“The school board takes safety allegations very seriously, Mrs.

Bennett,” Superintendent Miller said.

“We have to look at all open police matters before we confirm your employment status for the coming school year.”

“The police matter has been fully resolved, Superintendent,” Detective Mitchell said.

She took her digital tablet from under her arm, unlocked it with her thumb, and turned the screen toward Superintendent Miller.

Detective Mitchell paused the video on Patricia’s face as she poured the maple syrup next to Emma’s head.

By eleven that morning, Superintendent Miller had laid a three-page document on the polished mahogany desk between us.