She cleared her throat and nervously worked at the button on her suit. “How have her interactions been with the other…. children living in your home? Are there any problems you may be aware of? It could be that” She stopped talking. She stopped moving. Actually, I think she stopped breathing.

Holy crap.

Then I noticed that Cromwell was standing. “Nothing has happened in my house.”

“Nothing,” Principal Hawkes murmured.

“None of my children are involved in this,” he continued, his voice surprisingly soothing. I found myself leaning toward him, listening. “In fact, you will forget we ever had this conversation.”

Principal Hawkes nodded.

“Ember left her lunch in her locker. It spoiled. She panicked.” I snapped out of it. “What?”

Cromwell ignored me, solely focused on her. “Nothing has happened. Ember is just sick. She will go home today. If anyone else brings this up, you will tell them it’s being handled. And you will contact me if anyone comes to you about this.”

“Yes. Of course. Yes.” Principal Hawkes blinked. Then she looked at me, a fond, almost patronizing smile on her face. “Miss McWilliams, I do hope you feel better. And please remember to not leave your lunch in your locker anymore.”

My jaw hit the floor.

Cromwell wrapped things up after that, and then we were walking out of the school and getting in his Porsche. My heart raced and palms sweated. I was screwed. And I needed to get out of here.

“I wantwant to stay in school today. I have a test this afternoon,” I told him.

He spared me a glance. “You can make up the test.”

“But”

“Who else knew about this, Ember?”

“No one,” I stuttered, eyeing the door handle. I could make a run for it. I could also touch him.

“Do not lie to me. Who else knew about this?” he demanded.

“I’m not lying.” My fingers clawed along the door. “No one else knew. I have to take a test”

Cromwell pulled out of the parking lot before I could even open the door. “Why didn’t you come to me about this?”

“I…” I couldn’t think of a lie fast enough. Telling him that I thought he or one of his freaks was behind it wouldn’t make anything better. So the next words that came out of my mouth even amazed me. “Why do you collect kids? What do you want from us?”

“I don’t want anything from you. And I’ve already answered why I bring the gifted into my household. I will not explain it again for your amusement.”

“It’s not for my amusement! You want these kids for some bizarre reason.” Another moment in my life where I knew I needed to shut up, but couldn’t. “Just like you wanted Oliviabecause they’re all gifted. Why do you want their gifts?”