"What the hell?" I asked, glaring up at one of the bodyguards, Francis, who suddenly got in my way when I tried getting into the car and heading out to meet Lionel and Tatiana for our picnic.

We had planned on meeting up at our usual spot by four, so I stayed back after my work closed to get a few markings and gradings done for the tests I had on my desk. This way, I would not have to take them home. Once it was three thirty p.m., I stepped out of the office and locked the door, hoping ...