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Chloe didn't have a chance to respond.
"Phoebe Burrow?" Principal Grayson had followed Mrs. Todd out of his private office. There was a smile on his face as he brushed past the woman to round the counter and pull Phoebe's hands into his. "My goodness, how long has it been? It must be close to ten years, right? I’d like to apologize upfront for the terrible smell. It seems someone thought it would be funny to let a skunk loose in our hallways. Needless to say, animal control was called, and the day has gotten off to a late start."
"I’m glad to hear that the skunk was taken away safely. It’s good to see you, too. While it hasn’t been ten years, you were pretty close. I graduated nine years ago," Phoebe replied with a smile at his enthusiasm. She hoped that he still showed the same intensity when he answered her questions. "You haven't changed a bit, Principal Grayson."
"Now you're just being kind to an old man." Principal Grayson patted her hand once more in affection as he turned his attention toward Chloe. "And this must be Chloe Anderson. I have no shame in admitting that I had one of the students help me figure out how to listen to your podcast. Needless to say, when you started posting videos on your website, that was when you had me hooked as a fan."
"You have Chloe to thank for the videos," Phoebe responded, giving praise where it belonged. "I'm lucky that I know how to turn on my microphone."
"What can I help you with today?" Principal Grayson asked as he stepped back and smoothed the front of his suit jacket. "Is there any chance that I can get the two of you to speak during our career day event?"
Mrs. Todd cleared her throat, as if to say that she had warned us.
"Maybe next year, Principal Grayson." Phoebe quickly dove into the reason for their visit before he could figure out a way to change their mind. "I have a few questions regarding my sister."
Principal Grayson's hands stilled near the button on his jacket, and Mrs. Todd didn't bother to hide her surprise at such a request. Like Phoebe's parents, no one really liked to talk about what happened that day.
"Of course," Principal Grayson murmured as he stepped to the side and gestured toward the hallway behind him. "Please, come into my office."
"Pheebs, you go on ahead," Chloe said as she remained near the front of the counter. "I'll be waiting out here for you."
Mrs. Todd was no one's fool. The infamous arch of her brow that could cower most freshmen appeared, but Chloe simply flashed a smile her way.
"I know that you only have a few minutes to talk, so I'll get right to the point," Phoebe declared as she took a seat in one of the cushioned chairs facing his desk. She ignored her thready pulse while reiterating the story that she and Chloe had invented instead of revealing the truth. "Someone left a message on our website concerning Jenna. They claim to have seen her…spirit…near the back road of my parent's property."
"I have to admit, Phoebe," Principal Grayson began as he slowly took his seat. "I'm not sure what to say. I mean, your sister drowned in a horrible accident. I'm not sure why you would allow someone to dredge up a town tragedy, let alone one so deeply personal."
The last time Phoebe could recall sitting in this office was when she had almost flunked out of precalculus. It hadn't been a pleasant conversation, and she had ended up with a tutor for the remainder of the year.
"I met with Chief Bennett, and he provided me with the initial report that he filed back then, along with the findings of Jenna's autopsy report." Phoebe linked her fingers together so that he wouldn't notice the slight tremor in her hands. "There were some inconsistencies with what I remember from that time. Do you recall anything unusual in the weeks prior to Jenna's death?"
Principal Grayson shifted with unease as his gaze was drawn toward his open doorway. He was probably wishing that he had closed it, but she didn't believe that his discomfort had anything to do with her question and everything to do with the subject matter.
"Phoebe, you don't really believe that someone saw Jenna's ghost, do you? Your show is just for entertainment purposes, correct?"
Principal Grayson was obviously second-guessing his invitation for her to speak at the school's career day event. When she didn't respond, but instead remained seated and quiet, he visibly swallowed his discomfort before addressing her question.
"No, I don't recall anything unusual before your sister drowned in the pond."
"What about Jenna's school file? Would you be able to make me a copy?"
"Phoebe, are you telling me that you're using Jenna's death as the next installment for Graveside Mysteries? I don't mean to overstep, but your parents—"
"My parents understand the reason behind my interest, Principal Grayson," Phoebe said firmly. Clearly, she and Chloe hadn't thought everything through regarding their cover story. She should have known that the locals might believe she was using her sister's death as a way to make money. Such a reason was so far from the truth that she would have laughed had she not been so mortified at such an accusation. "As I mentioned, there were some inconsistencies in the report that we would all appreciate some clarification on. I would really like to have a copy of my sister's school file."
"I would need your parents' permission."
Phoebe narrowed her eyes in contemplation, not understanding the reason behind Principal Grayson's reluctance to share such information. Without a word, she pulled out her phone. While she and her mother had yet to continue their conversation from last night, she had given her blessing for Phoebe and Chloe to investigate Jenna's death.
"Mom?" Phoebe paused, giving her mother time to respond. "Listen, I'm at the high school. Principal Grayson would like your permission to give me Jenna's school file."
Principal Grayson had no choice but to reach an arm across his desk to take the proffered phone. His displeasure was evident. She had difficulty distinguishing the reason behind his reluctance, though.
"Yes, Mrs. Burrow. Of course. I'll make sure that Phoebe has a full copy of the report," Principal Grayson responded cordially as he picked up a pen from his desk. He fiddled with the writing implement until the conversation drew to a close. "You have a nice day, too. Goodbye."
Phoebe claimed her phone and made sure the call had fully disconnected before she slid the cell back into her pocket.
"I will have Mrs. Todd make the copy of your sister's file," Principal Grayson stated as he pushed back his chair. "It appears that I'm late for career day, so I'll walk you out."
