Chapter Twenty-five

Claire Montgomery walked into Madison Middle School the next day, full of energy. She enjoyed the idea of Emily squirming under the weight of the complaints. For far too long, Emily Taylor had been the faculty's golden child, beloved by students and revered by colleagues. Claire felt nauseous.

She made her way to the teacher's lounge, a smug look on her lips as she learned details concerning Emily's probation. She poured herself a cup of coffee and took a seat, listening with delight as her colleagues expressed their concerns.

"Did you hear about Emily?" a teacher asked quietly. "I can't believe all those complaints."

"Yeah," another responded. "She's always appeared so capable. "I wonder what happened."

Claire leaned forward, seeming concerned. "It's quite sad. I've always believed Emily was a terrific teacher, but maybe she's been suffering more than we think."

The other instructors agreed, and Claire's grin broadened. This was going just how she had intended. But while she drank he