Chapter 6 - THE GARAGE
Rafael called 911 from the parking lot.
He told his wife, Elena, to lock herself in the bedroom and stay away from the garage.
When police arrived at the Ortiz house, they found the side garage door open.
Nothing had been stolen.
That was worse.
Someone had gone inside for one reason.
Rafael's old laptop sat on the workbench with its hard drive removed.
"They thought the video was on there," Sofia said.
An officer looked at her. "Who's they?"
"That's what we're trying to find out."
Rafael did not mention the school until he had a lawyer on the phone. By late afternoon, the district had learned police were involved.
Bell called him personally.
"Rafael, I hear you're making serious accusations."
"I haven't accused you of anything."
"Good. Keep it that way."
"Is that advice?"
"It's concern. You've worked here eighteen years. I would hate to see you lose your pension over bad judgment."
Rafael's fingers tightened around the phone.
"Did you know Kendrick used the supply room for students?"
Silence.
Then Bell said, "I have a meeting," and hung up.
That evening, Leah took Maisie to a salon owned by her cousin. They did not try to hide the damage. They shaped what was left into a short cut Maisie could live with.
When the stylist finished, Maisie stared at herself.
"I look different."
Leah stood behind her.
"Different isn't bad."
"What if kids laugh?"
"Then they can explain the joke to me."
Maisie almost smiled.
At home, Leah found an unmarked envelope under her apartment door.
Inside was a photocopy of a school discipline form.
Student: Maisie Carter.
Incident: Self-harm behavior with scissors.
Parent notified: Yes.
Counseling referral recommended.
May you like
The date printed at the top was tomorrow.
They were already writing the official story before the investigation had even begun.
