If I tell them everything and they ask me to let it go, what will I do? I can’t imagine not standing with Logan when I know our position is right and Mr. Bartley is wrong. Unfortunately, I can only think of two options: Drop it or defy my parents. I don’t like either one.

Chapter 24: Logan

From the moment we walk into History of World Governments, Mr. Bartley’s gaze passes right through us, yet he acknowledges others with a nod, a smile, or a hello. Not once does he make eye contact during his discussion on the alliance made by Italy, Nazi Germany, and Japan to form the Axis powers. Not once does he call on me when I raise my hand to answer his questions about the propaganda posters used during World War II. Even when my hand is the only one to go up, instead of calling on me, Mr. Bartley answers the question himself as if it were rhetorical. But I know better, and so does everyone else in class. I’ve caught their pitying looks.

I’m 99 percent sure I know why Mr. Bartley is ignoring us. Principal McNeil must have received the email from Lissa Chen at HPJ and shared it with Mr. Bartley. Did I expect him to be upset? Yes. Did I expect him to act like a jerk? No.

We haven’t done anything wrong, and that’s what I have to remember. Still, I’m struggling. I don’t want Mr. Bartley to hate us.

Wanting to disappear, I slump in my seat. For the next three questions, even though I know the answers, I keep my hands in my lap, wishing for a way to get out of class. I touch my forehead. Maybe I have a fever?

The weight of Cade’s gaze forces me to glance over at him. He forms a tight fist, sending me a message to stay strong.

Another image fills the Smart Board. It’s a Nazi poster showing a huge crowd of smiling people, saluting Hitler. “Yes! Leader, we will follow you!”

When Mr. Bartley asks for an analysis, Cade surprises me by raising his hand. It’s the second time this entire year. The first was a few days ago when he brought up my misguided theory that the assignment was a moral test. What is Cade up to? But Mr. Bartley angles away from us so it’s really easy for him to pretend he doesn’t see Cade. I don’t buy it for a second.

He calls on Heather Jameson.

“The image promotes absolute trust in Hitler,” Heather says.

“How so?” Mr. Bartley asks.