Mark’s smile weakened.
“Did she?”
Nora’s heartbeat raced.
He placed a hand on her shoulder.
Too firmly.
“Children invent stories when they’re embarrassed.”
Ms. Patel’s eyes moved to his hand.
“Nora, why don’t you finish packing your bag?”
Mark leaned close as Nora passed.
“Car. Now.”
It was quiet enough that he probably thought nobody heard.
Ms. Patel did.
Outside, Nora climbed into the back seat.
Mark shut the driver’s door.
“What did you tell her?”
“Nothing.”
“Don’t lie.”
“I didn’t.”
His voice rose.
“Then why is she asking questions?”
Nora pressed herself against the seat.
Before Mark could continue, Lisa’s car pulled into the school lot.
Nora stared.
Her mother wasn’t supposed to be there.
Lisa got out.
Ms. Patel walked beside her.
Mark cursed softly.
“What did you do?”
Nora shook her head.
Lisa opened the rear door.
