“Mr. Cass, you have my word, as a teacher, a professional, and a human being, none of this is true.”
“Then explain why young Mr. Hansen dropped your classes due to—how’d he put it?—differences of opinion.”
This wasn’t right. Alan had begged to join my second period, and he was devoted to band. Alan liked me. I liked him.
“Mr. McCabe must have—”
“Oh, for heaven’s sake!” Cass shouted. “You make it sound like there’s some grandiose conspiracy at work! You think folks around here have time to plan an elaborate trick on you, Merlin?”
“I didn’t do anything!” I tried one last time, feeling defeat sink into every bone in my body.
“Bowen Merlin, I’m sorry, but the safety of our school and our children come first.”
“No,please, Cass.”
“You are on unpaid leave until the superintendent makes a formal ruling. Effective immediately, we will have a sub sit in on your classes. I’ve already spoken with your principals at the elementary schools and they are in agreement with this decision.”
“But the concert—”
“Will be canceled,” he answered solemnly. “Please go collect your belongings from your classroom and leave your keys here with me.”
I’d woken up this morning on top of the world. And in less than twelve hours, it was all gone.
My career.
My livelihood.
And, I think, my relationship.
Chapter Thirteen
11 Days Until Christmas
I STOODin the doorway of Stephen’s accounting classroom. I didn’t even remember walking this way after finishing with Cass.
“Bowen?”
I glanced up. Stephen was standing from his computer desk. His smile quickly dissipated. I probably looked like a disgusting red mess.
“Are you okay? You look like you’ve been—”
“I just got fired,” I stated, interrupting him.
Stephen paused midstep as he’d been walking toward me. “You what?”
“Or… unpaid leave until I’m formally fired.”
“Jesus Christ,what happened?”
I opened my mouth, but nothing really came out.
Stephen was standing in front of me by then, hands on my shoulders. “Bowen?”
“I think I could use a drink,” I finally said. “Are you thirsty?”
He didn’t say anything. Stephen just nodded, grabbed his coat from the rack beside the door, and followed me into the hall.
We both drove to Eatery on Main Street, and it wasn’t until we were sitting down at a table that the smell of food coming from the kitchen reminded me I’d not eaten all day. But I couldn’t stomach something if I tried. My gut was so twisted up, I could hardly choke down the water put in front of me. I listened as Stephen requested a whiskey, and when the waiter questioned him about food, Stephen asked for a plate of fries we could share.
