"We talk when necessary."

"I ask that because when Myron--Mr. Wydette--requested that I meet with you immediately as a favor to the chief of police, I was surprised."

"Why's that, sir?"

"Mr. Wydette emphasized the chief's affection for Prep and how it's benefited his son, Charlie. Who, if you weren't aware, is a graduating senior."

Milo remained silent.

Helfgott said, "Until now, the chief and Charlie's mother have been rather low-profile members of the Prep parent community."

No participation, no donations, no ass-kissing.

"Have you met Charlie, Lieutenant?"

"No, sir."

"Not a social boy, but bright."

We're not easily impressed, so tell your boss not to push it.

Milo pulled out his pad. "So, to your knowledge, Ms. Freeman never complained about any problems with students or faculty--with anyone at Prep."

"Lieutenant, we seem to be hovering over a single issue and not moving forward appreciably. Are you saying you're aware of a complaint--let me amend that to a statement. It sounds as if you doubt my word about Ms. Freeman's sanguine employment history." Hard glint behind the eyeglasses.

"Not at all, sir, and sorry for implying that. Like you said, you don't usually get involved in faculty issues. But unfortunately, we've become involved in just that."

Helfgott's waxy skin paled to cold tallow. "What, exactly, are you saying?"

"We're in possession of a communication from Ms. Freeman in which she claims she was sexually harassed by fellow teachers at Prep."

Spots of color splashed on Helfgott's sunken cheeks. His lips twitched. "Ludicrous."

Milo thumbed through his pad. "Three other teachers, to be exact: Enrico Hauer, James Winterthorn, Pat Skaggs. Are those individuals still employed at Prep?"

"This is beyond absurd." Helfgott had kept his tone low enough to discourage eavesdroppers but something in his body language caused one of the pilots to turn.

Milo said, "I'm sure you're right, but with Ms. Freeman deceased, we need to check it out."

"Enrico, Jim--no, that's not possible."

"So they are still working there."

"Of course they're still with us, no reason they shouldn't be." Helfgott rose to his feet, teetered, regained balance by clutching the arm of his chair. "I'm sorry, Lieutenant. I know you've got your job to do but so do I. Ergo, I cannot continue in this vein without benefit of legal counsel. Not because those outrageous accusations are anything but slanderous rubbish." Pausing to let that sink in. "Because my responsibility to Prep precludes me from exposing the school to untrammeled attack without prior... consultation."

"Institutions can't be slandered, sir, only individuals."

"Well, then, Enrico, Jim, and Pat have been slandered and I won't have it."

Milo stood. "No one's saying the accusations are true, Mr. Helfgott, but my responsibilities preclude me from ignoring them. And I'm sure all three of the individuals in question will appreciate the chance to clear their names."

"I don't see why they'd need to--"