Page 28 of Live To Tell

“Your concern is touching, Ms. Blackwood, but no. I don’t teach on Monday mornings and spend my time away from any bothersome students.”

“If I’m bothersome, why would you want me in your class?” I ask.

“You took that rather personally.”

“Not a fan of your job?” I must double-check with Rowan how long Mr. Woodside taught at Thornbrook.

“And how’s my star pupil?” he asks Rowan, who visibly cringes before Mr. Woodside chuckles. “Are you here to hide and ‘study’?”

“Yes,” I reply.

“Detective work or actual study?” he continues.

I’m itching to ask about the tiara. I’m Thornwood’s newest detective, but I’m slowly learning not to throw myself in headfirst. For now, indicating I heard his conversation with the librarian is enough.

“Study. We do so in the library as there’s little privacy in an academy filled with bothersome students.”

“The pains of residential schools.” He shakes his head. “Anyway, as Mrs. Eldridge can’t provide the book I need, I’ll be on my way.”

“What book?” I ask as innocently as possible.

Not a muscle in his face moves. “The Count of Monte Cristo. But apparently the library is short on classic literature.” Mr. Woodside nods at me. “Perhaps I’ll see you in class this afternoon?”

“Undoubtedly,” I say.

He gives me one more long look, taps the desk twice, and leaves.

The librarian turns away, and I glare at the back of her head. “Anything to add?”

She glances over her shoulder. “About?”

“Last night and the tiara.”

Slowly, she turns and sits in the office chair behind her desk. “I never took the item.”

“I know. Why didn’t you report us?” She blinks slowly at me. “Or were you not supposed to be in that room, as I suspected?”

“Where’s the inventory of the confiscated items?” asks Rowan and leans on the reception desk.

“I don’t know.”

“If you’re employed as the custodian, why can’t you override Mrs. Lorcan?” I ask, continuing our rapid fire interrogation.

Her mouth parts. “Were you listening to my conversation with Julius?”

“If you knew more about this tiara, what have you hidden from us?” I demand. “We asked if there were any records or photos, you said no, and suddenly a witch appears to take the tiara!”

“I wasn’t expecting Mr. Whitegrove,” she says, green eyes clear.

“Why does Mr. Woodside want the tiara?”

Again, she blinks. “You misheard.”

“I highly doubt I did. I can clearly hear a conversation between two male students across the library who are discussing their night at the Spring Ball party in lurid detail. This means I had no trouble hearing yours.” I pause. “What is this ‘evidence’ Mr. Woodside claims is attached to the tiara?”

She shrugs. “Like you, he’s concerned about the tiara’s effect on the student and thinks the tiara should be investigated.”

“Why?” I shoot back.

---