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“Who questioned her? Where was her sign language coach? She’s supposed to be with Jinx at all times.” I even my tone for Jinx’s benefit. She continues to shake in my arms and my anger burns fiercer.
“I couldn’t say.”
Zakiya returns to me and whispers in Jinx’s ear. My daughter releases her death grip on me and begins to sign what took place. I follow most of it, although I haven’t picked it up as quickly as Jinx and Zakiya have. When she’s done, I hand her to Zakiya, and she readily accepts the transfer.
“I need a word alone with Dr. Jakob.” I smooth Jinx’s hair. “Papa will take care of everything, okay?”
She tucks her head under Zakiya’s chin and nods; her lashes spiky and eyes sparkling from the tears still running down her cheeks. Zakiya stares between me and the head of the school, her longing to be part of the conversation apparent in her eyes. But she presses her lips in a thin line and nods.
Before exiting the office, she whispers, “Don’t let them get away with what they did to her bear.”
“I don’t see a need to prolong this discussion now that you’re removing Jinx from the premises.”
“You’d be wrong.” I circle his desk and grab him by his shirt collar. “Jinx explained that she hasn’t had her coach for over a week, that the teachers have been reprimanding her for not speaking in class when they call on her, and they allow the students to bully her. And all that was happening before today where a boy named Billy pushed her down, ripped her stuffed bear apart, and called her a slur.”
“Your daughter is mistaken. And from the creative story she just told you, I’m sorry to say she’s learned to lie.”
“Then where’s her bear?”
“Children lose things all the time. I’m sure you’ll find it when you return home.”
“She never leaves the house without it. Never.”
“Mr. DeLuca, I can assure you no student of mine would damage the personal property of another. Your daughter is mistaken.”
I tighten the collar around his neck, cutting off his air. “You’re full of shit, trying to blame my daughter for being bullied. But I’m a reasonable man. We can go about resolving this problem one of two ways. I’ll even let you choose which avenue we proceed down.”
“I-I-I’m listening.” Dr. Jakob gasps as he struggles for air.
“I destroy you and the Academy publicly if you don’t present the child who assaulted my daughter now. Or, I go about it the DeLuca way. Which do you think you’ll survive?”
For the first time, the fear of God enters his gaze. “Y-y-you can’t touch me. I have the backing of a powerful family.”
I narrow a glare at him. “Do tell.”
“M-m-mr. Gianopulos gave us a large endowment as long as we don’t have to make special accommodations for new students.”
Dr. Jakob, whether he knows, has revealed Dusan knew who my daughter was before he crashed Valentino’s house on Sunday. His interest in her wasn’t new, but to gauge her worth.
“So you’ve made your choice?”
“Baldwin Academy was never meant for your daughter. Other parents complained when they found out about her transfer. Today’s expulsion was inevitable, regardless of Mr. Gianopulos’ generous donation.”
I release Dr. Jakob, who falls into his seat. While panting for air, he shakily wipes the sweat from his brow.
“Enjoy the rest of your tenure. It might be shorter than you expect.” I turn and leave before causing a scene. I can get away with a lot, but murder during the school day in a building filled with children isn’t one of those occasions.
I meet Zakiya outside, the walk to the parking lot doing nothing to cool my anger.
She paces back and forth with Jinx in her arms. Calm remains elusive for her as well. “She didn’t want to leave until she saw you.” Jinx holds her hand out to me and I enfold her and Zakiya in a hug.
I kiss the top of my daughter’s head. “Let’s do something fun with the rest of the day. And tomorrow we find a better school.”
Jinx jerks her head up to stare at me with wide eyes.
“Unless you want to return to Baldwin?”
She shakes her head, making the final decision.
