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remainder of the school year subbing. But here she was, two weeks into January, and actually starting a job
teaching in her subject area. Of course, it was only through the end of the school year, but still&
Jessica shook her head and began the trek up the stairs.
If only her alarm hadn t chosen today of all days to give up the ghost. If only every stoplight in town
hadn t conspired against her. If only. She sighed. No use worrying about it now.
At least she had prep for her first period, so her students wouldn t be standing in the hallway knocking
on her classroom door. But it would have been nice to actually have that prep time to, well, prepare.
Jessica pulled the heavy door open and walked through, glancing down the hall in both directions.
Where exactly was her classroom? The office, of course, was directly in front of her, but there was no way
she could waltz in forty-five minutes late and ask directions.
She rummaged around in her bag and pulled out page after page of dirty, crumpled paper until she
found the school map, which had been included in her orientation packet. She squinted, brushing
ineffectually at the muddy footprint obscuring the drawing. Heels clicking on the aggregate flooring,
Jessica walked down the hallway. Okay, if this is the office, then the language arts wing should be down the
main hall and to the
Hall pass.
Startled, Jessica stopped mid-stride.
A man in a charcoal-gray jacket leaned against a concrete support post, one hand in his pocket, the
other stretched out in front of her. Puzzled, she started to speak, but a burst of static pulled his attention
away. He tilted his head toward his shoulder, listening to the mumbled voice over the walkie-talkie, then
muttered into the microphone attached to his lapel. Jessica sidestepped his outstretched hand and continued
to walk down the hallway.
I said, hall pass.
Jessica turned around.
He pushed away from the post and took a step toward her, arms crossed. Don t think you can get out
of this just because I got a call.
Get out of what? Jessica asked. Look, Mr.
Cameron.
Mr. Cameron, not to be rude, but I m late, and
Exactly. That s why I need your hall pass.
I don t have a hall pass, I m
Fine. Follow me.
But, Mr. Cameron&
He fixed her with a level stare. Follow me. He turned on his heel and strode towards the main
office.
Jessica rolled her eyes and followed. At least she could ask this Mr. Cameron where her classroom
was instead of wandering around aimlessly until the bell rang. Not that she particularly wanted to show her
face in the office she d hoped to slink to her classroom and pretend she had been there since 7:30.
Oh, well. Some things couldn t be helped, and it was probably better to deal with this
misunderstanding in the office rather than hashing it out in the hall.
Mr. Cameron pushed the door open, glancing over his shoulder to make sure Jessica was behind him.
She increased her speed, almost jogging in an attempt to keep up with his long-legged stride. He turned
past the staff mailboxes and walked into a small office, flicking on the light as he entered. Sitting down
behind a scarred metal desk, he indicated the seat opposite with a nod of his head.
Jessica sat and opened her mouth to speak. Mr. Cameron held up his hand.
Don t bother, he said. I ve heard every excuse in the book. Probably even used a few back in the
day. Just give me your name and I ll fill out the detention slip.
Detention slip? Mr. Cameron
I m sorry, but rules are rules. In the hall without a pass, automatic detention.
Jessica shook her head in exasperation. If you would just give me a minute to explain, she began,
but he cut her off again.
That s enough, young lady. Your name, please.
Good morning, Tom. I see you ve met Maggie s replacement. Both heads swiveled toward the open
doorway where a gray-haired woman in a green and black checked dress stood smiling at them.
Mr. Cameron blinked twice, his brow furrowed. Replacement? You mean she s a
I believe the word is teacher, Jessica supplied, arching an eyebrow at him. She stuck out her hand.
Jessica Martin.
He hesitated, then took her hand in his. Tom Cameron.
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