“Are you getting paid during this time? Do you know Larry Hood over in Music? He had to take a leave when he got divorced, and they paid him. I thought that was excessive, given the state budget cuts, but nobody asked my opinion. I know Preston’s always concerned about our ‘image.’ ” She makes an air quote with her free hand. “Of course, we all know his motivation, right? Preston the Politician. He wants to get promoted to dean. And between you, me, and the brick wall, I’m sure he’ll get it, too. Being a good-looking white man with a picture-perfect family. They still value all that, despite all the strides we women are supposedly making and—”

“Carrie, I’m late for something right now. But it was good seeing you.”

“Oh, yeah. Sure. I have so much to do, I can’t even see straight. I’m going to grade here in Troy’s all day.”

“Oh, wait,” I say.

Carrie stops, looks back. Her face is expectant.

“I was just wondering about something,” I say. “Do you remember we talked about Sophia Greenfield the other day?”

“I do.”

“Is there anything else that stood out to you about her?”

Carrie’s face grows suspicious, like she’s the night watchman and I’m the guy casing the place she’s guarding. “Why are you asking me about that?”

“I’m just curious. Because . . .” I don’t mention Madeline. “Just curious. I’m sorry.”

“I don’t know anything except Sophia’s death was a tragedy, Connor. I don’t know what else I can say.”

“You’re right. I’m sorry.” I wave at her. “We’ll talk soon.”

I go down the alley next to Troy’s, not looking back.

When I reach the parking lot and my car, I get inside and call the police station right away. I ask for Bowman, expecting her to be unavailable, but my name must be the magic word because when I mention it, I’m connected. And Bowman comes on the line quickly, greeting me like we’re old friends.

“Connor. So glad you decided to call. It doesn’t look good that we haven’t talked to you yet.”

“I just want to tell you something important.”

“Again, maybe face-to-face would be the best. Where are you right now?”

“Far away,” I say. “In another state.”

“Now that’s not good either, Connor—”

“Can you just listen for a minute?”

I tell her about Rebecca. That she has information about the case, specifically about Zach Greenfield and Madeline. And she’s coming in to the station right now and should be there any moment.

“She’s nervous about going in there and talking to the cops,” I say. “So handle her with kid gloves. She hasn’t done anything wrong.”