Chapter 3 - The call from school
The next morning was December 26.
Lucy’s school was closed.
That was why the call confused me.
The number belonged to Briarwood Academy, her private elementary school.
The caller was Dr. Erin Wallace, the school’s director of student support.
She was working remotely because Briarwood maintained an emergency safeguarding line during school breaks.
“Mrs. Hayes?”
“Yes.”
“I’m sorry to contact you during vacation, but we received an urgent student-welfare report overnight concerning Lucy.”
My stomach tightened.
“What report?”
A pause.
“Someone alleged that Lucy has been repeatedly denied adequate food at home.”
I sat.
“What?”
“The report states she is sometimes sent to school hungry, that food is withheld as punishment, and that she has recently lost weight.”
None of that was true.
Lucy stood ten feet away.
Still wearing pajamas.
Holding her stuffed rabbit.
I asked:
“Who reported it?”
“I can’t disclose that based on the information I have right now.”
“Was it anonymous?”
“I’m not going to speculate.”
Then:
“Because the allegation concerns possible neglect, school policy requires us to document and determine whether a mandated report to child protective services is required.”
I closed my eyes.
“Lucy ate dinner after we left my mother’s house last night.”
Dr. Wallace paused.
“I didn’t mention your mother.”
I looked at Lucy.
She was watching me.
Then she whispered:
May you like
“Grandma told me she’d make everyone believe her.”
That sentence changed the call.
