On the next school day, Vance waited near bus number twelve while the dismissal staff organized children.

When I approached, he looked toward the office windows.

“I can’t get into family disputes.”

“You warned me.”

He took a white envelope from his jacket and gave it to me.

“Check the signature.”

Inside was a copy of a transfer-related school authorization with Claire Miller written on the consent line.

I had not signed it.