Tuesday, September 4, 2012, 6:30 a.m.<br/><br/>Two men in blue uniforms walked down the mostly empty halls of Neptune High School towards the front doors.  They had walkie-talkies at their sides and a belt full of equipment.  Badges on their chest and on their caps made them look official; however, the insignia read, Trident Security Service, betraying the rest of the uniform.  Neither had a name tag.  The first man was Caucasian and of slight build, but was older, as evidenced by his grey hair and slower stride.  His co-worker was an African American, middle aged and bald.  His stomach made it clear that he never missed a meal.<br/><br/>As they walked down the halls, they passed several open doors with room numbers.  Between them were several lockers, double stacked for as far as the eye could see.  Each had a lock with a combination.  One, that they passed had the lock removed, which caused the African American man to stifle a giggle.  He turned to his companion and asked, "Hey, Mike, what do you think the stats are going to be this year?"<br/><br/>"I hadn't thought about it, Charlie.  You got any guesses?"<br/><br/>"Yeah, I say a dozen student deaths, three on school grounds, thirty drug busts, about half on school grounds.  At least four dozen assaults on school grounds."<br/><br/>Mike laughed.  "You're getting generous in your old age."<br/><br/>"You think it will be higher?"<br/><br/>"Oh, of course.  Depends how many drop out in their junior year, though.  Always does.  Also depends on how many gang members stay around.  I give it at least a plus five on all of those."<br/><br/>"Care to put a wager on it?  Closest wins?"<br/><br/>"Sure, I'll put five bucks in on that."<br/><br/>Charlie stuck out his hand which Mike shook.  "I hear that there might be a chance that football will break .500 this year.  Soccer is already a third of their way through their the season.  The boys have been mercied only half of their games."<br/><br/>"Yeah?  Good for them.  Not like they have a chance against all the other schools with their kids having gone to all those fancy travel soccer programs.  Have you seen the cheerleaders this year?"<br/><br/>"Oh, yeah!  They're loud and obnoxious as usual - think their shit don't stink.  Want to bet if any get pregnant this year?"<br/><br/>Mike shook his head in the negative.  "Every year there are some pregnancies.  The cheerleaders are better about hiding it.  Not sure whether they get some back alley abortion or go to a clinic but you got to know it happens.  I'd swear I've seen some tummies bulge a little with a few of them."<br/><br/>"Never see it on that Ashley Avery.  She's quite the thing, isn't she?  Head cheerleader this year, dating the quarterback.  Bet she's banking on him getting in college and following him."<br/><br/>"Maybe but bet they'll be Homecoming King and Queen."<br/><br/>"Yeah, little doubt on that."<br/><br/>"So, should we open the doors now?"<br/><br/>"Yeah, what the hell?  Let another school year begin."  Charlie took two metal detector wands from a hidden area and passed one to Mike before taking a key to the door and unlocking it for the general public.<br/><br/>tag - everyone (Welcome to Neptune High)