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“Hi, Principal Tucker,” I say, pulling all of the girls eyes my way. “Is everything okay?”
“First of all, Daniel is fine.”
I sag, relieved. “Thank God,” I breathe, and Beau, Pearl, and Anya all deflate too, feeding off my energy.
“But I do need you to come in, Mrs. Black. There’s been an incident. The police have been called.”
“The police?” I blurt.
“Yes, Mrs. Black.”
Oh shit. This isn’t good. Not for Daniel or his dad. “I’m on my way. And, Principal Tucker?”
“Yes?”
“Do not call Daniel’s father.”
“I already tried calling him.”
“Fuck.” I wince. “I mean, darn.”
“He is the primary contact.”
“Is he?” Why didn’t I know that?
“He didn’t answer.”
Fucking hell. “I’ll call him now,” I say, hurrying to the car. “I’m on my way.” I head to the passenger door, looking back at Fury as Tank automatically slips into the driver’s seat. “Can you call Len to bring another car?”
He nods, and Beau rushes over. “Do you want me to come?”
“No, it’s fine,” I assure her, although I am positively stressed, not just because Daniels’s in trouble, but because Danny is going to flip out. “I’ll see you back at the hou— No, wait. You should definitely come.” Beau might know the cops, therefore may be able to sweet-talk them should any sweet-talking be required.
Better than letting my husband loose. But what the hell has happened?
Lennox is waiting on the steps outside when we pull up, and I’m out of the car fast, dialing Danny again. God damn it, why the hell isn’t he answering? Neither is Esther. “Hey,” I say, stuffing my cell in my purse. “You’ve met Beau,” I say as we approach Lennox.
“On one of the many drop-offs and pick-ups.” He smiles at Beau, looking far more relaxed than I feel. “Nice to see you again.”
“You too.”
“Let’s find out what our boys have been up to, shall we?” Lennox sweeps out a hand in gesture, and I lead the way, my erratic heartbeats continuing. Yes, let’s. I throw a quick prayer to the heavens, hoping it’s something trivial and won’t get my son thrown out of this amazing school. I remember the day we came to visit—like a proper family. I was smiling like an idiot the whole time, constantly straightening Daniel’s shirt when the principal wasn’t looking, so much so, Danny started pulling me back every time he detected an opportunity for me to fuss. But I really wanted Daniel to come here. It’s an impressive facility, the security is second to none, and even Lennox sent Barney here when he decided to relocate back to Miami.
I press the buzzer and we’re let through the gates and met at the door by Mrs. Carnaby, the friendly receptionist. She always offers smiles and coffees. Not today. Today, we only get offered a seat before she returns to her desk.
When Principal Tucker swings his door open, I hate the look on his face. He means business. And when I see Daniel sitting in his office, head bowed, I fear the worst. Shame. It’s rampant. Oh, God, what’s he done? My fear isn’t helped when I see two cops enter the reception area.
“Do you know them?” I ask Beau, and she shakes her head.
“Please, come in.” Principal Tucker opens the way.
“I’ll wait here,” Beau says. “But if you need me . . .”
I nod and like two naughty children, Lennox and I stand, silent and pensive. “Just Mrs. Black,” he says, as Barney emerges, looking sheepish.
I feel Lennox look down at me. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah.” I pretend within an inch of my life, entering and sitting, my eyes on Daniel, silently demanding him to look at me. He doesn’t. I peek over my shoulder when the two officers join us, my heart now pounding. Fucking hell.
