The gradebook

Hard evidence might be more reliable than your girls. And if you’re quick, you might be able to get to the book before Professor Austen thinks of it… or Mavis tips her off. It would be wise to completely trust Mavis, after all.

The girls aren’t in their own rooms, but they are upstairs, gathered in Karen’s room. You’re impressed that they followed directions this well. They were really just up here waiting for you.

“How bad is it?” Karen asks soberly.

“Not bad so far. She didn’t bring up Officer Lang. I told her about Professor Austen.”

“Should we say anything to Sissy if she comes home?” Lisey asks.

“She probably saw me last night,” you say with a sigh. “Maybe Roxy too. You don’t mention Roxy, no matter what. Try to just let it go, but if Sissy comes back here and starts asking questions, be honest with her. Not about Roxy. About everything else.”

“Why are we protecting Roxy?” Lisey asks.

“Because she’s an idiot, but she was trying to help,” you tell her. “I’ll try to go clean this up. Is anyone heading out today?” No. They’re all heading home tomorrow. “Watch out for Officer Lang. Don’t let her in here without a warrant, and don’t talk to her.”

“You’re freaking me out a little,” Kris says.

“Don’t freak out. The only ones who can get in trouble here are me and Roxy. You guys are fine. Just don’t accidentally screw me over,” you warn, shaking a finger at them.

“We going to talk about last night?” Lisey asks.

“Nothing to talk about. What happens here stays here,” you tell her sternly.

“But we are here,” Kris notes, blushing.

You roll your eyes. “Don’t do anything I’ll regret while I’m gone.”

“Jeez, Mom,” Karen grumbles.

You leave them with that and head out, grabbing your coat and climbing into your car. It’s Saturday before the holiday week. There will hardly be anyone at school.

As you drive, you think about the evidence. You have Kris. She saw what you saw at the university. And that’s it. Roxy saw nothing at the house, and the girls didn’t see anything. They all know the truth, but only Kris knows it firsthand.

You arrive at the school, making your way in quickly and quietly and letting yourself into Professor Austen’s office, which is still unlocked from last night. Trying not to think about what you did with Roxy on this desk, you straighten the office up and grab the book. It’s just how you left it.

Evidence secured… but the grades by themselves prove nothing. And the word of two CCL girls… Hmm.

You get out of the office, but pause downstairs before going back out to your car. A few snowflakes flutter through the air. The sky is gray, and the wind is howling again. Very few people are out and about because it’s still early. Town is as quiet as the grave.

CCL girls might not be the most credible witnesses in the eyes of the people who might matter in a case like this.

To be safe… you should have more evidence. But how?

If Professor Austen likes women, and she’s been working and living in Gurlberg, she might be known to the Free Gurls.

Or… if she’s doing this thing with grades, she might be involved with some athletes. You could approach Chicks Go Hard and see if they know anything.

Go to Free Gurls for help?

Or try CGH?