Chapter 4 - The Girl Who Left
Jenna Price had not “disappeared.”
Officially, she had transferred to North County Preparatory School.
The student directory listed no reason.
Emily discovered that much through Sofia Chen, editor of the Westbridge Sentinel.
Sofia was seventeen, impatient, and delighted by records other students found boring.
“Transfer forms are not public,” Sofia said. “But school board meeting minutes are.”
They sat in the newspaper room after class.
Sofia rotated her laptop.
A board agenda from April contained one closed-session item:
Student grievance and transfer accommodation.
The initials were J.P.
Emily leaned closer.
“That could be anyone.”
“Yes.”
“Then why do you think it’s Jenna?”
“Because there are thirty-two students at Westbridge with surnames starting P. Only one transferred within forty-eight hours of that meeting.”
Emily looked at her.
“That’s creepy.”
“It’s journalism.”
“It’s creepy journalism.”
Sofia smiled.
“I’ll take it.”
Emily showed her the anonymous note.
Sofia’s expression became serious.
“Who gave you this?”
“I don’t know.”
“You’re sure?”
“It was in my locker.”
“Could be bait.”
“I know.”
Sofia leaned back.
“Don’t contact Jenna directly.”
“Why?”
“Because if she left after something serious, she deserves control over whether she talks.”
Emily hated how reasonable everyone was becoming.
“What can we do?”
“I can ask her family if they’re willing to speak.”
That evening, Sofia emailed Jenna’s father through a public business address.
She received no response.
The next morning, Claire Holloway arrived at Westbridge.
Students saw her enter Principal Warren’s office.
She remained there for more than an hour.
At lunch, rumors spread that Brooke’s suspension would be reduced.
Emily found Ruiz outside the library.
“Is Brooke coming back?”
Ruiz looked tired.
“I can’t discuss another student’s discipline.”
“That means yes.”
“It means exactly what I said.”
Emily crossed her arms.
“What about Teresa?”
“Still on leave.”
“Why?”
“District counsel is reviewing employee privacy policy.”
“She recorded the sinks.”
“I know.”
“She saved me.”
“I know.”
“Then say that.”
Ruiz’s expression softened.
“My opinion and district procedure are not the same thing.”
Emily thought about that.
“Do you ever hate your job?”
Ruiz almost smiled.
“Today?”
“Yes.”
“Ask me tomorrow.”
Brooke returned Wednesday.
Not because the investigation was complete.
Because the emergency suspension had expired.
She walked through the hallway surrounded by whispers.
Kayla was absent.
Brooke spotted Emily near the science wing.
For a moment, neither moved.
Then Brooke approached.
“You happy?”
Emily stared.
“What?”
“My life is ruined.”
“You dumped garbage over me.”
“And now strangers are threatening my mother.”
“I didn’t threaten her.”
“You started this.”
Emily felt anger rise.
“No. You started it.”
Brooke’s eyes flashed.
“You think because Teresa recorded one thing, everyone is suddenly going to believe everything you say?”
Emily heard something beneath the words.
Fear.
“Why did Jenna leave?”
Brooke froze.
It lasted less than a second.
Emily saw it.
“Who told you about Jenna?”
“So something happened.”
“Nothing happened.”
“Then why are you scared?”
“I’m not.”
Brooke stepped closer.
“Stay out of it.”
“Out of what?”
“Jenna hated this school.”
“Why?”
“Ask her.”
“I might.”
Brooke grabbed Emily’s sleeve.
“Don’t.”
A teacher appeared around the corner.
Brooke released her instantly.
“Don’t what?” Emily asked.
Brooke’s face had changed completely.
For the first time since the restroom, she did not look cruel.
She looked desperate.
“Just leave her alone.”
Then she walked away.
That night, Sofia received an email.
Not from Jenna.
From Jenna’s father.
My daughter does not want to discuss Westbridge. Please respect that.
Underneath:
If your questions involve Brooke Holloway, contact our attorney.
Sofia called Emily.
“That’s not normal.”
“It proves something.”
“No.”
Sofia’s voice was firm.
“It proves they have an attorney.”
Emily sighed.
“Right.”
“But there’s more.”
“What?”
“The attorney’s name is Rebecca Sloan.”
Emily sat up.
“My lawyer?”
“Your lawyer.”
The next morning, Sarah called Sloan.
The attorney hesitated.
Then she confirmed she had previously represented another Westbridge family.
Ethics rules prevented her from revealing confidential information.
“But,” she said carefully, “I can tell you that my prior client has now authorized me to share one fact.”
Emily held her breath.
“Which fact?”
Sloan answered.
“Jenna Price left Westbridge after reporting that Brooke Holloway threatened to release a private video of her.”
Emily closed her eyes.
Sarah gripped the table.
May you like
Sloan continued.
“And Dean Park handled that complaint too.”
