A stern-looking woman offered them a tight smile. “Belva Pruitt.” She gestured to the two chairs across from her desk.
“Bob Jones, FBI,” Rebel said, flashing his credentials.
“Jules Marshall, FBI,” Brit said, doing the same. “Thanks for seeing us.”
“We’ve been distraught over the deaths of our former students,” Belva said. “Once an Acorn girl, always an Acorn girl.”
“Do all your students live here?” Rebel asked.
“Yes, everyone boards with us for the academic year. We’re closed during the summers to allow students to spend time with their families,” Belva explained.
“How would you describe the environment here?” Brit asked.
Belva smiled. “We’re like family. We take care of each other, the students form lifelong bonds. Though we have no sororities, the students consider this a sisterhood.”
“Hmm, so there’s no cattiness or in-fighting?” Brit pushed.
“On occasion, someone gets called to my office, but it’s usually just a misunderstanding that we can resolve without even involving parents or guardians,” Belva explained.
“What about bullying?” Rebel asked.
Belva jerked back in her chair. “Goodness, no. That wouldnotbe tolerated.”
Rebel opened his laptop. “We’re investigating the murders of your alum. Five of the six victims went here, all from the same graduating class.” He read the names of the victims.
Tears welled in Belva’s eyes and she plucked a tissue from a drawer, dabbed her eyes. “I knew all those lovely women and have spoken with their families. Everyone is devastated over this.”
“We’re very sorry for your loss,” Brit said. “We’d like to get a list of students from the victims’ graduating class.”
The principal picked up her phone, made the request, and hung up. “My assistant will have that before you leave.”
No matter how many questions they asked, Belva stuck by her statement that they were one, big, happy family.
But Rebel wasn’t buying it. Someone at Acorn had a grudge against those women. A grudge that drove them to murder.
“We’d like to talk to some of the faculty,” Brit said.
“Ah, yes.” Belva tucked her short hair behind her ear. “My assistant will arrange that. When can you return?”
“We’ll wait,” Brit said.
“I’m sorry, but—” Belva said.
“Ms. Pruitt, your graduates are being murdered,” Brit pushed back. “Time isnoton our side.”
Belva picked up her phone. “Can you ask Penny and Susan to come to my office? Yes, I know they’re teaching, but it’s important.” She hung up. “Two of our faculty will be right down.” Belva pushed out of her chair. “Excuse me just a minute.”
After the principal left, Rebel slid his gaze to Brit. It had been years since he’d worked with a partner.
“How you holdin’ up?”
“I’m okay,” she replied.
A few moments later, Belva returned with two women. Rebel and Brit stood as the headmistress made the introductions.
“We’re investigating the murders of your graduates,” Rebel explained. “Did you know any of the victims?”
“All of them,” Susan said. “It’s been a very challenging and scary time for everyone. Do you have any leads?”
