"But you might've stopped at his place first. Or you might've told him to do this alone, and he did, because he loves you."
"Are you just making this up or do you really think that's what happened?"
"I'm saying what a jury might think, or the story a prosecutor might come up with."
My heart's beating hard and fast in my chest as I realize I might actually go to jail for this.
"What evidence do they have?" I ask. "Anything?"
"The police haven't released details yet but Mr. Novak's arrest tells us they found something linking it to him."
"Like what?"
"Could be a personal item from the victim. Something found on her from Mr. Novak's house. His blood on her body, or hers on his. Or someone could've come forward and named him as the murderer."
"Like who?"
"A neighbor who might have seen something. Or someone who overheard Mr. Novak making threats against the victim. Talking about harming her."
"He wouldn't do that. He was helping her. Her was letting her stay with him. If she had something of his when she died, it's because she took it from his house. She still had a key. She refused to give it up. He was going to change the locks but he didn't do it yet."
"Why was she staying with him?"
"She said it was because she didn't get along with her stepdad but I don't believe her."
"Why is that?"
"Because she—" I stop, not sure if I should tell them.
"Rumor, what is it?" Ms. Wietz asks. "What do you know?"
I chew on my lip, that nervous flutter creeping up to my chest.
"Rumor, we need to know the truth. Anything you tell us will stay between us."
"No, it won't. You'll tell the police this and then I'll have to answer even more questions and Principal Edwards will make my life hell at school, not that it matters. It's already going to be hell with Braden hating me and telling everyone else to."
"You mentioned Principal Edwards," Ms. Wietz says, glancing at Mr. Daniels. "What do you know about Kristen's stepfather?"
"If I tell you, you have to promise me you won't take this to the police."
"Go ahead," Ms. Wietz says.
"I caught them."
"Who?"
"Principal Edwards and Kristen. Having sex."
Mr. Daniels types faster.
"When did this happen?" Ms. Wietz asks. "And where?"
"It was after school. Maybe a week ago? I stayed late for counseling. I thought the building was empty but then I heard noise coming from one of the classrooms."
"And it was them?"
"Yeah. I'm sure of it. I saw Kristen's face. I only saw part of Principal Edwards' face but it was definitely his voice and his clothes. He was wearing the same clothes he had on at school that day."
