HIS NEIGHBOR WOULDN’T STOP REPORTING THE SOUND OF A GIRL CRYING INSIDE HIS HOUSE—THEN HE HID BENEATH HIS DAUGHTER’S BED AND HEARD HER PLEAD FOR SOMEONE TO SPARE HER

Denise slid another page forward. “We are requesting immediate safety accommodations, disciplinary investigation, preservation of school surveillance, device review where legally permissible, and written confirmation that no staff member will discuss Lucia’s private information with Veronica Medina.”

Veronica snapped, “I am her stepmother.”

Thomas turned to her. “Not anymore.”

The room froze.