parked near the library and walked toward the science building plaza where the freshman had found her.
The autumn wind was cold, carrying the smell of damp earth and river water from the valley.
The concrete plaza was dark.
Every single safety light on the high poles was dead, their black glass bulbs reflecting nothing but the gray clouds above.
I walked to the center of the plaza, my boots clicking softly on the paving stones.
I found the spot near the concrete planter.
The university maintenance crew had tried to wash the stone, but a dark, star-shaped stain remained near the edge of the concrete.
I knelt down on one knee, my trousers soaking up the cold moisture from the pavement.
There was a small, torn corner of green paper caught in the drain cover three feet away, but I left it.
I stood up and walked to the
