I folded the note before anyone nearby could read it.
Mrs Bell had already crossed to the other side of the room. She joined the headmaster near the stage and accepted a stack of programs from him without once turning back.
George came back to my side.
"What did she give you?"
"A reminder."
"To do what?"
"Leave."
He did not ask to see it.
The dining room doors opened, and the crowd began moving. I slipped the note into my bag.
"I'm going home."
"When you've only just started making people uncomfortable?"
"I've done enough for one evening."
George glanced towards Mrs Bell. She was speaking to another member of staff now.
"Did she ask you to come back?"
My hand paused on the clasp of my bag.
"You said you didn't know what she gave me."
"I don't."
"Then why ask that?"
"Becau
