Page 35 of Bring Them Home

She was disappointed Ivan wasn’t likely to offer any insight into Paul’s personal life, but it sounded like others here could. “We’ll need to speak to the teachers and staff. One of them could have something to say that would help our investigation.”

“Yes, of course. It’s all so sad. Paul was a very sociable man. He made friends with everyone. Do you have any idea who did this to him?”

His summary of Paul made his murder even more tragic. The world needed more friendly people. “It’s early yet, but we’re doing all we can to get that answer.”

“Let’s hope someone here can shed some light on things. Class will let out soon. I could have Anna announce for the faculty to hang back afterward.”

Amanda glanced at the clock on the wall. They soon had to leave for Manassas if they were going to be on time for the autopsy. But the opportunity to speak to everyone at once was too good to pass up. “We appreciate the offer and will take you up on it.”

“Okay, good. You can answer questions that might come up too. This will help everyone if a student comes to them wanting to understand.” He pushed a button on the phone on his desk, and Anna’s voice came over its speaker.

“Yes, Mr. Zimmerman?”

“Please page for teachers and other faculty to report to the teachers’ lounge after class.”

Silence. Then, “I’ll do so immediately.”

Anna’s voice was soon coming over the speaker mounted near the ceiling in Ivan’s office.

Amanda cringed upon hearing it, wondering if her sleuth of a daughter was putting any of this together.

“The students are going to be heartbroken when they find out,” Ivan said. “I’ll need to arrange an assembly for tomorrow morning to let them know. Paul’s unfortunate family. If there’s anything I can do for them, let me know.”

Amanda must have hesitated a second too long. Ivan angled his head and squinted.

“Is there something else I should know?”

“It’s a complicated situation.” Sometimes it was a fine balance between what to share and what to hold back. Though would it jeopardize the search for Valerie and Brooke by telling the principal about their abduction? Unlikely.

“Could you uncomplicate it for me?”

“Paul’s wife and daughter are missing. We believe they were taken against their will.”

Ivan sank in his chair. “Oh my. Is Paul’s death connected to that, do you think? Does his family even know he’s dead?”

What if they don’t? She and Trent just assumed the three of them were together, and that Paul was killed in front of them. But it was possible they didn’t know. “As I said, it’s a complicated situation. You said you didn’t know Paul that well and that people liked him, but does anyone come to mind who had any slight against him? No matter how seemingly insignificant?”

“I’m sorry. I’m not in any position to answer that question.”

Amanda nodded.

“Anna can show you to the teachers’ lounge. I’ll be there shortly.”

“Thank you.” Amanda stood and left with Trent.

They came face to face with Anna. She was watching them wide-eyed.

“He’s dead, isn’t he? Paul Archer?”

“I’m sorry to say that he is.” There was no way of softening such a response. No matter how delicately she could put it, a man was dead.

Anna sniffled and nodded. “I had a feeling, ya know. Detectives showing up can’t lead to anything positive.”

Amanda pressed her lips and shook her head. “Not usually. How well did you know Mr. Archer?”

“Quite well. My kids are about the same age as his. Only for me, I’ve got two girls. So sad about the situation with his son.” Tears snaked down her cheeks, and she swiped at them as if she had no warning they were coming. “His poor family. I should reach out.”

“Do you know of anyone who had any issue with Paul?” Amanda decided to veer away from discussing the situation with Valerie and Brooke.