Page 53 of The Clover Chapel (Jamison Valley 2)
My nose scrunched up and I didn’t try to hide my grimace.
As I had expected, I’d received many, many calls from concerned parents after giving my students shoes before Thanksgiving. Other than Mason’s parents, the Clearys were the only ones who I hadn’t talked to yet.
With every call, I had told the parents the truth. Or a vague version of the truth.
That a wealthy friend from New York donated them for my first class of students. It had actually been Principal Garcia’s idea not to admit that I had personally purchased the shoes. He hadn’t wanted to create any animosity with other teachers or draw attention to Mason’s home life. I had been glad for his advice, and so far, my story had worked.
But I had a feeling that a vague half-truth would not satisfy the Jamison County sheriff.
“I’m sorry if it offended you,” I told them.
“Not offended. I figured there was something going on when Rowen came home and told us about her friend Mason. The stuff she’s been telling me isn’t good. Talked to Nick today and got the scoop,” Jess said.
“I think you buying all the kids shoes just so he could have a pair was wonderful,” Gigi said.
“Thanks. No one knows that was the real reason. I’ve kind of lied to everyone else. I just don’t want people prying into Mason’s life. He doesn’t need that.”
“I’ll start digging,” Jess said. “But before I do, wanted to see what you know.”
“Not much.” I frowned. “He’s probably told Rowen more than he has me. I asked him a couple of weeks ago what his house was like and he shut down.”
“Hmm,” he muttered.
“Principal Garcia said that before we could go to the authorities, we needed to have a good foundation of documentation. That’s why I haven’t come to you yet.”
“I’ll mak
e sure he knows you didn’t come to me. That I approached you,” Jess said. “But Garcia forgets we don’t live in LA. He doesn’t need to build a case before I’ll look into a situation. Especially when it comes to kids.”
“Thank you. I can’t tell you how worried I’ve been about Mason.”
“You’re a good teacher, Emmeline,” Gigi said. “I’m glad Rowen has you.”
A huge smile spread across my face and I turned it on Ben still sleeping in my arms.
I wasn’t sure what would happen, but a part of me hoped that I would still be in Prescott by the time he was old enough to be in my class.
After our conversation about Mason, Gigi and I went back to visit with the women and snack from the abundant food trays. Maisy and I hit it off right away. She was sweet and energetic and I loved hearing her stories from the Fan Mountain Inn, Prescott’s one and only motel, where she worked as the manager.
The Clearys’ garage party ranked in my top five best social events, and it wasn’t even over yet.
Gigi was just finishing a story of how the garage was built to replace an old barn where she had been bitten by a rattlesnake when I felt Nick’s heat at my back.
Craning my neck over my shoulder, I asked, “Are there snakes by my house?”
“Nope. You’re too far up into the mountains. It’s too cold.”
“Good.” Just hearing Gigi’s story gave me chills. I was not a fan of reptiles or bugs.
“Come on, Emmy. We’re playing pool,” Nick said. “You too, Maze. You’re Silas’s partner.”
“I don’t know how to play pool,” I said as we walked toward the table at the back of the garage.
“That’s okay. Maisy isn’t any good so me and Silas will carry you ladies.”
“Hey! I’ll have you know that I’m getting better,” Maisy said.
“Sure you are. That’s why Silas told me to beg Gigi to play with him and only take you as a last resort.”
