“School recordings are confidential.”
“So are student records. That does not mean they can be altered or destroyed.”
“I would never suggest such a thing.”
“I didn’t say you would.”
The silence between us grew heavy.
Emma rested her head against my shoulder. She was exhausted, but I could still feel small tremors moving through her. I wanted to take her home, make hot chocolate, and sit beside her until the fear left her eyes.
Yet leaving immediately would give Halloway time to shape the story.
I lowered Emma gently into the chair beside me and knelt so we were eye level.
“Can you wait here for one minute while I make a call?”
She glanced toward Mrs. Gable.
“Will she stay?”
The question changed the room.
Mrs. Gable’s face lost its color.
I looked at Halloway. “Mrs. Gable should leave the office.”
“She is part of this discussion,” he replied.
“My daughter is frightened of her.”
“I’m not frightened,” Emma said quickly, though her voice shook. “I just don’t want her near the door.”
I placed my hand over hers.
