AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Ready?” Melanie asked.
“I guess so.” He shrugged.
Audrey gave her a curious look.
“We have to discuss a few things.”
“Outside of school?” Audrey was concerned Melanie was overstepping.
“Won’t be long.” Melanie was very good at answering questions without actually answering them.
She unlocked her desk drawer, removed her purse, and relocked it. Gilmour was still standing in the hall. He gave her an inconspicuous nod. He wouldn’t be far behind.
* * *
Walker and Melanie left the building in silence. She knew she was taking a big risk. Not physical harm, but her job. She would deal with the repercussions later. Right now, she had to try to save a family.
It was a five-minute walk. Before they reached the coffee shop, he stopped. “I’m really sorry about this morning.” Then silence again.
Melanie didn’t respond. She didn’t want to lie and say, “Oh, it’s okay,” because it wasn’t. She would consider accepting his apology after their chat. Too many people throw out expressions of regret like throwing confetti on New Year’s Eve.
They stood in line to order their coffees. Mocha latte for Melanie and decaf for Mr. Walker. Good move. After they got their java, they found a quiet corner to sit.
Melanie began. “Mr. Walker, you should know that our school policy is not to discuss gender issues outside of the classroom.”
He looked confused. “Gender issues? Why not?” His voice was calm.
“There are a number of legal battles around the country citing the Fourteenth Amendment, which in some interpretations grants parents the right to determine what their children are taught in school.”
“Has that changed?” He furrowed his brow.
“Not exactly. As of now, school districts can make their own decisions.”
“Was anyone going to tell the parents they don’t have a right to know what’s going on in school?” He rubbed his forehead.
She didn’t want to get into politics, so she moved on. “It’s tough raising a kid today. But I have to tell you, Jerome is a very bright, considerate, and compassionate boy. Those qualities have to come from somewhere.” She paused, giving him an opportunity to think about what she and Lynch had said to him about his son.
“Yeah. He studies hard.” Walker looked down at the table. “I know I got a little rough with him once.”
Only once? Melanie thought. “Do you want to tell me the circumstances?” She was being very, very careful.
“He was messing with his mother’s makeup, and I slapped it out of his hands.”
“What happened after that?”
“His mother came running into the room, and I shoved her.” He held his head in his hands. “I am not proud of it.”
“Mr. Walker, I must ask you—and please be honest—was that the only incident?”
He looked up abruptly. “Why? What did she say to you?” His voice had gotten louder.
“Nothing. I’m simply trying to see the whole picture.” She took a moment. “I hate to see families in strife, especially if there’s a remedy.” Melanie wanted to get as much insight as possible. “Tell me more about you. What kind of work do you do?”
“I work as a supervisor at the local bottling plant.”
“Do you like your work?”
“It’s alright, I guess.”
