“I think they said something about her being southern, from Alabama or Mississippi, but there was no mention of her record or why she made a job change.” Now that Ronan thought about it, he didn’t like this one bit. He was going to run her name through the criminal database in the morning. “I can’t help but wonder if she pulled this same sort of shit at her old school?”
“It’s possible. I just hope that Max can get this all straightened out before tomorrow.”
“Me too,” Ronan agreed, getting out of his seat and pressing a kiss to the back of Ten’s neck. “In the meantime, why don’t we call it a night and go to bed early.”
“Yeah? What did you have in mind?” Ten asked.
“I thought we could watch a little television and make out during the commercials.”
“Just during the commercials?” Ten grabbed Ronan’s hand and dragged him toward the stairs.
There was nothing Ronan loved more than when his husband took charge in the bedroom. He didn’t know what was about to happen, but he could guarantee the television wouldnotbe involved.
6
Tennyson
Instead of putting their daughter on the bus the next morning, Ten and Ronan drove Everly to school. Fitz and Jude were doing the same thing with Aurora and Wolf. Everyone wanted to be at the school in case there were fireworks.
Max Preston had sent Ronan a text letting him know all was well and that Aurora was welcome at school, but Ten wasn’t taking any chances. Not only did he want to find out why Mrs. Robbins convicted Aurora without evidence, but wanted to see her get taken down a peg. After the kids were settled, if Ten wasn’t satisfied with the resolution, he was headed straight for the principal’s office. He wasn’t above moving Everly out of thatwoman’s class if this sort of behavior was going to continue and knew Jace and Cope would be right behind him in doing the same for Aurora and Wolf.
Ronan parked the SUV in the teacher’s lot and when Jude and Fitzgibbon joined him, they all got out of their cars. “How’s Aurora?”
Fitzgibbon shook his head. “To be honest, she’s a little scared. I am too. I need to you keep me on a short leash in there. I’m so angry at what that woman did to my daughter that I might step over the line.”
Ten knew Fitzgibbon was the most measured and controlled man he knew. Usually it had been Fitz holding Ronan back when he’d lost his temper or had become too emotional. “I’ve got you. Everything’s gonna work out just fine.”
“Did Everly tell you that?” Fitz asked, looking hopeful.
Ronan shook his head. “We’re dealing with an elementary school full of kids, not death row convicts.”
Jace, who’d been talking to Aurora through the open back door of the vehicle shook his head, shut the door, and joined the group of fathers. “She doesn’t want to get out of the SUV. I think maybe we should take her home. We can go out to lunch and watch her favorite movies. Maybe buy out a toy store.”
“Hold on, Uncle Jace. I’ve got this.” Everly pushed through the group of men and hurried to the SUV, she opened the door and climbed into the backseat with Aurora. Moments later both girls could be heard laughing. The door popped open and Aurora climbed out. She ran to Fitz and wrapped her arms around his knees. “I’m ready to go to school, Daddy.”
Fitzgibbon scooped her up. “I’m so proud of you. What changed your mind?”
Aurora giggled. “Everly told me Timmy was gonna have an accident in his pants today! I can’t miss that!”
“Me either,” Fitzgibbon agreed. Setting Aurora on her feet, he took her hand and led her toward the school’s front door. Room monitors helped kids getting off the bus, while others walked them into the school.
“You have to stop here, sir,” a woman said as Fitz tried to take Aurora inside. “Parents aren’t allowed inside without permission.”
Reaching into his pocket, Fitzgibbon pulled out his gold detective’s badge. Ronan and Jude joined him, flashing theirs as well. “This permission enough for you?” Without waiting for her answer, Fitz pushed ahead.
Ten had to admit he liked this version of Kevin Fitzgibbon. He was in a fuck-around-and-find-out sort of a mood and Ten was happy they were on the same side.
Max Preston stood in the lobby as if he were expecting them. “Good morning, Aurora. I’m so glad you’re here with us today.”
“Really?” Aurora asked, standing tall.
Max crouched down so they would be on the same level. “Really. I had a long chat with Mrs. Robbins and she won’t be in school today. I’ve lined up a great substitute who’ll be your teacher instead. Want to guess who that is?”
“Who?” Aurora asked.
“Me!” Max gushed.
“You’re gonna be our teacher, Mr. Max?” Aurora’s wide eyes sparkled with excitement.
