Page 70 of Finding Little Fiera

Laura leveled accusation after false accusation at Fiera, going all the way back to when Fiera accidentally bumped into her playing freeze tag. Fiera tried several times to interrupt and tell her side of the story. Each time Master Mace squeezed her hand and tugged at his ear. She didn’t need to be a mind reader, or lip reader for that matter, to remember that meant he wanted her to wait. But it was so hard.

By the time Laura was finished, Fiera was ready to pop. It was so unfair. If Master Derek believed Laura, Fiera’s time here was over. She’d have to leave without her Daddy.

“All right, now, as for what happened in the art tent. Master Gavin told me Miss Tate accused Miss Sharpe of cheating.” Looking over at the couch, Master Derek crooked his finger. “Sadie, Wren, Daisy… come here, please.”

“Yes, Daddy,” Sadie called and skipped to Master Derek’s side behind his desk. Wren and Daisy joined her.

None of them looked at Fiera. Fiera’s heart sank. This didn’t bode well. She didn’t think she could bear to hear what was coming.

“Sadie, would you please tell me what you saw happening at Fiera’s and Laura’s tables while Master Gavin was trying to explain the directions for the contest?”

“I’d be happy to, Daddy. Laura and her friends started saying all kinds of mean things to Fiera. Laura made fun of Fiera’s hair. She even said Fiera looks like a Disney villain. I don't know if you're up on your Disney villains, Daddy, but any Little worth her salt would know they were calling Fiera Cruella De Vil. That’s the worst.”

“It’s so mean,” Daisy added.

“Yeah, and that's not all,” Wren said.

Sadie nodded. “It’s true, Daddy. The other girls at Laura’s table joined in. They are the same girls who were in the pool last night, remember?”

“I remember,” he answered.

“Well, they called Fiera a skunk, and they told her that she smelled bad. It was awful, Daddy. Fiera tried to pay attention to Master Gavin, but she couldn’t focus because of all the mean things they were saying.”

Master Derek’s blue eyes turned to ice. “Is that true, Miss Tate? Did you say those things? And have you been spreadingrumors about a fellow camper, accusing her of cheating and deliberately causing you harm?”

Laura remained silent. Finally, her Daddy, Master James, spoke up. “Laura, is this true?”

“But, Daddy… she?—”

Master James cut her off, “I don’t think I asked what she did, young lady. Have you been spreading rumors about Fiera and saying mean things to her?”

“Why is everyone picking on me? I didn’t say anything that wasn’t true. She did run into me on purpose. She was cheating, and she did cheat on her picture.”

“Well, technically, maybe,” Wren said. “But I was watching when you took those paints over to Fiera’s table. I don’t know what you said, but I know you talked her into believing it wasn’t wrong for her to use them.”

“That’s not all,” Daisy said. “I watched too. After Laura put down the paint, she picked up Fiera’s hearing aids and put them in her pocket. I’ll bet, if you check, they’re still there.”

“They are not!” Laura yelled, starting to cry. “I mean, I didn’t take her stupid hearing aids.”

“Then you won’t mind if your Daddy checks your pockets, will you?” Master Derek said.

His growl made Fiera shiver.

“I think that’s an excellent idea,” Master James said. Laura put her hands over her pockets as if to stop her Daddy, but one look from him had her moving her hands. She gave him a sheepish smile as he reached into her pocket and pulled out two black hearing aids.

“Those are mine,” Laura cried. “They’re just earphones, not hearing aids.”

Master James looked down at the hearing aids, disappointment all over his face. “Laura, it’s time to stop lying. These are not earphones, and you know it.” He handed thehearing aids to Fiera. “I’m so sorry. I don’t know what’s come over her, but she won’t be bothering you anymore. As soon as Master Derek is finished with us, we are going to our room and packing our bags. We’ll be gone within the hour.”

“Daddy, no!” Laura cried out. “That isn’t fair. She started it.” Laura pointed at Fiera.

“I think that’s for the best. And it shouldn’t come as a surprise that you won’t be allowed to visit Rawhide Ranch again. We have a zero-tolerance policy on bullying of any kind. I take the physical and emotional health of all my guests very seriously.”

Master James nodded, regret in his eyes. “I understand. Laura, don’t you have something you’d like to say to Master Derek before we leave? And I suggest you think carefully. You have a long car ride ahead of you. The next words that come out of your mouth will determine just how uncomfortable that ride will be.”

Laura’s eyes were glittering, but Fiera was pretty sure it wasn’t unshed tears of remorse. Nevertheless, through gritted teeth, Laura said, “I’m very sorry, Master Derek.”

Master Derek nodded.