My stomach drops, but my mind clicks. “Safety upgrades,” I repeat. “Like what? Cameras? Locks? A gate? Did you get bids? Purchase orders? Anything?”
Hanover’s eyes narrow. “That information isn’t for staff.”
“Funny,” I say, my voice trembling despite my effort. “Because this is all too convenient.”
Hanover stands.
Not all the way—just enough to loom, just enough to try to make me feel like I should back up.
I don’t.
“Stella,” he says, voice lower now, warning threaded through it, “I suggest you return to your classroom.”
My heart pounds hard, but I keep going.
“I think there’s something fishy going on.”
It hits me all at once—how quickly his tone shifted, how the air changed.
“Where’s the money?” I whisper.
Hanover’s gaze flicks to the floor. “You’re sticking your nose where it doesn’t belong, Ms. Hart.”
My voice comes out thin. “What do you mean?”
Hanover’s gaze sharpens. “I tried to scare you off. Maybe make you quit teaching altogether, but you’re a persistent little thing.”
A cold wave washes over me.
He tried to make me quit?
I swallow hard, trying to keep my face composed. “You’re embezzling the funds, aren’t you?”
Hanover shrugs like it’s nothing. “I really don’t see how this is any of your concern.”
My pulse races. “Are you kidding?”
Hanover steps closer, lowering his voice like he’s offering advice. “You’re a kindergarten teacher, why don’t I cut you in.”
He’s grasping.
My hands curl into fists at my sides. I shake my head. “No. Those funds were for the kids.”
Hanover’s face is tight, defensive. “It was supposed to be clean. Donations. Transfers. A little here, a little there. I can cut you in. Don’t be stupid.”
My stomach twists. “Stupid?”
Hanover snaps, “It’s not stealing—it’s reallocation. It’s?—”
“Fraud,” I say, staring him down. “You’re committing fraud.”
Hanover doesn’t speak. Instead he just stares at me like I’ve hurt his puppy. He sucks in a deep breath and lets it out smoothly. “I can’t let you report this.”
My eyes widen. “What are you saying?”
Hanover looks pissed, his head shaking from side to side. “Just make this easier for everyone. Take the money.”
“I can’t be bought.” What kind of person would that make me? “You broke into my home.”
