and fell into a trashcan.

I would make a horrible spy, she thought wryly, but at least I look like one.

After Lexie left that afternoon, Riley had changed into black pants, black ballet slippers and a black top. She reasoned if she was going to steal the paints, she should at least look the part.

Riley entered one of the four art supply rooms and quietly shut the door behind her. One by one, she opened the cabinets in search of blue and silver paint. She quickly discovered the only thing in the room, was different type of clays. Mentally berating herself for not being more prepared, she headed to another supply room. She searched every shelf but still could not find the paint she needed.

The other two art rooms were on the second floor of Hurst Hall. Once she was confident no one was around, Riley sprinted up the stairs, taking them two at a time. Tip-toeing down the hallway, she made her way to the third room. As soon as she entered, she let out a sigh of relief. Paint cans lined every shelf on the four walls. She headed toward the section of blue paint and was dumbfounded at how many shades there were. Finally, she ascertained which blue was the closest to the Knightsmen’s and went in search of silver.

Suddenly, the door creaked open and a figure entered. Riley scrambled to the back of the room. She crouched behind a shelf of paints and prayed the cans would give her enough coverage.

“I know you’re there Riley,” a deep voice called out.

“Damn.” She muttered and rose from her spot. Then the voice registered in her brain. “Carter?”

He moved to the back of room and stood before her. “That’s me.” Carter crossed his arms and leaned against a bookshelf, effectively blocking her only exit. “Tell me, do you normally hang out in supply closets on a Tuesday afternoon?”

Riley ducked her head in embarrassment. “Not really?” She shifted her weight from one foot to another trying to ease her nerves.

He chuckled at her uneasiness. “Do you not know if you regularly hang out in supply closets?”

“Yes. I mean no. I mean…,” Riley trailed off unsure of what to say.

“Well then, maybe you can tell me why you are here?” he questioned.

Riley knew she couldn’t answer that. She decided to avoid the question and flip the tables on him. “Why are you here? You are not a student at Hollins anymore.”

He raised an eyebrow. “Not that it’s any of your business but I teach community art classes.”

“That still doesn’t explain why you are on campus,” Riley pressed on. She hoped this would provide enough distraction for him to forget his previous question.

“The university allows me to use their facilities.” He straightened up and stalked over to Riley. Carter placed a hand on her shoulder and gently backed her up till her body hit the wall. “Now, do you want to answer my question?” His hand squeezed her shoulder. “Why are you here?”

Riley ignored the question again. “How did you know I was in here? I didn’t see anyone when I came in.”

“It’s a little hard to miss a girl dressed in all black running around the building. Not really inconspicuous,” he answered dryly and moved closer to Riley, invading her personal space. “Riley, why are you here?”

By now, Riley knew he was not going to let it go. Before she could think, words rushed out of her mouth. “I’m playing a game of hide and seek.”

His mouth twitched. “Really? Hide and seek?”

She nodded, not trusting her mouth.

“Interesting. Usually hide and seek involves other people.”

“My friends are around here. They are looking for me so I should probably go.” She attempted to move around him.

He moved with her then caged her in with his body. “Now Riley, I think you just lied to me. Tell me the truth.”

Riley sighed with defeat. She decided she would tell the truth excluding the Knightsmen and Lilies. “I have a project I need to complete and I only have five dollars to buy paint. I thought I could borrow the art department’s paint.”

“You mean steal,” he corrected her.

“Not exactly...,” She looked up at him and he gave her a pointed stare. “Okay maybe. But it’s for a good cause. I swear!”