Page 56 of The Game Is Afoot

“Blackmail?” He flashes me that patronizing smile again and I imagine ripping that mustache right off. “That seems like it might be a slight exaggeration.”

I take a deep breath, keeping my mask in place and my tone in check. Because I know being the angry one here isn’t going to help anything.

“She told him she would tell everyone about some weekend in Downey—if he didn’t not only cast Annabelle as Annie, but give her some other kid’s solo, too.”

There’s a flicker of interest in his eyes, but he blinks it away and holds his palms up. “All after-school staff are hired as independent contractors by the district, so it’s really not my place to tell them how to run their program.”

“But Mr. Forest is a teacher here during the school day. And it’s happening atyourschool. The one you’re supposed to lead.” Even as I’m saying it, I know it won’t make any difference, as he’s clearly committed to not hearing me. But I can’t just saynothing.“I’m not the only person who heard her. If you don’t believe me, you can talk to—”

“That’s not necessary.” His fingers tap the desk, and his face is tight with a look of finality. “I know you helped me last fall and I am forever grateful…that is why Ipaidyou the fee my wife promised.” He raises his eyebrows at me, as if he’s waiting for something. A thank-you of my own? Well, he’s going to be waiting a long time then—I earned that money. Who knows what would have happened to him if I hadn’t figured it all out? Finally, he relents. “What I’m trying to make sure you understand here is…I no longer owe you a debt, Ms. Miller. I’m not going to be used in some vendetta against Ms. Holbrook.”

I feel my stank face break through. “What—I’m not—I just want you to do what’s right.”

“Right is relative.” He shrugs. “Isn’t that what you think about your friend Corinne? That’s why you told the police I…bothered her. As if that was an excuse for her assault on me.”

Oh. There it is. I told the police everything Corinne told me that night—of courseI did. So this man is mad at me, trying topunishme, for that honesty?

Right now, with his narrowed eyes, his lips in a thin, smugline, I can almost see him through Corinne’s eyes that night, when he propositioned her, grabbed her arm. It doesn’t fully excuse what she did, but it’s not like he was some innocent victim either. Andhedidn’t face any consequences for his actions—well, except for a couple of weeks tied up in a wine room. But nothing from the cops. He’s here doing his job as normal, so I don’t know why he’s holding a grudge against me.

“You know,” he continues, “if you know anything about where she is, it’s your duty to report—”

“I don’t.”

He flashes me a smile so phony it looks painful. “Well, then maybe you should turn your sleuthing skills there, Ms. Miller, instead of the elementary school production ofAnnie.”

He nods, and his eyes flick to the door behind me and then back to his screen, sending his message loud and clear.We’re done here.

So I mumble a “Thank you for your time” that’s as phony as his stupid smile and walk out. But as soon as I click the door shut, all of the not-calm, not-centered feelings that were swelling inside of me shoot out like I’ve sprung a leak. I do this weird grunty snarl thing, and okay, maybe stomp—but just once.

Ms. Lilliam looks me up and down from her perch behind the front desk, a cup of cinnamon coffee steaming in front of her. “I’ve dealt with enough temper tantrums today if you want to take whatever this is outside.”

But then a small grin appears, the one I’ve been seeing more and more from Ms. Lilliam ever since she decided she doesn’t hate me and will even occasionally tolerate my presence. Her eyes dart to Principal Smith’s closed door, then she leans in and whispers, “But I get it. I wish he was missing again. Mm-hmm, I had things runninga lotmore smoothly around here when he was.”

Good afternoon Mavis,

When you are able, can you provide me with an ETA on the George Washington costume? I saw you were on campus today and thought you might be here to deliver it, but it appears I was wrong. Usually we would have begun dress rehearsals by now, but I can be flexible.

Did I mention we also require a new wig? I felt it might be implied because it is part of the full costume, but I’ll make it more clear here, just in case.

Can’t wait to see what you’ve created!

Thank you,

Mrs. Alene Tennison

Hello Troop 1207 Moms!

Thank you to those of you who have already filled out our parent cookie meeting survey! Friendly reminder to please take a moment to complete the survey if you haven’t already. I need your responses to make important decisions before our pre-cookie-kick-off parent meeting next week and the girls’ cookie kick-off meeting the following week! There are a lot of moving parts during cookie season, so please help me make this our best year yet!!

Also, Dakota’s mom Bethany has graciously invited all of us to her self-care party Wednesday night! How fun!! Her business, Balanced With Bethany, focuses on supporting and empowering all women to take care of themselves, and it has a nonprofit division. So it could be a great option for the philanthropy portion of our cookie funds! Hope to see you there!!

Warmly,

Christine Fountaine

Troop 1207 Leader

Room Mom for Ms. Laguna’s Class

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