Page 79 of Atticus
“Thank you.”
“Felt like a more formal approach tonight?”
“I’ve been told I’m a little too rugged.” Bryant snorts. “As though my coming to school in jeans and a simple shirt wasn’t deliberate. I’ve never given a fuck about being fancy, but I’m proud of my library. Figured I might try to look as good as those books, do ’em some justice. C’mon, I’d like to get there a little early so I can see what the other teachers have done.”
When we park, we notice an unusual grouping of cars and people waiting outside. I don’t recognize any of them.
“People are here already? I didn’t expect the parents and the students for another hour. Wonder what that’s about,” Bryant mutters.
“Those are cameras,” I observe.
Bryant unfastens his seatbelt. “Maybe it’s because of Lucy’s posts, or they’re fromSt. Morgan’s Daily Newsabout the fundraiser.”
“Odd they aren’t being let inside.”
“You’re right. Carlisle must have a reason, just don’t know if it’s a good one. We’ll walk on past them. Don’t answer any questions, okay? I’m not keen on my mug being on any late-night news.”
“All right.”
The moment we approach the building, we’re swarmed with shouts and demands, none of them aimed at Bryant.
All of them are focused onme.
“Atticus,” a young woman shouts. “Connie Lee Parker with theSt. Morgan Gazette. How long have you been having an illicit affair with Lucy Warren?”
I stiffen, my gaze snapping toward the reporter in an instant, bewildered.How did she know?
My processors whir, quickly jumping from being mostly at rest into churning at maximum as I connect to school servers and hastily search for an explanation.
Then I see it. An article online. Not from a reputable newspaper like theNewCarnegie Times, but from the primary entertainment and celebrity gossip magazine:St. Morgan Teacher Under Investigation for Alleged Misuse of School Bionic Assistant.
I open my mouth to respond, but Bryant takes me firmly by the arm. “Don’t answer that, Atticus.” He motions for me to head to the door. “No questions,” he barks sternly. “No questions, no questions. If you have questions, call the school district.”
When we’re safe inside, Bryant curses. “Goddamn, Atticus. I don’t know who’s got it out for you, but I guess the jig is up.” He sounds almost apologetic.
“I don’t understand. How can they possibly know anything?” I’m frustrated. The article is stuck behind a paywall; I can only access the first few paragraphs.
“I dunno, but that’s the least of your problems at the minute,” Bryant says, sounding grim as he peers at the clamoring media outside. “They’re gonna turn this fundraiser into a circus. It won’t be about the kids anymore. It’ll be about scandal.” He rubs his hand over his hair. “Better get a hold of Lucy so she doesn’t walk straight into a trap like this.”
This is far worse than being blindsided by Renee and her girlfriend on the ferry. Lucy’s already been humiliated once. The thought of her being treated that way again angers me. Bryant stays with me as I try to call her.
She doesn’t answer. I try again.
No response. I compose and quickly send off a message to her.
Lucy, where are you?
“Hey.” Trey Washington approaches us both, his usually easy smile completely vacant from his face. “I got a couple folks from the precinct on the way to keep these paparazzi wannabes off school property.”
“Can they do that, legally?”
“To an extent. They can keep them from hounding people, but they were extended the invitation to cover the fundraiser.” Trey sighs. “This is ridiculous, Atticus. I’m sorry. You’re brave for coming here tonight.”
“I wasn’t aware this was breaking news.”
“Well, you better get ready, then,” Trey replies. “Because nothing about this is gonna be fun.”
“He’s finally getting what’s coming to him, you mean.”
