Total pages in book: 61
Estimated words: 57726 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 289(@200wpm)___ 231(@250wpm)___ 192(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 57726 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 289(@200wpm)___ 231(@250wpm)___ 192(@300wpm)
The loud sound of Scythe’s motorcycle drew everyone’s attention when he drove into the district office’s parking lot. She didn’t like how people made assumptions about him because he didn’t drive a fancy car and wear a suit. Those tailored jackets could hide a number of flaws.
Scythe stepped off his bike in an athletic move that reminded her of a prowling cat—coordinated strength in a gorgeous wrapper. Once his helmet came off, several ladies gave him repeated looks. To her delight, Scythe didn’t notice them.
She walked next to him into the packed school board meeting. Closely watching the entrance behind them, Abby and Becky waved furiously at them. They threaded their way through the crowd and took the empty seats.
“These parents and staff members get pushy when you’re saving seats. They’re worse than third graders who always make everyone follow the rules,” Becky shared with a smile.
Winnie knew she hadn’t minded telling people they couldn’t sit there. “So, what’s going on? Do you know?”
“Only that Dr. Young’s name is gone from the website,” Abby whispered.
An older woman in front of them obviously overheard and turned around to add, “And the spot for one of the principals at an elementary school is blank as well. It was all over the news tonight. I only caught part of it—something about missing degrees?”
The three teachers exchanged glances and simultaneously grabbed their phones to search. Becky found the listing first. “It’s our school! Lorraine is gone.”
As Winnie stared at her friends, trying to control her delight from the crowd of employees and parents, the gossiping woman in front of them said, “Yes, that was the name they mentioned. Lorraine Oberson. Do you think they were having an affair too?” the older woman suggested.
“Surely not. He’s old enough to be her father,” Winnie said aghast. Scythe chuckled next to her. She studied his face. Did he know something or was he laughing at her? “I mean, that happens, but surely not.”
“The board is coming in. Let’s see what they say,” Abby whispered, and they straightened in their seats to listen.
Winnie crossed her fingers. Please let this be true. Scythe patted her hand, and she turned her wrist to link her fingers with his. He shifted his thumb over her skin back and forth slightly as if to tell her he was wishing Lorraine was gone as well.
The president of the school board, Edwin Finney, looked around the crowded room as the secretary conducted the roll call. The position of superintendent was announced, and no one answered before she continued. A murmur went through the room, and Mr. Finney called for order. The crowd hushed as she finished the preliminary board opening activities.
Edwin Finney scanned the assembly. “I wish we had this kind of attendance at every board meeting. Thank you for being concerned about the Jefferson School District. As many of you have noted, Dr. Adam Young resigned from his position as the superintendent of our district earlier today. I am limited in how much I can share by the district lawyers.”
The crowd reacted with furious whispers, and the sound level rose. Winnie heard a number of guesses why Dr. Young had left. They ranged from the affair theory to wild accusations of illegal acts.
“Did he rob the district?” an angry voice called from the crowd as Mr. Finney attempted to regain control.
“No. There are no allegations or suspicions of financial wrongdoing on the part of the superintendent. Our financial officer can attest to that.” He turned to a young man next to him, who stated simply that the books were in order and Dr. Young had taken nothing inappropriate from the accounts.
“Was he having an affair with the principal of East Elementary?” asked the woman in front of them. “She’s gone too.”
“I’m afraid you’ve gotten ahead of me. Lorraine Oberson of East Elementary was removed from her position when the board received documentation that she did not meet the mandatory qualifications to be an administrator,” Mr. Finney explained.
“What does that mean?” a woman called.
“She did not possess a verifiable college degree.” Mr. Finney pulled out his handkerchief and wiped his brow. He appeared extremely uncomfortable. She felt sorry for him.
A familiar figure stood in the front row. Winnie’s breath caught in her chest as she recognized her union representative. “What happens to the negative reports she invented about the great teachers at East Elementary?”
“Any reports created by an individual without proper credentials and training background will be removed and destroyed, along with the apologies from the board. I owe you a personal apology, Elizabeth. I did not listen to you when you approached me with serious concerns. That will not happen in the future.” Mr. Finney met Elizabeth McGower’s gaze directly, and she nodded.
Bless her. Elizabeth had gone all the way to the school board to try to save her. Winnie sent her gratitude and planned to thank her in private.