Step Down

Chapter 85

James barely slept that night. He went through all the documents, every file, with Lily trying to work out what it could have been that Chloe had that, even vaguely, could represent incriminating evidence against him. By the next sunrise, their eyes were red, their minds fuzzy from too much coffee, and not enough rest.

"I should get ready," James said, rubbing his eyes. "I need to be at the police station soon."

Lily nodded, stifling a yawn. "What should I do?"

"Call our lawyer," James replied. "We're going to need all the help we can get."

As he showered and dressed, he could hear the TV downstairs. The news was still talking about Chloe's accusations. His stomach turned. How quickly everything had fallen apart.

He came downstairs to find Lily on the phone, her voice strained. She hung up as he came into the kitchen.

"That was the school," she said. "They want to know if Ava will be in today. Apparently, some of the other parents have.concerns."

James felt a tide of anger.