“Sounds good. We’ll hear if Peterson is found, so until then, we can wrap up what we have.”
The two men headed back to their vehicle, the weight of the case still bearing down on Jack’s shoulders as an uncomfortable feeling slithered through him. David was desperate, making him the most dangerous person in this investigation so far.
32
The events of the morning hit Baytown High School like a tidal wave as the day wore on. Rachel was in her final class of the day and worked hard to keep the students on task even though all they wanted to talk about was the senior who’d been taken away by ambulance. With one minute left, she was glad to have them gathering their backpacks.
Principal Martine’s voice came over the intercom, requesting all staff to report to the library for a meeting at the end of the day. Her tone was tight and controlled, but the undercurrent of stress made Rachel's stomach clench. She waved goodbye to the students, wishing she could hug Carson, Robbie, and Ben, who looked as though they’d swallowed glass all period.
By the time Rachel reached the library, it was already packed with teachers, all of them speaking in low, worried voices. She found Cindy and Laura near the back and slid into the empty seat beside them.
“Is this about Terrance?” Cindy whispered.
Rachel shrugged. “Probably.”
The principal stood at the front of the library, her expression grave. She waited until the room quieted, then spoke.
“As many of you know, a student had a medical emergency today, and I want to thank the teachers who were able to respond so quickly. Also, our school resource deputy and nurse assisted, and I also thank them. We never know when a medical emergency can happen, so again, thanks to everyone, even if you stayed in your room to monitor the students who wanted to rush into the hall to see what was happening. I’m proud of this faculty’s ability to handle an emergency.”
An emergency. Rachel blinked at the description of what had happened. It seemed like such a simple word to describe what they had been through. But I suppose “student in respiratory distress from illegal steroid use” might not be the description the school board would like to have out right now.
“I can report that I have been in contact with Terrance Bogdin’s parents, and Terrance is stable, currently in the Eastern Shore Hospital. At this time, that is all the information I have to discuss, but I will keep you up to date on any changes that come about.”
“Come on… you know we’ve all heard the rumors about the wrestling team. Steroids and all kinds of drugs.”
Rachel jerked her head around to see who was speaking, not surprised to see it was one of the history teachers, known to be outspoken and unapologetically blunt.
The room erupted. Voices rose in shock and disbelief, teachers turning to each other with wide eyes and urgent questions.
“Of course, he’d be the one to start blabbing,” Cindy muttered.
Principal Martine held up her hand. “I can't give you all the details, as this is an active investigation. But I want you to know that the sheriff's department has been working closely with us to ensure student safety. If any of you have information relevant to this case, please contact our resource deputy.”
After the meeting, Rachel looked around to see what David was doing while this was being discussed, but she didn’t see his face in the crowd.
Cindy sighed heavily. “I can’t imagine what Jacqueline will have to contend with when the parents of the wrestling team get word about this. They've put so much work into their sport this year, and I hate to see it disrupted.”
“Yes, but the Virginia High School League may disqualify them for the season,” Laura added.
Rachel hadn't even thought about that. The season was more than halfway over. The boys had been training, competing, and building toward the state meet. She had no idea what was happening with David, but the thought that the whole team could be disqualified was sobering.
“The press will get a hold of this, and it will be all over the news,” Cindy added.
Rachel nodded, understanding settling over her. This wasn't over. Not really. The investigation would continue, there would be trials, and the media would descend. But at least she hoped the immediate danger was past.
She finally gathered her things and headed for the parking lot, glad the teaching day was over. Her phone buzzed with an incoming call, and Shiloh's name lit up the screen. Rachel smiled. Of course Joseph would know. Between his work at the Marine Police department and his law enforcement connections, news traveled fast.
She fired off a quick text. Leaving now. I'll call you when I get home.
Rachel climbed into her car and spent the time driving to her home attempting to process everything that had happened. It felt surreal. Like something that happened in movies or big cities, not in Baytown.
Once home, she climbed the stairs to her second-floor unit, key in hand, already planning what she'd make for dinner.
Inside, she kicked off her shoes and dropped her bag by the door. Rachel changed into comfortable leggings and an oversized Navy sweatshirt, a gift from Jack years before. She slipped on her thick socks before padding to the kitchen to open the fridge and scan the contents. Not much. She'd need to go grocery shopping this weekend. For now, she pulled out some leftovers and stuck them in the microwave.
While the food heated, Rachel called Shiloh.
Her aunt answered on the first ring. “Rachel! Are you okay?”
