“Has he said anything about where or how he got the finger?”

“No. He hasn’t spoken at all since Mr. Alvarez brought him in from gym class.”

“This is very disturbing,” he said softly. Finally he raised his eyes from the drawing to her face. “And it was a young lady he attacked initially this afternoon?”

“Yes. Wendy Morgan. Then Tommy Crane.”

“Has he demonstrated violence against girls before?”

“No more than the average fifth-grade boy,” she said. “At least not that I’ve been aware of. But he had quite an outburst with me this morning.”

She told him about what had happened in her classroom and what had gone on the evening before when she had stopped at the Farman home.

“I’m afraid he might be blaming me for getting him in trouble,” she said. “His parents weren’t aware he had skipped school. I think he might have gotten a spanking for it. He wouldn’t sit down all morning.”

“Could I have a photocopy of this page, Miss Navarre?” Leone asked. “A couple of them, please?”

“Yes, of course.”

“The other children who found the body are in your class as well?”

“Yes. This has been a very challenging week.”

“I’d like to sit down and talk with you about the kids,” he said. “Are you free this evening?”

“Um . . . uh . . . Yes, sure,” she said, instantly thinking that Franny would kill her. Thursday was their standing date for Chinese.

“Good. Dinner at seven? Piazza Fontana?”

“Are you asking me on a date, Detective?” she asked, a little shocked at his audacity . . . and a little something else.

“That would be improper of me,” he said.

But he didn’t say no.

“I’ve been away,” he said. “Just got back last night. I’d like to get a clearer picture of what happened Tuesday. Your insights would be appreciated. Your pleasant company would be a bonus,” he added.

Mendez joined them then, and Leone had her show Dennis’s drawing to him.

“Jesus Christ,” Mendez said, then caught himself. “Sorry, ma’am.”

“Has the school notified the boy’s parents about this?” Leone asked.

“Deputy Farman is on his way,” she said, wishing the principal had called Dennis’s mother instead.

Mendez spoke to Leone. “I say we ask the kid about the finger before Frank gets here. If we aren’t going to charge him with anything, we don’t need a parent present to ask him questions.”

Vince shrugged. “Your call. The Cranes might want to press assault charges.”

“I’ll only ask him about the finger.”

He started toward the table then turned back in an afterthought. “Thank you, Miss Navarre. You’ve been very helpful.”

“I’m staying,” Anne said firmly.

“I’m sorry?”

“I’m staying while you talk to Dennis,” Anne said. “He’s my responsibility as long as he’s in this building.”

Mendez shrugged. “That’s fine.”