Total pages in book: 61
Estimated words: 57726 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 289(@200wpm)___ 231(@250wpm)___ 192(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 57726 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 289(@200wpm)___ 231(@250wpm)___ 192(@300wpm)
At the cop’s nod, Scythe reached carefully into his pocket and withdrew a slim wallet containing nothing but his license and his health and vehicle insurance cards. He was careful not to make any other moves.
The officer returned to his squad car and maintained his view of Scythe while running his information. In the meantime, the front sidewalk exploded with elementary-aged children. The chaotic mass of kids organized themselves into lines with encouragement from the adults. Staff members walked each group to the correct vehicle in a well-practiced routine.
“Here you go, sir.” The officer handed him back his cards. “Nothing on your record would endanger the kids. I always have to check. Thank you for your cooperation.”
“I understand you have a job to do.”
The resource officer left to park his car before resuming his school duties with dismissal. Both he and the principal kept their eyes on Scythe.
“Crap,” Scythe swore under his breath. He pulled out his phone and called Winnie. He wasn’t concerned about their bias against him, but he didn’t want anything to harm Winnie.
“Scythe? Is something wrong? I had the worst day. Don’t tell me something else happened.”
“I’m sorry, Chipmunk. Unfortunately, I may have screwed things up for you. I’m in the parking lot, but I can get out of here.”
“Why would you leave?”
“The resource officer and your principal are way too interested in who I know here. I didn’t give them your name. If I head out now, they’ll never know I came to see you.”
“Don’t move an inch.”
He smiled at the steel in her voice. “You okay, Chipmunk?”
“I could use a hug…. And a ride home if you wouldn’t mind?”
“I’m on my bike, Chipmunk.”
“Even better. I’d like to blow this day out of my hair. I’ll be out in fifteen minutes. Teachers can’t leave before then,” Winnie shared.
“Take your time. I’ll be here.”
Disconnecting the call, Scythe sat back on his bike. He couldn’t care less about others’ reactions to his presence. As long as Winnie was okay with him staying, he’d stay as long as she needed him.
As the last bus departed, the female principal headed directly to him. “Sir, who are you waiting for?”
“Good afternoon,” Scythe said without a trace of sarcasm in his voice.
“Good afternoon. Who are you waiting for? This is the faculty parking lot.”
“I’m Scythe. You’re the principal here?” Out of the corner of his eye, he saw the side door open, and a small figure emerged.
“Yes. Lorraine Oberson. Who are you waiting for?”
“He’s waiting for me, Ms. Oberson. Is that a problem?” Winnie spoke.
“Ms. Bradley? Are you acquainted with this… gentleman?” the principal asked after a deliberate pause. Winnie’s administrator chose to call everyone Ms. instead of learning what title her staff members preferred to use.
“Yes. This is Scythe. He came to my rescue and will give me a ride home. Remember? You wrote me up this morning for being late when my car broke down on the way to school?” Winnie said in a pleasant tone.
“Of course, I remember. Very well. I’m glad you had someone to help. Too bad he wasn’t available earlier to get you to work on time,” Ms. Oberson said snidely.
Scythe bristled at her attitude toward Winnie. Automatically, he knew she put in a lot of personal time into her job. He forced himself not to snarl at the bitchy woman. “Had she thought of phoning me, I would have been happy to help her. These things happen to everyone at some point. I bet this was her first time in,” he paused and looked at Winnie. “How many years have you taught here?”
“Six years,” Winnie provided.
“Her first time in six years. Sounds like an extremely conscientious teacher,” he said deliberately before continuing, “Good job, Winnie. Are you ready to go?”
“Not yet. I didn’t want you to get in trouble.” Winnie glanced at her principal as if to see if everything would be okay.
“I’m sure Ms. Oberson won’t write me up. Go grab what you need, Winnie,” Scythe urged.
“Rules are rules,” Ms. Oberson snapped.
“Thanks, Scythe,” Winnie said. “I’ll be just a few more minutes!”
Winnie scurried back to the building like the cute chipmunk stuffie he’d spotted last night. She was adorable. Dismissing the administrator from his thoughts, Scythe pulled out his phone and sent the name Lorraine Oberson to Pirate along with the word “dirt”.
Out of the corner of his eye, the unpleasant woman smacked her walkie-talkie against her palm to grab his attention. “Since Ms. Bradley has vouched for you,” Ms. Oberson said and turned sharply on her heels.
“No problem, ma’am,” Scythe answered as he swung his leg over the seat to dismount on the opposite side of the bike. He turned his attention to retrieving his extra helmet and jacket to protect his Little girl. Scythe pushed the thought of that awful woman away to make plans to turn Winnie’s day around. It sounded like she needed to have some fun.