Chapter 20
Chapter Twenty
The classroom was quiet, the only sounds the faint hum of fluorescent lights and the muted shuffle of the girls waiting in the hall outside. Asha sat at one of the desks, her hands folded neatly on the smooth surface, while Maddy glanced at the list of names the principal had provided. The school had agreed to let them use an empty classroom for the interviews, a familiar setting meant to put the students at ease.
Alicia Adler, the previous student, stood just inside the door, her backpack slung over one shoulder. “Thanks for talking to us, Alicia,” Maddy said warmly. “Could you let Latoya Black know it’s her turn? She should be waiting just outside.”
“Sure thing,” Alicia replied with a polite smile before slipping out, leaving the door a few inches ajar.
Asha blew out a breath and glanced to the door. She didn’t know any of these students, but the energy they carried, the mix of determination and trepidation, felt like echoes of her own past. She tapped her fingers absently against the desk as she tried to steady her thoughts.
A moment later, the door opened again, and Latoya came in. Tall and poised, she strode across the room with a confidence that radiated from her every step. Her dark, intelligent eyes met theirs briefly before she settled into the chair across from them, crossing her long legs with effortless grace.
“Thank you for coming in, Latoya,” Maddy said, her tone calm and inviting. “We really appreciate your time.”
Latoya gave a small nod, her expression composed but guarded. “Of course. Anything to help.”
Asha couldn’t help but study her as Maddy began the conversation with a few warm-up questions. Latoya was stunning—a striking young woman with deep brown skin and sharp cheekbones. But it was the way she carried herself that caught Asha’s attention: the quiet determination, the hint of steel beneath her polite demeanor. It was like looking into a mirror, seeing a younger version of herself, full of ambition and grit, ready to conquer the world.
Does MacCready have a type?
They eased into the interview with simple, get-to-know-you questions. Latoya was seventeen, almost eighteen, and preparing to head to Columbus University on a scholarship. She spoke confidently about her plans to major in accounting, her words tinged with pride and excitement.
“My mom passed away when I was eight,” Latoya said matter-of-factly when asked about her family. “It’s just been me and my dad since then, but he’s great. He’s always supported me.”
Asha nodded, her chest tightening at the familiar narrative. A young woman working hard, striving for success against the odds. She admired Latoya’s strength but felt the weight of her own memories pressing down on her.
“Columbus University,” Asha said with a small smile. “That’s impressive. I went there, too.”
Latoya’s eyes lit up in interest. “Really? What did you study?”
“Law,” Asha replied, the word feeling heavy in her mouth. “It was a lot of hard work, but I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything.”
Latoya nodded, her expression softening. “That’s inspiring.”
The conversation shifted as Maddy began steering it toward MacCready. “We’ve been hearing a lot about Mr. MacCready.” She kept her tone light. “Students seem to really appreciate his help, especially with tutoring. What’s your experience been like?”
The change in Latoya was subtle but unmistakable. Her shoulders stiffened, and she clenched her hands in her lap so tightly the skin over her knuckles became lighter. The guarded look returned to her eyes, and Asha’s heart sank.
“He’s… a g-good teacher,” Latoya’s answer was slow and deliberate.
Maddy leaned forward in invitation and coaxed, “It’s okay, Latoya. We’re just trying to understand how he interacts with his students. We’ve heard he goes above and beyond to help.”
Latoya flickered her gaze toward Asha, and for a moment, their eyes met. The uncertainty and fear in the girl’s expression were all too familiar. Asha tensed as she spoke in a low, steady voice. “Latoya, can I tell you a little about myself?”
The girl hesitated, then nodded.
“I was just like you,” Asha began. “Smart, driven, determined to make something of myself. I went to Columbus University on a scholarship, too. And I had someone who helped me—a mentor who guided me, who made me believe I could do it. The same mentor you had. But…” She hesitated, swallowing hard. “His help came with a price.”
Latoya’s eyes widened, and her breathing turned shallow. The tension in her frame grew more pronounced, and Asha leaned forward, dropping what she said next to just above a whisper. “You know what price, don’t you?”
Latoya’s hands trembled as she clasped them tightly together. She parted her lips, but no words came out. The silence stretched, heavy and suffocating. Asha waited, her heart pounding, willing Latoya to trust her. To let her speak the truth that had been locked away.
Latoya’s hands trembled violently as the silence enveloped the room. Then, with a deep, shuddering breath, she broke. Tears streamed down her cheeks, her composure shattering as she began to speak.
“It was the day after finals,” she choked out hoarsely. “He said… he wanted to talk about my future. About how proud he was of me. How I was going to do great things.” Her words came faster, tumbling over each other in a torrent of emotion. “I thought… I thought he was just being kind, you know? Encouraging me, like he always did.”
Asha’s stomach twisted painfully, and she reached across the desk to place a steadying hand on Latoya’s trembling arm. Maddy, her expression calm but laced with anger, nodded for her to continue.
“But then—” Latoya’s body shook as sobs wracked her frame. “He locked the door. He said… he said I owed him. That I wouldn’t be where I was without him.”
Asha’s own tears welled up, her grip on Latoya tightening. She didn’t need Latoya to finish the story; the horror in her voice said it all.
“He forced himself on me,” Latoya whispered, her face buried in her hands. “I couldn’t stop him. I tried, but…” Her story dissolved into broken sobs.
Maddy slid her chair closer, her tone gentle but firm. “Latoya, I’m so sorry this happened to you. What he did was wrong, and it’s not your fault, but there’s something else you need to know.”
Latoya lifted her head, her red-rimmed eyes filled with confusion. “What do you mean?”
Maddy exchanged a glance with Asha before continuing. “There has been a series of fires in town. One of them was a wildfire, and the others were at the high school and Mr. MacCready’s car. We’re investigating because it seems like these might be connected.”
Latoya’s face crumpled as fresh tears spilled down her cheeks. Her voice cracked as she whispered, “No… no, no, no…”
Maddy’s expression softened, but she pressed gently. “Latoya, do you know anything about the fires?”