Chapter Thirty-one

Emily and Will walked out of Principal Andrews' office, the tension from the meeting lingering in the air. Emily felt a mixture of relief and worry; although the evidence presentation went well, the ultimate decision remained in the hands of the school board. Will kept a contemplative face as they climbed into their automobile.

"What's on your mind?" Emily inquired, feeling his uneasiness.

Will looked at her, his brow wrinkled. "I can't shake the feeling that Claire isn't working alone."

Emily scowled as her thoughts raced. "What do you mean?"

"Think about it," Will replied, starting the vehicle and driving out of the parking lot. "Claire's been relentless in her attempts to discredit you, but organizing so many parents to lodge complaints seems...extreme, even for her."

Emily considered his remarks. "You're saying someone else might be behind this?"

"Or, at the very least, helping her," Will said. "Claire has always been competitive, but this degree of manipulation requires more than