School's Out for Murder (Schooled in Murder Book 2) Read Free Page B

goings-on around her, while still trying to remain close enough that the detective wouldn't have any trouble locating her when he was ready to get her story. Still, no matter her distance, that lone turquoise shoe seemed to taunt her from under the bright lights. Had it really been only that morning that she had noticed those adorable shoes, wishing that her salary extended to such fabulous footwear? She now felt faintly guilty for lusting after the shoes of a dead woman. So lost in her own feelings of self-reproach was she that she didn't see Tad until he had slipped an arm around her shoulders.
    She jumped, then seeing the sympathy in his gorgeous gray eyes, she broke. Burying her head in his chest, she began to sob. As he stroked her hair, she cried for the senseless death of this woman, for the family and friends who would be devastated by her loss, for the town that would mourn the loss of their mayor, and for herself and her misfortune of being first on scene at yet another gruesome death. When she was down to sniveling, snot-choked sobs, Tad held her by the shoulders and looked deep into her eyes.
    "This is not your fault, you know." And in those words, Emily realized the true reason for her devastation. She had left her booth to ride on the Ferris wheel with Tad. Despite keeping an eye out, she had abandoned her post, and in that time someone had taken the life of another. If she had been where she was supposed to be, maybe she could have stopped this from happening.
    "But Tad, if only—," she began, but he stopped her with a gentle finger on her lips.
    "No, Pit, no 'if only.' This was the work of a deranged mind. There is no way you could have known or prevented this from happening."
    "Of course not," Gabby said indignantly, coming back to join them. "I've sent Greg home with the girls. We'll be right here with you through all of this. I know you, Em, and you carry the weight of the world on your shoulders. This had nothing to do with you. Tad's right. There is nothing you could have done to prevent this. Understood?"
    Emily nodded mutely to her friend, standing with hands on hips and looking ready to take on the world on Emily's behalf. "I'm lucky to have you two." She attempted a smile, but she could feel by the way that it sat on her face that it was a poor attempt.
    The three of them stood on the fringes of the commotion, watching the swarm of officials going about the business of taking care of the dead. What a macabre dance, Emily thought, watching all their carefully choreographed moves. She had never been more thankful that she was a teacher than at that very moment.
    "Ms. Taylor," Gangly-Arms said, returning to their trio. "I'd like to get your story now, if you're up to it."
    "Of course," Emily agreed shakily.
    The detective glanced at both Tad and Gabby expectantly, and taking the hint, Gabby said, "I'll just be right over there if you need me." Tad, however, stood his ground, his arm tightening around Emily's shoulders.
    "Mr. Higginbotham," Gangly-Arms began, and then he was interrupted by a loud wail.
    Startled, they all turned to see a beautiful, slim blonde staring at the figure on the ground, her hand to her mouth, as she swayed slightly. It took Emily a second to place her. Maclaine Forrester was the newest addition to Ellington's teaching staff. She had only recently been hired to replace the junior high math teacher who had retired after thirty-two years. She was new to town, but not to the community, as she was Mayor McBain's niece. Emily knew this would be a devastating loss for the young woman, and her heart went out to her.
    "So it's true?" she cried, pointing at the body.
    Gangly-Arms stepped forward and spoke to her in gentle tones. Emily couldn't hear everything that was said, but she could see the tears continue to flow and the shoulders heave as she nodded in response to the detective's words. When Gangly-Arms turned back to Emily, she was more grateful than ever for Tad's supportive