“Aw, Amy! How lovely. And you are?”
“Busy. Can I just go and collect her, please?”
“Amy is waiting by her classroom door. We are not permitted to let the children leave the grounds without an authorised guardian.”
“I’m her mother.”
She frowned at me. “We were under the impression that Amy’s mother had passed away.”
“Stepmother,” I clarified through clenched teeth.
“I see. Do you have the password?”
“Excuse me?” I almost laughed, blinking at her like she had lost her goddamn mind.
Which, to be clear, she absolutely had.
“We are used to her being picked up by Heather. Because we are not familiar with you, we need a password. I’m sure you can understand! You can never be too careful when safeguarding children.”
“I don’t know the password.”
She pulled a regretful face. “I’m afraid I can’t let Amy leave with you in that case.”
“You are aware that she prefers to be called Bee, yes?”
“We didn’t consider that to be an appropriate nickname for school.”
“And what if her name had been Beatrice? Would Bee still not be appropriate?” I was one step away from pulling this woman’s head off. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. “If you just ask Bee to come here, then she will let you know who I am.”
“I’m afraid that wouldn’t be possible. Could I take your name, please? As I’m sure Amy’s stepmother would be aware of the circumstances surrounding her ability to communicate.”
“Forget it. Just wait there,” I hissed, pulling my phone out of my pocket and scrolling through the contacts.
Fuck!
I didn’t have Heather’s number. Why the fuck didn’t I have Heather’s number? That left me no choice. I pressed dial on Dante’s name and gave Mrs Baillie a tight smile.
“What?” He snapped. “I’m in Church, Rachel. It’s not a good time.”
“What’s the password to pick Bee up?”
“I’m in Church. Can’t you ask Heather?”
“Oh gee, why didn’t I think of that? I don’t have her number, genius! And you could be off the phone and back in your precious Church by now had you just cut the sh… nonsense,” I said, shooting a glance at the teacher, “and given me the password.”
He laughed down the phone. “They won’t let you collect her, will they?”
“It’s not funny, Dante. Just give me the word.”
I pulled the phone away from my ear as I heard a commotion in the background, and then Vienna’s voice came through.
Oh, for fuck's sake, this is all I need!
“Hiya, Rachel! Where you at?”
“I’m at my wit's end. Just give me the password, this is getting silly.”
“What type of room has no doors or windows?” He asked.
