Mr. Chalk 11

11

That afternoon, a taxi pulled up to the main entrance of the Shreveport State University. Mr. Chalk got out and slowly walked over to a large outdoor campus map. Shreveport State University was a large university with many faculty buildings spread out over sixty acres. As Mr. Chalk carefully studied the map, a young man approached carrying an SSU backpack.

“Do you need some help?” inquired the man as he smiled at Mr. Chalk.

“Why yes,” said Mr. Chalk, “I’m looking for the Department of Antiquities.”

The young man removed his sunglasses to look at the map.

“You’re in luck,” he replied, pointing at the map, “it’s in the Doreen Building of the Arts.” Looking up at Mr. Chalk, he pointed to the right. “Just follow this pathway about two blocks and it’s on your left.”

Mr. Chalk stared down the pathway towards the Doreen Building.  “Thank you very much for your assistance, you have been most kind,” he said.

“Don’t mention it,” replied the young man, “my name is Bradley Dubell,” as he nodded politely towards Mr. Chalk. “Would you like me to escort you to the Doreen Building?” he asked.

“That won’t be necessary, thank you,” replied Mr. Chalk as he began to move away from the Campus map.

The young man fixed his sky blue eyes on Mr. Chalk as he watched him disappear into the milling crowd of students. Suddenly his concentration was broken when a student behind him began yelling at her friend.

“My backpack is gone,” she exclaimed, “you were supposed to watch it for me.” 

Dubell replaced his sunglasses and slowly lowered the backpack he was holding onto the ground. Taking a step away from the backpack, he pretended to intently study the Campus map.

“There it is,” she cried, and ran over to where Dubell was standing. Picking up her backpack, she gave Dubell a quick glare of suspicion and then returned to her friend. Bradley ignored her and continued to pretend to study the Campus map.