Chapter 40: Whispers and Strategies
Isabella's POV
The silence after Alexander's words stretched long enough that the hum of Yvette's bedside lamp became deafening. It was like it was only then that we were fully grasping what his words meant.
Kline was gone. Vanished. A family emergency was the story, but none of us believed that story. Which meant something bigger, something deliberate, was happening.
Arthur broke the stillness first, leaning back in Yvette's chair with his pen balanced between his fingers like a dagger. "So," he said, voice mild but edged. "If Marvins' been planted in Kline's chair, then the real question is who planted him?"
"Clearly someone higher up." Michael's voice was gravel deep. He shifted against the bookshelf, arms still crossed, the faint lines in his forehead more pronounced than usual.
Arthur tapped the pen twice, then stilled. "Higher up as in… the headmaster?"
