SSM01 - School Lunch is Murder

by Zelenka, Cheryl

With the pizza now completely devoured, they dumped the box in the recycle bin and drove home. Since Dora lived across the street, she followed Sadie all the way, frequently turning her blue and red lights on and sounding her siren, just to bug her.

  “Best friends are just so special,” Sadie told her fur-kids as she dropped her purse on the chair by the front door. “So special in fact, I might look for some hemlock to sprinkle on Dora’s next pizza.”

  Willow looked at Bosco, “She’s kidding, right?”

  “Yes, silly. Mama would be lost without Aunt Dora.”

  CHAPTER SEVEN: The Missing Garden Book

  “Sadie, you won’t have any trouble teaching two classes. You’re a seasoned educator and I’m assigning an educational assistant to be with you for the entire day!”

  Gee thanks, I like teaching in a classroom that feels like a can of sardines. The sad little tears of the 50 plus students will be what we’re all packed in. May they preserve us! Common sense told her to keep that comment to herself.

  Taking a deep breath, she pushed her glasses up her nose and said, “Daniel, the plans Mandy left were only meant for 28 students, not 55 kids! There won’t be enough desks in my classroom. Penny’s room is still taped off and we can’t use it. I’ll have to run extra copies and modify her lessons, maybe even run centers. Could you at least give me permission to set up my classroom in the library? It would be better suited to accommodate such a large class size.”

  “See, now that’s why Mandy wanted you to cover her class!” Sadie could hear Dan’s smile in his voice.

  “You’re a problem solver! She knew nothing would fluster you or get in the way of educating her students. Sure, I’ll let Miss Wisp know that the library will be your classroom tomorrow and to spend her time restocking the bookshelves.”

  After the phone conversation, Sadie took a hot shower and went to bed hoping the cinnamon toast and warm mug of milk would put her right to sleep. It worked, but she had another restless night and even stranger dreams. Once again a salad chased her, but this time it was filled with carrot tops and roots. In a different dream, Miss Wisp tossed a salad on her. The dream that finally got her out of bed, just before her alarm went off, had Penny Quiche pointing her right hand at Mr. Ferril. She was still wearing the diamond engagement ring.

  “My goodness, what a night, Bosco! I keep dreaming of salads. Maybe my subconscious is telling me to go on a diet. I feel like I ran a marathon in my sleep!”

  Bosco Bill slept in the bed next to his mama, but Willow preferred to stretch out on her own bed, or on the cozy bedroom rug. Looking over the edge of the bed and down at Willow Cake, Bosco remarked, “She was running all night long. She kept kicking me and I didn’t get any beauty sleep last night.”

  “Pity, old man. You look like you really needed it. Your appearance has been a bit untidy as of late.”

  Not even acknowledging the insult, Bosco hopped off the bed and trit-trotted into the kitchen to get a drink of water. “Sisters, they are especially irritating first thing in the morning. Maybe I should take up coffee, just like mama.”

  Sadie dressed in stylish brown pants, a beige top, and a leather jacket. Not wanting to make breakfast, she decided to grab a vanilla latte and blueberry scone from the Dutch Brothers on 6th street. It was on the way to work and stopping wouldn’t make her late for the early morning staff meeting. She picked up Bosco Bill and gave him a hug then gave Willow Cake a pat goodbye on her head. Leaving through the garage door, she noticed the trash cans and made a mental note to leave them by the street for tomorrow’s afternoon pick up.

  At the G Street stoplight, Sadie took a sip of her liquid nectar then held the coffee cup between her hands to warm them. “I can do this. I can manage two classes with flying colors and do it with a smile on my face.” Sadie’s mom would often tell her to “Just talk turkey.” It was her way of telling Sadie to give herself a pep talk when things seemed particularly challenging. Sadie whispered, “Miss ya, mom!” and slowly drove forward when the light changed.

  For a change, everyone on staff made it to school on time. She sat next to Lilly Pierce, who gave her a curious sideways glance. Ms. Crispman was sitting across from her, trusting her cinnamon rolls were safely baking in the school convection oven.

  Sadie was still frustrated Daniel waited until 10 pm last night to drop the bomb she’d be teaching two classes. Once the meeting started, she could hardly look at him. He has no idea what a big job it is to teach 55 third graders. He better call in a substitute for tomorrow. I want to focus on just Mandy’s kids the rest of this week.

  Without warning, the combination of coffee and stress converged. Sadie felt a sudden burst of heat spark deep within her. She knew what was coming and felt completely helpless. In a matter of seconds, she would become a living torch. The light radiating from her entire face would soon outshine the brightest lighthouse on the Oregon coast.

  “Oh please, not now. Really? Really!? This is not a good time!”

  The fire from within continued to burn, demanding the removal of her leather jacket. That accomplished, it was still not satisfied. The wretched hot flash decided to drench her in dew from her hairline to the center of her very breastbone.

  Daniel, about to start the meeting, unsuccessfully ignored her drippy appearance. His surprised look sent the gaze of many others her way. Thankfully, they pretended the lighthouse amongst them was not beaming out an SOS.

  Regaining composure, Daniel started, “So far there is no news from the coroner, but well, it’s still early in the day. We were able to contact Penny’s close family friends, the Hamptons. Arrangements have been made for a 5 pm rosary tonight at Martin’s Family Chapel on Rogue River Highway. Her funeral service is set for 1 pm tomorrow. The District office will provide half-day subs for everyone, so we can all attend and show our respect for dear Penny. Does everyone know how to get to St. Anne Catholic Church? It’s across the street from Lincoln Elementary on 10th Street.” Everyone nodded.

  Several staff members mentioned they would attend the rosary. The staff then agreed to order a lovely spray of pink and white roses and have them sent to the funeral parlor. Fanny Truxabee would put in a follow-up call to make sure the flowers are then transported to St. Anne the following day. The staff would sit together, united in their grief and determination to honor Penny’s memory.

  When the meeting concluded, Sadie was finally able to re-dress in her leather jacket.

  “I have a holistic remedy for that ailment, Ms. Sunshine. You should come see me when you have a free minute.” With that, Ms. Crispman excused herself and rushed off to the cafeteria, ready to take her cinnamon rolls out of the oven and greet the students waiting for their breakfast.

  Sadie told her she’d be sure to stop by the cafeteria and then turned to Lilly. Before she could open her mouth, Lilly began to speak.

  “I’m sorry I didn’t get a chance to say hi yesterday. So much happened! What a nightmare for you! I wish your first day back had been easier.”

  Sadie could tell her words were sincere, but there was still a feeling of awkwardness between them.

  Looking contrite, Sadie remarked, “Lilly, I want to say how sorry I am for the way I treated you last year. I was angry. A lost library book, even a 35 dollar book, is not worth the loss of a good friend. I’ve missed you and hope you can forgive me.”

  Lilly looked both relieved and overjoyed.

  “Sadie, your words are exactly what I wanted to say to you! I’m so sorry I told Miss Wisp you checked out that expensive gardening book and never returned it. I know I mentioned the book to you after I browsed through it. Not many folks would consider checking out such a hefty gardening text. I just assumed that you, our school’s gardening expert, checked the book out and lost track of it while boxing up your classroom materials. I realize you paid the fine and really, if you didn’t check it out, you shouldn’t have had to pay the penalty. I’ve been wondering…if neither one of us has the book, who does?”

  �
��That’s a good question. I remember the book had a white cover. It had a lot of good information too, including organic fertilizer and weed killing recipes. There was a list of poisonous plants with instructions on how to extract them from a garden. There was a list of rare and heirloom flowers that are now available to the home gardener. I loved the section on useful garden plants with holistic remedies. I also remember reading about grafting. There was a timeline for planting perennials, depending on location and hardiness zone. I found it such a useful book I decided to order it on Amazon.”

  Having to prepare for their day with students, they both agreed to meet after work and catch up. They decided The Laughing Clam would be the perfect spot to eat an early dinner. It was close to school and provided a quiet atmosphere until rush hour hit. If they met up around 4:00 pm, they could order and talk for an hour and a half without yelling over their food. With a hug and a smile, they were both off to prepare for an emotional and fast paced day with students.

  CHAPTER EIGHT: Suspects

  While Sadie was moving tables around in the library, readying herself for a busy day of centers and emotional children, Miss Wisp walked over to help. She looked less stressed than the day before and had made an effort to style her hair. After pushing several more tables in various directions, Edith straightened her shoulders and spoke abruptly.

  “I guess I have the day to stock books. I hope your time teaching children in my library is productive. Remember, the students will need to remain on task and quiet, this is still a library, you know. ”

  Taken aback by Edith’s unusual assertiveness, Sadie looked her straight in the eye. Again she was reminded of how black and white Miss Wisp saw things. “Yes, Edith, but remember, these children are dealing with grief and shock. Their hearts are surely broken over the loss of Miss Quiche. There might be some loud voices in the library today, but I’ve decided to pick and choose my battles with rules and classroom behavior. I want to focus on their need to reconnect and bond. They need to feel safe. Hopefully, I’ll accomplish that through the fun and educational center activities I have prepared.”

  Edith tugged at her gray blouse and made sure the top button was still fastened.

  “I understand Miss Quiche has passed, it is a tragedy to be sure, but her students were always out of control. She was a dreadful teacher, inexperienced, and I believe she lacked the talent and skill to properly educate children. I’m glad there will be a different teacher in charge of those students, and just wait, my comment will be echoed by Suzie Quibble and many other parents from our school.” Edith then stepped behind the book counter and into her office to make a phone call.

  Sadie had not expected Edith to voice such strong feelings about Miss Quiche. She also didn’t realize Edith was a part of the gossip gang at Fort Follyfield. Anyone who was in league with Mrs. Quibble was privy to the latest school gossip. School was about to start, so she put aside that thought and headed out of the main building and to the gymnasium, where students were waiting to be collected.

  Once inside the gym, it didn’t take Sadie very long to locate the two third-grade classes. She waved back at several former students who were standing next to her in the fourth-grade line. The atmosphere inside the gym was pretty somber. She was sure some of Miss Quiche’s students had been crying.

  With the Pledge of Allegiance recited, teachers began walking their students to the main school building and into classrooms. There was more than the usual number of parents at school that morning and Sadie noticed the PTA President, Suzie Quibble, walking beside her son Jude, holding his hand. He had been one of Penny’s students.

  The entire third grade of Fort Follyfield filed into the library and found seats at the tables. A surprisingly large number of parents also flooded into the library. Hoping they were present to help run centers, Sadie quickly discovered that wasn’t the case. They had arrived with a different agenda and Mrs. Quibble was there to start things off.

  “Ms. Sunshine, let me be the first parent to welcome you back to Fort Follyfield! Our students have to um, tolerate educational practices that are sub-standard. We are thrilled you agreed to take on both classes while Mrs. Golden is out on maternity leave, and well, we are also sorry about Miss Quiche’s passing. In her memory, I’ve sent a very special bouquet of flowers from my personal garden to the funeral home.” The parents in the library all nodded their heads as Sadie took her place up front.

  Clearing her throat and smiling her sweetest smile, Sadie started out by saying,

  “Dear children…and parents, I am pleased to be back at my old stomping grounds, but saddened by the recent loss of a valued and qualified educator. Miss Quiche will be sorely missed by us all.” There were some harrumphs coming from the back of the room, but Sadie ignored them. She noticed Daniel Pardon slip into the library. Thankful for his support, she’d be able to direct questions his way if she couldn’t start her teaching day in the next few minutes.

  “As you know, I have agreed to take on both third grades just for today. I look forward to interacting with both classes, but tomorrow the students from Miss Quiche’s class will have a top-notch substitute of their very own.”

  Sadie glanced over at Daniel and he nodded his head. Some of the parents crossed their arms and looked unhappy.

  “I will remain with Mrs. Holden’s class for an additional seven weeks. Her baby’s due date is today, so her little one should be here very soon. The Goldens already know a baby girl is on the way, but they have yet to announce her name. I know we all wish them the very best with a safe and healthy delivery.” She observed a few adults with sour expressions. She figured these were the parents Mandy had mentioned earlier. They still didn’t seem happy about the disruption her pregnancy was apparently causing in their child’s education.

  Geesh! Some parents just can’t be satisfied! I don’t think they realize educators have a life outside of the classroom! Some students think we teachers live at school, and I think their parents are under the same impression. Thank goodness most parents understand we have a personal life and appreciate the love and devotion we give their children.

  Continuing with her impromptu speech, she expressed her desire to start the day. “Since every day is about the safety and education of our students, I will now take roll and begin the school day. I look forward to spending time with every precious child. Feel free to help in the room as I’ll be running centers and could actually use an extra pair of hands. If you have any questions or concerns, please follow Principal Pardon out into the hallway. I’m sure he is much better equipped than I to answer them.” She then began roll call. Suzie Quibble and most of the other parents left the library to speak with Daniel. Thankfully, two parents remained behind and her teaching assistant took the initiative to explain the centers and assign one for each of them to lead.

  Meanwhile, Sadie spent several minutes greeting the students. She told them they’d be doing fun activities, including art, within a small group. Together, the group would travel from table to table every 20 minutes, but only after they had cleaned up the center for the next arriving group. Every child looked excited to begin the fun. She was pleased they were adjusting so well to the makeshift classroom.

  The centers ended up a huge hit. Students remained focused and well behaved. Children quickly adjusted to the unusual school day and there weren’t any tears the entire morning. Sadie prayed the rest of the day would go just as smoothly. When recess finally arrived, the students were actually caught off guard, having lost themselves in the fun Sadie had created.

  A minute after her students were excused for recess, Sadie’s smartphone rang. Just as promised, Dora was on the other end. “Hey Ms. Sunshine, I hate to turn your day upside down but I have gloomy news. The autopsy revealed a large amount of hemlock inside Miss Quiche’s stomach. It was a lot more than the prescribed half a teaspoon of dried hemlock our friend Mandy told you about yesterday. The coroner said she identified small chunks of hemlock root. It could have been added t
o her salad and disguised as a radish or turnip.”

  “Darn! That’s bloomin’ awful! This means Penny was murdered.”

  “Yep and the entire Fort Follyfield staff is now under investigation. Sorry, Sadie. I have several suspects at this point, but the top three on my list are Mr. Blahart, Lilly Pierce, and your PTA President, Mrs. Quibble. I have three additional suspects that require more investigation before I can rule them out.

  “Six people? From our staff? That’s crazy, Dora! And you said Mrs. Quibble? Are you kidding? Why is she a suspect? What did you forget to mention while we were inhaling that pizza last night?”

  “Hey, Sunshine, I didn’t have all my facts last night and I wanted to wait until they were verified. Mrs. Quibble wasn’t happy with her son’s teacher from the get-go. In the past three months, she’s filed several written complaints to Principal Pardon and two at the District Office. It’s all documented. She wanted Miss Quiche dismissed for incompetence.

  I spoke with Superintendent Wong this morning and he agreed it appeared Mrs. Quibble had a personal vendetta out for that poor teacher. In fact, nobody seems to be good enough to educate her son. Last year, she did the same thing to your second-grade teacher, Mr. Marsh. She filed numerous complaints against him, citing Marvin as the reason her son Jude was failing both reading and math.”

  Sadie remembered the visit from human resources and how they had observed Marvin last year, but she wasn’t privy to the details behind their visit or that Mrs. Quibble’s quibbling had brought it about. Obviously nothing ever came of it because Marvin was, to her knowledge, never placed on a plan of assistance. Daniel probably placed her son Jude in Penny’s classroom knowing Mandy was already pregnant, and certain to be out on maternity leave in the fall. Suzie Quibble would have thrown a fit over that ‘disruption’ in her son’s education. Oh brother, now there is an even bigger disruption and Mrs. Quibble couldn’t do anything about it.