Chapter 3 - THE TEACHER WHO WOULDN'T LOOK UP
Naen Fowler broke down before Karen finished asking the question.
They were alone in the art room.
Children’s paintings covered the walls.
For thirty years, Naen had been one of Ridgemont’s most respected teachers.
Now her hands shook.
“I didn’t want to do it.”
Karen placed the access log on the table.
“But you did.”
Naen closed her eyes.
“Pike made me.”
“Why?”
Naen walked to the door and locked it.
Then she told Karen about a private scholarship fund created twelve years earlier.
Families donated millions believing the money supported students who could not afford Ridgemont.
But Pike had gradually redirected portions toward renovations, executive bonuses, donor dinners, and projects that improved the school’s prestige.
Micah’s scholarship was inconvenient because the fund was running dangerously low.
“How much is missing?” Karen whispered.
Naen’s answer nearly stopped her breathing.
“More than four million dollars.”
Karen stared at her.
“Why haven’t you reported it?”
“Because Pike has something on everyone.”
Naen’s husband had died leaving enormous medical debt.
Years earlier Pike had authorized an emergency staff loan through a school foundation account.
Technically, paperwork had been altered.
Naen had spent a decade terrified he would accuse her of theft.
Karen understood the trap.
Pike did not need loyal employees.
He needed frightened ones.
“Give me proof.”
Naen shook her head.
“He keeps the real records somewhere else.”
“Where?”
“I don’t know.”
Outside the room, neither woman noticed Bianca standing near the corner.
Her phone was in her hand.
That evening Karen received an email from Pike.
Mandatory disciplinary meeting.
8:00 a.m.
Board representative attending.
Karen knew immediately.
Someone had told him.
The next morning Pike sat behind his desk with two board members.
Bianca sat beside them.
Smiling.
Pike claimed Karen had accessed confidential student records without authorization and intimidated another faculty member.
“You are suspended effective immediately.”
Karen’s heart sank.
Without her salary, Toby’s surgery became impossible.
Then Pike added something strange.
“You are also prohibited from contacting Teresa Alvarez.”
Karen looked up.
“How do you know Teresa’s last name?”
Pike froze for less than a second.
Teresa had never used Alvarez at Ridgemont.
She was registered under her birth surname.
Karen said nothing.
But someone else had noticed too.
Teresa stood outside the office holding a mop.
And suddenly she understood.
May you like
Pike knew exactly who she was.
Which meant Teresa’s secret investigation had never been secret at all.
