Never Leave: A gripping psychological thriller by Kimberley Louise

Author:Kimberley Louise [Louise, Kimberley]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Hope Tree Press
Published: 2022-05-29T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 21

“Well, I wish I had good news,” Janine says as I take a seat in her office. “I’m afraid Mrs. Broadbent is going ahead with her complaint. She claims you were prejudiced towards her son. And she claims that the staff mistreated him—especially you.”

This comes as no surprise. Kathy was not going to see sense and dismiss her claims against the school and me. But I was looking for a resolution and an end to the situation. Maybe it’s naive of me to expect this.

“I’m not sure why she’s being so irrational,” I say, disgruntled.

Janine tilts her head to the side and makes strong eye contact with me. Concern suffuses her features.

“It is rather unfortunate, isn’t it?” Janine replies with dissatisfaction. She then clears her throat and rests her fingers under her chin. “Mrs. Broadbent also claims that your partner, Tom Darcy, threatened her.”

“I was going to tell you about that,” I say.

“Why didn’t you?”

“Jack Broadbent came to see me after school. He said Kathy was really shaken up. But if some strange guy threatens you in the street, wouldn’t you call the police?”

Janine considers this judging by her expression. She then sighs. “Well, either way, it doesn’t look good. The police are going to be called. Mud sticks.”

“I’m sorry, Janine, I didn’t mean for this to happen.”

“It isn’t your fault. Kathy Broadbent has always been a difficult character to understand. I’m sure she’ll get tired of it and go on to the next crusade.”

I give a reassuring smile. “I hope Kathy does tire of her lies and quits making up stories about Tom threatening her and me being cruel to Alistair. I’ve been a teacher for over twenty years and have never experienced anything like this,” I defend. “There’s something else you should be aware of,” I forewarn Janine.

Janine smiles as she glances at my engagement ring. “Oh, you’re wearing an engagement ring.”

“Yes,” I say. “Tom proposed to me, and I accepted.”

“Wow, Linette, that’s fantastic news. Congratulations. Have you decided on a date?”

“No, not yet,” I reply bashfully. “But wait! There’s more. We are relocating to Australia. As a result, I’ll be leaving my job at the school.”

Janine leans back on her chair. She is clearly taken aback. I’m sure she didn’t see that one coming.

“You are leaving?” she says slowly.

“Yep. I still can’t believe it,” I admit.

“How unfortunate. You’re one of—if not the best—teachers I’ve ever had. But I’m confident you know what’s best for you and your family.”

I crack a grin. “I hope so.”

“I’m sure the rest of the staff will agree that we shall miss you.”

“I’m not leaving yet,” I joke.

“So, when do you intend to go?” she asks.

“In a couple of months,” I tell her. “Tom is eager to get things started as soon as possible. So how will this affect the investigation?”

Janine taps her keyboard and takes a quick glimpse at her computer screen. “Well, the board of governors will first evaluate what Kathy Broadbent has said. The allegations levelled against Tom are a different matter.

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