The three heavy plastic-bound evidence booklets sat in a neat stack on the kitchen counter.

I slid two of the blue evidence booklets into my canvas tote while Evan held open the heavy glass doors of Oak Ridge Elementary School.

The little administrative conference room smelled of dry floor wax and old paper.

Brenda, the school’s guidance counselor, sat at the far end of the oak laminate table.

Next to her sat Mr.

Vance, the school principal, and Mrs.

Gable, a district compliance officer in a dark gray blazer.