Page 175 of Dare To Live

“What do you think about the school reopening and this whole reunion thing?”

A strange expression flits across his face, gone before I can give it a name.

“Until that final year, the school had an impeccable reputation for both its academic teachings and the way it molded its students into decent members of society.”

“Please spare me the official bullshit.”

He laughs. “You’re right. What am I thinking? You’re not a kid anymore. Unofficially, I think reopening Churchill Bradley would be a good thing, as long as they employ the right teachers and learn from the mistakes which allowed Evan Ridley to do what he did.”

“What are you doing now? Would you return as a teacher?”

“I work at a school in Baltimore for under-privileged kids. I get a lot more out of that than I ever did teaching rich kids who didn’t give a fuck.” He shoots me a smile. “Present company excluded, of course. You were always eager to learn in my classes.”

I laugh quietly. “So, no then?”

“No. I wouldn’t come back. I think it would be better to hire new staff. Ones that don’t have a history with the school.”

“Speaking of history, would you answer a question for me?”

“If I can.”

“Who was behind the dares? I’m pretty sure I know, but I’d like confirmation.”

“Who do you think was behind them?”

“The faculty. I’m sure Principal Warren was involved.”

He nods.

“My theory was that they were done to keep us from being too disruptive. By issuing dares, and then telling us not to do them, it gave us something to misbehave with.”

“That’s right. And it worked well for years. Until someone decided to mimic them.”

“Evan.”

“You did, too, didn’t you?” His voice is knowing.

“With Arabella, yeah.” There’s no point in denying it after this much time. “I was working through some stuff.”

“It was a tough year for many of you. I remember Arabella, especially, seemed to be going through some hardships.”

“Yeah, most of them caused by me.”

“You were kids. Most teenagers are awful. Don’t beat yourself up over it.”

Chapter 99

Arabella

“I have to agree with Eli. Chasing after whoever it was at the cemetery is crazy even for you.”

I glance up from the sewing machine. Miles is frowning at me from where he’s sitting across the table.

“What was I supposed to do? Let him get away?”

“He did get away, Bella.”

“Only because he had a car. I got a photo of his plate number.”

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