The Surprise

by Alice Ward

  “As a matter of fact, we came across something late last night.” Nelson turned his attention to his computer. He tapped his keyboard a few times and then rotated the monitor so all three of us could see it. A grainy black and white image of the school hallway filled the screen.

  “The resolution on this is terrible. How old is the school’s security system?” Frank asked.

  “Older than the school,” Nelson replied dryly. “But I hear they’ve recently upgraded.”

  They must have found something. Ethan was right. This is actually good news… sort of. There’s still a monster out there somewhere.

  “Miss Kinkaid, I’m going to play the video in slow motion. I’d like you to tell me if you recognize the man who enters your room,” the prosecutor directed.

  I nodded, my heart racing with a blend of relief and revulsion. Nelson hit play and a few long, tension-filled moments later, a man stepped into the hallway. He was tall and wide with a thick, full beard. What I could see of his face, I didn’t recognize.

  “I’ll bet you a thousand dollars that whoever this is, he’s sporting the clean shaved look these days,” Frank said.

  “Only a dumbass would bet against that,” Nelson replied. “Miss Kinkaid, do you recognize this man?”

  I stared at the image, willing myself to know him. But recognition wouldn’t come. Sadly, I shook my head. “No. I’ve never laid eyes on him in my life.”

  “Can you enlarge the timestamp?” Frank asked, squinting at the screen.

  Nelson shook his head. “Not on this screen. But this footage is from nine thirty-seven p.m. on November fourth.”

  “So from that moment on, the snack drawer was a time bomb.” Fury built within my chest and I wanted to shatter the computer screen. I felt angry and violated, terrified that someone had been able to break into my life so easily. I’d spent weeks in that room, not knowing that a potentially deadly plan had already been set into motion.

  Frank cleared his throat. “I’m assuming, given this new development, the charges against Miss Kinkaid will be dropped.”

  Nelson sighed but didn’t meet my hopeful gaze. “Yes, but my office is reserving the right to refile at any time. My boss didn’t want to dismiss them at all. There’s still a lot of circumstantial evidence against you, Emily. But my gut tells me you’re innocent. And the DA has learned to listen to my gut.”

  “This is over?” I asked in complete disbelief, emotion threatening to clog my throat.

  Nelson nodded. “Unless we find our John Doe and he has evidence that he was your accomplice. That’s my boss’ theory.”

  “That won’t happen,” I assured him, nearly yelling the words. My relief soon gave way to determined anger. “Mr. Nelson, this man broke into my classroom and poisoned an innocent child. I understand that you had to investigate me. But I sincerely hope you had a few people looking into other angles, at least. Please tell me this development hasn’t put your investigation back at square one.”

  Nelson cringed and glanced down to the desk. Frank sat a little straighter in his chair, holding his head high.

  “The Portland PD is re-interviewing the Hollis family as we speak,” Nelson confessed. “We’re looking into possible business rivals, anyone who may have it out for the family. I believe they also intend to speak to your boyfriend, Miss Kinkaid.”

  “I don’t have a boyfriend,” I lied.

  “My apologies… your former boyfriend,” Nelson corrected himself.

  “What does Mr. McAlister have to do with the investigation?” Frank pressed.

  Nelson shrugged. “I think they want to ask if he has any jealous ex-girlfriends or anyone else who may want to get Emily out of the picture.”

  “To my knowledge, there are no crazy ex-girlfriends. His parents certainly wanted me out of the picture. But that didn’t start until after I was arrested.”

  Nelson raised an eyebrow and lifted a pen from his desk. “Are you sure? The Montez’s aren’t exactly known for being law-abiding citizens. If they wanted you gone, the could have created a way to justify it.”

  I considered it for a moment, then shook my head. “Only a sick, psychotic person would intentionally harm a child. Victor and Martha are intimidating… formidable even. And they certainly know which strings to pull to get what they want. But I don’t think they’re demented.”

  “Still, it may be an angle worth looking into,” Nelson observed.

  Frank puffed out his chest like a proud robin and pulled a business card from his breast pocket. “Mr. Kinkaid and I were concerned that the investigation might hit a stall once you realized Emily was innocent. This is the name and number of the PI we hired to look into things. He’s already assembled files on several potential suspects who could be linked to the Hollis family. He’s also assembled a file on Ben Simmons, a disgruntled ex of Emily’s. He’ll be more than happy to fill you in on what he’s learned.”

  Damn it, I told them Ben wouldn’t do this. I can’t believe they had him investigated.

  I was taken aback by the revelation, but I did my best not to show it. I took a deep, silent breath and let it out slowly to calm myself.

  Nelson’s face flushed red, but he took the card. “Thank you. I’ll pass this on to the lead detective.”

  I cleared my throat. “Mr. Nelson, what does this new development mean for my teaching license?”

  “You are no longer under investigation, Miss Kinkaid. The decision of whether or not you’re allowed back in a classroom lies with the school board. I imagine your principal or superintendent knows how to proceed from here.”

  I nodded. “I’ll call the school as soon as we leave.”

  “Is there anything else you need from us?” Frank asked, pulling at his necktie. It wasn’t particularly warm in the room, but I understood why my lawyer might be feeling a little claustrophobic.

  “That’s all for now. Stay in town, Emily. And watch your back. Until the intruder is in custody and can speak to his motives, I think it’s best that you take some extra safety precautions.”

  I paused at the door, pressing a hand against it to keep steady. “You think I’m in danger?”

  Nelson shrugged again. “I think given everything we’re unsure of, it’s best if you’re hyper-aware of your surroundings. The first attack was indirect, so I don’t think anyone’s going to pop out of the bushes and grab you. Just pay attention to what’s happening around you… at all times.”

  “I will,” I promised. “Thank you, Mr. Nelson.”

  Frank and I filed out of the office, through the cubical labyrinth, and into the hallway. I waited until we were outside to vent my frustrations.

  “I can’t believe you and Walt had Ben investigated after I told you he isn’t capable of doing this,” I snapped, my hands on my hips.

  Frank paused a few feet away from me and turned with an impatient glare. “Look, Emily, I know this had been incredibly stressful for you. But that doesn’t mean you get to control the investigation. If we hadn’t looked into Ben, that would be another thing on the Portland PD’s expanding to-do list. You were right. We didn’t find any reason to believe he was behind the attack. And now the PD can verify what we’ve already found and move on to more important leads.”

  I instantly deflated. “Oh… well, that makes sense. I’m sorry I yelled.”

  “It’s okay. Now, let’s get going. You have some calls to make.”

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  I waited until I was home to start making my calls. Nelson’s final words had left me feeling on edge, and I’d learned my lesson about talking on the phone when my attention should be on something else. I did a quick scan of all the rooms to make sure nothing was out of place, my phone in hand in case I stumbled upon something suspicious. When I was satisfied that everything was in order, I sat down on the couch and dialed my uncle’s cell number. He answered on the first ring.

  “Hey, kiddo. What’s going on?”

  “I just left the prosecutor’s office. The police
found footage of an unknown man breaking into my classroom one night in early November. The charges against me have been dropped.”

  I pulled the phone away from my ear quickly as Walt let out a loud whoop. “Oh, Em! That’s fantastic news.” I could practically feel him beaming through the phone.

  “Nelson warned me that they’ve reserved the right to refile,” I said, a weird combination of laughing and crying hitching the words. “If the investigation turns anything else up on me. But he doesn’t seem to think I’m guilty. It was actually a pretty good meeting.”

  “Sounds like it was a wonderful evening. I certainly hope your exoneration gets as much press as your arrest did. Does this mean you and Ethan will be staying put?”

  “I don’t know,” I said, sitting back on the couch in pure relief. “We won’t make any decisions until the season is over.”

  “What did he say when you told him the charges were dropped? Is he on his way to stand up to his parents as we speak?”

  “I haven’t told him yet. You were my first call.” I covered my eyes with my hand, trying to hold back the tears threatening to escape. “Thank you so much for hiring Frank, Uncle Walt. And for being here for me through all of this.”

  There was a long pause and I heard the click of his loud swallow. “You don’t have to thank me, kiddo. There’s nowhere else I would have been. Thank you for calling me first. It means a lot.”

  “It’s instinct,” I told him. “But you’re welcome.”

  “This calls for a celebration. Call Ethan and your friends and tell them to meet us at Vinicio’s at eight. I’ll call and reserve one of the private tables. Drinks and dinner are on me tonight.”

  “You don’t have to do that,” I argued. Vinicio’s was one of the most expensive Italian restaurants in the city. I didn’t expect Uncle Walt to be able to get a last minute reservation, and there was no way I wanted him to spend that kind of money.

  “I can and I will,” he countered. “Don’t sweat it, kiddo. I’ve been flying Mr. Vinicio to LA every Tuesday for the past three months. He’s more than happy to pay me with a meal instead of cash every now and then. I’ll get off here so you can share the good news with everyone else. Pamper yourself today, you deserve it. I’ll see you at eight. Love you, kiddo.”

  “I love you too, Uncle Walt. I’ll see you soon.”

  I ended the call and immediately dialed Ethan’s number. It went to voicemail after four rings. I hung up and texted him the news and the dinner invitation. I managed to reach Melissa while she was on lunch. Much screaming and laughing ensued. She was thrilled and promised to meet us for dinner. My conversation with Linda was almost identical.

  I spoke with Principal Matthews, who was delighted to hear that the charges were dropped. He promised to schedule the hearing with the school board and to put in a good word for me with the members. He warned that I may be put on probation, but assured me that there was an excellent chance I’d be allowed back at work when school resumed after the new year. When I ended the call, I felt on top of the world. And I had seven hours before I had to be anywhere.

  I’m sick of being behind closed doors. I’m going shopping. And I’m going to get my hair and nails done. And if I happen upon a reporter, I’ll tell them all about how my name’s been cleared.

  I grabbed my purse, pulled on my overcoat, and headed back into the world. I drove to NoBu, a neighborhood a little south of me known for its boutiques, restaurants, and nightlife. For the first time in my life, I shopped like money was no object. Ethan and I were finally going to be free and I wanted to look my best when we were out together. In three hours, I put a two-thousand-dollar dent in my savings.

  My spending spree didn’t end at the clothing stores. I found a salon with open appointments and proceeded to get caramel highlights in my chestnut brown hair. A mani-pedi and a quick change later, I walked into Vinicio’s feeling like an entirely new person.

  “Good evening,” the hostess greeted me from behind the polished mahogany station. “Table for one?” She spoke with a thick Italian accent and looked like a grandma from a pasta commercial.

  “I’m actually meeting a group. I believe the reservation is under Kinkaid,” I replied.

  Recognition flashed across her face and she gave me a full smile. “You must be Miss Emily. Yes, follow me. I believe you’re the last one here. It’s so nice to finally meet you. Your uncle talks about you all the time. He called today and said he needed our best table for you.”

  I followed her through the dim, elegant dining room to a circular booth in a far, private corner. Uncle Walt, Claudia, Linda, and Melissa were already arranged around the table. I hugged them all and sat down, checking my phone again to see if Ethan had called. I hadn’t heard from him all day, and I was starting to worry.

  I’m sure he got caught up in a late practice. They are playing a bowl game in a few days, after all. He’ll call when he can.

  “Emily, you look fantastic,” Melissa gushed. “I almost bought those exact pants last week.”

  I smoothed the legs of my new grey linen slacks and smiled back at her. “Great minds think alike. Uncle Walt told me to pamper myself, so I took his advice. I may have gotten a little carried away.”

  “You deserve it, sweetheart. Did you talk to your boss? Any idea when you get to go back to work?” he asked.

  “Principal Matthews is scheduling a hearing with the school board. They’ll review the details of the incident, and then rule whether to reinstate me or recommend to the state board that my license be revoked. He seems to think the worst I’m looking at is probation.”

  “Why is probation necessary?” Claudia asked. “I’d think they’d reinstate you immediately and apologize.”

  “I didn’t tamper with the trail mix, but I wasn’t paying as close attention to the kids as I should have,” I explained. “I was actually on the phone with Ethan when Alfie collapsed.”

  “It’s not like you turned your back and left them completely unattended,” Linda interjected. “Mrs. Carver was there doling out cupcakes. It’s understandable that you relaxed a little, knowing there was an extra set of adult eyes in the room.”

  “I’m fine with serving out a probation,” I assured them. “I think it’s incredibly fair.”

  A short, jovial man approached our table and reached for Walt’s hand.

  “Walter, it’s so nice to see you. It makes me so happy that you came here for your special dinner. I trust my wife is taking good care of you?”

  Walt shook the man’s hand and smiled back at him. “Marie has been wonderful, as usual. I’d like to introduce you to my niece and her friends. Emily, this is my good friend Mario Vinicio. His wife Marie brought you to the table. Mario, this is Emily, and her friends Melissa and Linda.”

  “It’s so nice to meet you all,” he replied with a nod. “I apologize for not shaking your hands. It’s okay for Walter to smell like garlic and onion, but not you beautiful ladies. Claudia, it’s nice to see you again.”

  “You too, Mario.”

  He smoothed the front of his white, tomato-stained apron and turned back to the kitchen. “Your first course will be out in just a second,” he promised. “I’ll check on you again after dessert.”

  “Thanks, Mario,” Walt called after him.

  “Did you order before I got here?” I asked.

  “Sort of. I gave Mario permission to plan our meal. Don’t worry, everything he makes is delicious,” Walt assured me. “Now back to what we were talking about. Did Principal Matthews have any idea when this hearing will take place?”

  I shook my head. “He’s supposed to call me when the board gets back to him with an exact time. But he thinks they’ll be able to fit me in before school resumes on the eighth.”

  “It’ll be so nice to have you back again,” Linda told me. “Sheryl Harper has been covering your class. She’s capable enough, but she isn’t exactly friendly. Your kids asked me when you were coming back every day.”

  I cringe
d to hear that my class had been left with a teacher they didn’t like.

  “She wasn’t that bad,” Linda assured me. “But she wasn’t you.”

  “Are you nervous about being in the classroom again?” Claudia asked.

  I shook my head quickly. “I’m thrilled with the idea of being with the kids again, but I’m afraid I’ll be a little jumpy. When I watched that footage… it made my skin crawl. And Nelson seems to think we should be on high alert for another incident.”

  Uncle Walt’s ears perked up. “What? He thinks you’re in danger?”

  Damn it. I shouldn’t have said that. But if Walt didn’t hear it from me, he was bound to hear it from Frank.

  I laid a calming hand on his arm. “He thinks there’s a chance. But he expects it to be similar to what happened with the trail mix, not a direct attack. And that’s if I was the intended target in the first place, which I wasn’t.”

  “You sound awfully sure about that,” Walt replied, his brow furrowed.

  “Who would want to hurt me, Uncle Walt? Your investigator already cleared Ben. No one else has motive to want me in trouble. And Frank told me your PI has files on people linked to the Hollis family.”

  “Still, I think it’s best that you stay at my place until this investigation is over. Or if you must, stay with Ethan. But I don’t want you alone at your place if the ADA has warned you’re in danger.”

  Damn it, Uncle Walt.

  “Ethan’s place?” Melissa asked, lifting one eyebrow with curiosity.

  Uncle Walt turned beet red as he realized he’d spilled my secret. I opened my mouth to defend myself, but Mario chose that moment to reappear at our table.

  “For your first course, I prepared all of my favorite appetizers. We have muscles steamed in white wine and herbs, hand tossed flatbread with assorted dipping oils, and, of course, some antipasti.”

  He arranged the dishes on the table, then left again with a bow. The food remained untouched, all eyes on me.

  “Why would you stay at Ethan’s house, Emily?” Melissa pressed.