Chapter 4

The administrative assistant at Evermoor Academy didn’t look up from her monitor.

Her voice had the rehearsed, icy courtesy common to elite private schools.

"We received the residential pick-up amendment from Mr. Mercer’s legal counsel an hour ago, Mrs. Mercer," she said, her fingers clicking a pen rhythmically.

"Miss Rosalie Bennett has been added to Lila's permanent emergency release file."

"Effective immediately, she is cleared for all daily dismissals."

My throat tightened, the damp chill of my old trench coat rubbing against my collar.

"I am her biological mother. I didn't sign that authorization."

"Mr. Mercer is currently listed as…