31

Monday morning dawned cold and gray with a torrent of sleet descending on the town. The bleakness of the sky matched the state of Chloe’s heart. Still, she dressed with purpose, digging deep to find her determination. Today she would plead her case before Mr. Jenkins. She needed to take responsibility for the events that had transpired and prayed that she could persuade the principal not to fire Aidan.

Chloe arrived at the school an hour before classes began and made her way toward Mr. Jenkins’ office. When she reached Aidan’s darkened room, she laid her palm against the door and absorbed a wave of sorrow. He should be sitting at his desk right now, getting a head start on the day, not recovering from a stab wound. Chloe’s well-meaning but reckless actions had led to this—to Aidan being forced to leave the job he loved. With renewed purpose, she straightened her spine. If all went well with Mr. Jenkins, justice would be restored, and Aidan would be back where he belonged.

The door to the principal’s office stood ajar.

Nerves slicked Chloe’s palms with sweat. She offered a quick prayer for guidance before knocking.

“Come in.” Mr. Jenkins sat at a desk piled with papers and used coffee mugs. Unsmiling, the man gestured to a chair. “Have a seat, Miss Martin.”

“Thank you for agreeing to see me.”

“I was going to call you anyway. You saved me the trouble.”

She nodded, trying not to let his scowl get the best of her. “First of all, I want to apologize for everything that’s happened. Despite my good intentions, I can see now how many errors in judgment I made along the way.”

“That’s an understatement. You’ve created a terrible predicament for Mr. North.”

Unwanted tears clogged Chloe’s throat. She’d sworn she wouldn’t break down. “That’s the reason I’m here. I want to emphasize that Mr. North is innocent in all of this. He had no idea Mrs. Brown wasn’t living with her children, or that Lindsay was pregnant. I kept this information from him because I knew he’d be required to report it to the appropriate authorities.”

“And why exactly were you so opposed to that? I think a good foster home would be a better option than their present situation.”

She met his gaze. “I felt it would be harmful to Matt. He’s been abandoned by his father, and his mother as well. He has a lot of misplaced anger, which, frankly, I feel foster care would only magnify.”

“And you’re an expert in this field? A twenty-three-year old with a culinary degree?”

“No, sir. I’m not an expert. But I do know a lot about bad choices and the devastation they can cause. I was trying to save two kids from the same mistakes I’ve made, or worse.”

He studied her. “I’ll accept that your intentions were good. However, your naiveté has led to devastating consequences.”

She lifted her chin. “I’m willing to take full responsibility for my mistakes, but Mr. North should not be blamed for things he knew nothing about. He is an honest, principled man, who wouldn’t break the rules for anything.”

“Really?” Mr. Jenkins elbowed a pile of papers out of the way and leaned in, his eyes hard. “Then maybe you can clear up another rumor circulating around the school.”

Acid burned in the pit of her stomach. “What rumor?”

“I’ve been told that you and Mr. North are romantically involved. Is this true?”

Every drop of saliva seemed to disappear, gluing her tongue to the roof of her mouth. How could she answer this question without incriminating Aidan? “I can’t deny I’ve come to develop…feelings…for Mr. North, but we are definitely not a couple.” Pain squeezed her heart at this admission.

“You danced around that question better than a politician. Are you romantically involved with him?”

The temptation to lie to save Aidan’s job burned bright. But lies had created this mess in the first place. “We have kissed,” she admitted. “But Aidan made it clear there would be no relationship.”

“A teacher reported seeing you two locked in a passionate embrace the other night at the youth center opening.”

Anger pumped hard in her chest. “That is an outright lie. Whoever said that has her own agenda for spreading such gossip.”

“You have to understand how bad this looks for Aidan, considering he was let go from his last position.”

Outraged, Chloe shot to her feet. “Mr. Jenkins, you know Aidan. He is the most honorable, upright man I have ever met. The only mistake he made was trying to help a student…and getting involved with the wrong woman.” The irony of that statement made her pause. “And now he holds himself back, afraid to care too much, in case his actions are misinterpreted.” She realized then how much it had cost Aidan to go after Lindsay. His sacrifice humbled her. “Aidan put his own safety in jeopardy to save Lindsay from those thugs. Punishing him for that would be the worst type of injustice.”

“I can see you feel strongly about this.”

“Yes, sir, I do. And just as strongly about Matt and Lindsay. I can’t allow them to be put into foster care. Mrs. Brown has agreed to let the kids move in with me until she can find a job in town.”

“Well, that’s one matter I have no control over. I do, however, have the power, and the duty, to relieve you of your work here.”

She nodded. “I understand. But please, please reconsider Mr. North’s position. You’ll never find a more dedicated, caring person. His career means everything to him.”

“I appreciate your views on the matter, Miss Martin. All I can say is that I will take them into consideration.” Mr. Jenkins pushed up from his chair, signaling her time was up.

“Thank you. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ll collect my things.”

****

A week after Aidan was released, he stopped in the corridor outside his darkened office and waited for the rush of regret to subside. What would he do if he were forced to leave this job where he’d felt such a sense of fulfillment? Here, everyone knew his family and his history. With the whole town as witnesses, his downfall would be all the more painful. Since leaving the hospital, Aidan’s physical pain had subsided, but the sting of Chloe’s betrayal burned worse than the knife wound in his shoulder.

He fought down his negativity and continued on to the conference room.

Larry had called this meeting of the superintendent, two other board officials, and himself.

Today he would learn the fate of his career. While he’d been recuperating, a hearing had occurred. He’d been allowed to send a written statement in his defense but hadn’t heard anything back, and he was totally unprepared for the final decision. He’d prayed all week that the truth would become evident, and he would be allowed to return. If not, he had no idea what he would do with the rest of his life. He took a seat in one of the chairs surrounding the large, oval conference table and bowed his head in one last fervent prayer. Please help me to accept Your will, Lord, whatever the board decides. I trust in Your plan for my life.

Voices echoed in the outer hall, and Larry entered, followed by three other men. They shook hands and took their spots around the table with Larry at the head.

“Thank you for coming, gentlemen. Mr. North and I appreciate your counsel in this matter.”

The men murmured their response.

“Let’s get right to it. I understand you’ve reached a decision.”

The superintendent, Mr. Walters, nodded. “We have.” He turned his gaze to Aidan. “Mr. North, after careful consideration of all testimonies, including your written one, we have determined that you were unaware of the events surrounding the Brown children. We have decided to overlook the ill-advised actions, which led to your stabbing, and have ruled that you should not be held responsible for Miss Martin’s misconduct.”

Misconduct? That seemed a bit harsh. Though misguided, Chloe’s motives were well-intended.

“You are hereby re-instated to the position of Vice- Principal and will be reimbursed for your brief time of suspension.”

A wave of relief spread through his body, leaving him lightheaded. “Thank you, sir. I appreciate your faith in me.”

Larry smiled. “Actually you owe a lot to Miss Martin. I’ve never heard such a staunch defense of character as the one she gave on your behalf, both to me privately, and at the hearing.”

Mr. Walters nodded. “A very passionate, albeit naïve, young woman. You’re lucky to have her on your side.”

Aidan blinked, trying to process how they could condemn Chloe one minute and sing her praises the next. And luck had nothing to do with her testimony. He sent silent thanks to God.

The superintendent and his associates shook hands, and then left the room.

Larry remained at the table, collecting his papers.

On his way out, Aidan paused. “Larry, I have to ask…What exactly did Chloe tell you?”

Larry’s brows rose. “Let’s just say, I almost had to put on my sunglasses for the glow of the halo she painted over your head.”

Chloe had defended him?

Aidan swallowed the emotion lodged in his throat. “I guess I’ll see you next week then. The doctor says I need a few more days before going back to work.”

“Take your time. Your job will be here when you’re ready.”

Aidan thanked him and walked out. Chloe’s testimony on his behalf warmed the cold places in his heart—places that had frozen over the night Chief Hillier had questioned her in the hospital. He couldn’t help but compare Patricia’s lack of loyalty at a time of crisis to Chloe’s staunch defense, even after he’d coldly rejected her apology. Thanks to her endorsement, he had his job back.

She’d put his welfare above her own, hadn’t even tried to save herself. Nor had she used Aidan’s position to justify her actions. Deep down, Chloe was a good person. He just wished he could trust her enough to risk his heart.

Too many deceptions—too many secrets—made that impossible.