Page 94 of Book of Love


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“We’ve decided to allow Todd to finish his Literature requirement in an independent study course, which Erica Bartholomew will supervise,” the superintendent announced. “And given the Olivers’ serious allegations, we intend to conduct an investigation into your teaching materials and curriculum.”

Her jaw tightened. “I’ve done nothing wrong. And, Bob, you’ve been the superintendent of this district for ten years. You know very well I’m not responsible for Todd’s failure to do his homework. You also know my record.”

“I know your recordbeforethese allegations took place.”

Rick Oliver put his hand on his wife’s back and steered her toward the door, throwing Grace a sneer. “Good luck, Miss Berry. You’re going to need it.”

At any other time, she would have dismissed his remark as a useless effort to intimidate her, but the air in the office had taken on an ominous feel. Her blood was starting to run cold.

The door clicked shut behind the Olivers.

Spruce pursed his lips. “I did tell you, Miss Berry, that your job was contingent upon Mr. Atwood’s success in the program and your classroom.”

“Ithasbeen a success. He’s a phenomenal teacher, and the students have learned so much. All you have to do is ask them.”

“And yet one of the district’s most promising football players is facing a ruined future because of the events that took place in your classroom,” the superintendent remarked. “Not to mention, the news of this might affect the district’s future Real World Specialist grant. I’d like to further remind you of your failure to comply with the directives set forth by Principal Spruce, as well as his comments on your last evaluation regarding your poor communication with the administration.”

“I provided a written response to that allegation last fall.” Grace curled her hands into fists. “Not a single school official other than Principal Spruce has ever taken issue with my communication standards.”

“But you have clearly failed to make necessary improvements,” Bob continued. “Not to mention, you refused to revise your controversial curriculum, even after Principal Spruce sent you a written letter of reprimand.”

“I didn’t—”

“And there is the matter of the school budget.” The superintendent held up a hand. “The financial paperwork indicates that you ran out of money for the drama club fund several weeks ago.”

“I ran out because a good portion of the money had been reallocated without my knowledge,” Grace snapped. “Frankly, Bob, the school budget falls under your jurisdiction as well, so would you like to explain this discrepancy?”

“Your drama club account now shows a sizeable positive balance.” Bob arched an eyebrow. “Donated by Mr. Atwood.”

“Yes, and we turned in the necessary paperwork.”

“After the fact, which is against procedure.” Spruce twisted his mouth. “Were you also planning to divulge that Mr. Atwood made the donation because you and he are…involved?”

Oh, no.

“You were spotted being intimate with Mr. Atwood in your classroom,” Spruce continued. “What you do on your own time is your business, but inappropriate behavior is not permitted on school grounds. And if Mr. Atwood considered his donation a form of payment, you still were obliged to report it beforehand.”

She clenched her teeth. “It was not a form of payment, for god’s sake.”

“Regardless, Miss Berry, you have a history of insubordination with this administration,” the superintendent said. “Given that there are only three weeks remaining in the school year, you’ll be permitted to continue working until the last day. After that, you will be placed on suspension until we can conduct a proper hearing with the school board.”

The earth suddenly tilted. Grace grabbed the back of a chair.

“Or,” Spruce added, “you can save yourself both the humiliation and trouble of a hearing and resign effective on June twelfth. That way, you might be able to leave with dignity.”

“You both know this is a completely false charge.” Anger was going to crack her apart from the inside out. “I willnotbe resigning.”

“Take some time to think it over.” The superintendent unfolded his arms and gave her a vague smile. “I’m sure I don’t have to tell you this is confidential until we come to a mutually satisfactory agreement about the next step.”

“I’m sorry it had to come to this, Miss Berry.” Spruce strode to the door and pulled it open. “But youwerewarned.”

Before she did or said something she’d later regret, Grace stalked out of the room. As she crossed the front office, Carrie grabbed a chocolate bar from her desk and held it out.

Grace shook her head and hurried back to her classroom. Chocolate couldn’t fix this disaster. She’d have to find a way to fix it herself.

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