He takes a step toward me and it’s all I can do not to run away. “Why isn’t your daughter helping the police?” he asks through clenched teeth. “She knows something—I know she does. Cora could have died. She could lose her eye.”

Part of me wants to tell him what Violet said about Jordyn pushing Cora to the ground but I know it’s not a good idea. That will only seal his belief that Violet was part of the attack. I know my daughter and I’m not going to let anyone change what I believe about her.

I straighten my spine and lift my chin. “You’re wrong. I don’t know what happened at the train yard, but I know that Violet had nothing to do with it. She is trying to help the police. She’s just scared.”

“And Cora isn’t? She’s terrified! Why was Cora the only one who got attacked? Strange coincidence, don’t you think? There were three girls in the train yard and only one got hurt?” Jim shakes his head. “I know they had been arguing, that Violet and Jordyn were freezing Cora out for months. I know more than they’re letting on.”

“What about the teacher?” I ask, desperately wanting to get the focus off Violet. “Mr. Dover? The police questioned him, right? What are they saying about him?”

Jim glares at me as the cashier comes out from behind the register. “Everything okay?” he asks nervously and he pulls his phone from his pocket.

“We’re fine,” I tell him. And without a backward glance I leave the cafeteria.

Instead of taking the elevator I decide to take the steps and by the time I get back to Max I’ve stopped shaking. “Here,” I say, holding the bag out to Max, who is now sitting up on the sofa and watching TV with the volume on low.

“Thanks,” Max says and reaches his hand into the bag and pulls out a donut and a bagel and starts eating. When he comes up for air he takes a long look at me. “What’s the matter? Did something happen with Violet?”

“No, it’s not Violet.” I hesitate to tell Max more. He’s only sixteen and has had to grow up faster than most kids his age but it’s been just the three of us for so long. He should hear about what’s happening with Violet from me. “I saw Cora’s dad in the cafeteria. He thinks that Violet and Jordyn are hiding something about the attack. He’s very angry.”