It happens on a Tuesday.
Of course it does.
Because Tuesdays are supposed to be boring.
I’m in the middle of grading undergraduate essays when my phone rings.
It’s the foundation’s main line.
I answer automatically.
“Chen-Valerio Foundation, this is Bella.”
There’s a pause.
Then a teenage voice I recognize immediately.
“Can you come get me?”
It’s Zara.
My heart drops.
“Where are you?”
“I’m outside the school. They won’t let me back in.”
“Why?”
“They found something in my locker.”
Cold spreads through my chest.
“What did they find?”
Silence.
“Zara.”
“Just come get me.”
I don’t argue.
I grab my bag and call Marcus as I’m heading for the elevator.
“They found something in her locker.”
“What something?”
“She wouldn’t say.”
“I’m leaving the office now.”
By the time I
