Page 44 of Her Ohio Old Flame

Lou nodded thoughtfully. “That’s a good idea. We need to tread carefully. We can’t accuse him outright without proof.”

Zane tensed, the idea of patience grating against his instinct to protect. “We’ll find the proof,” he said, cold with resolve. “One way or another.”

Lou reached for the phone. “I’ll call the principal and set up a meeting. We’ll need access to the list of students he’s working with.”

As Lou dialed, Zane turned his attention back to Asha. She rested her hand lightly on the armrest, and he hesitated for a moment before covering it with his own. She looked up, startled, and the uncertainty in her gaze tugged at something deep inside him.

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 confidencethat 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.

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