"Yes, sir?" I said when I reached her podium.
"Ms. Pierce, until the issue with the cheating is resolved, you are not allowed to take any of the exams in this class," she said keeping her voice low and her back turned to the classroom.
"Why not?" I asked shocked that I'd be barred from taking tests when I was innocent.
"It's school policy," she said giving me an apologetic look. "I can't let you take this exam today. Your case will come before the review board on Wednesday, and if it's determined that you did nothing wrong, then I'll schedule a make up test for you."
"I see," I said looking down at the floor as the shame burned on my cheeks. "I'll get my things and go."
"That's probably best," she nodded as she reached out and patted my shoulder. "I really am sorry about this."
"I know you are," I nodded. "I am, too."
I went back to my desk and gathered my things knowing that everyone else in the class was watching me. I could feel Violet's stare even though my back was to her.
"I heard they don't let cheaters take exams," she said a little too loudly to Jessica and Lydia. "It's an old rule, but one that they stand by."
"Ms. Metzler, please refrain from any and all commentary," Professor Jackson said sternly. "I don't want to hear another word."
"Yes, ma’am," she said sweetly, but I could hear her and her buddies whispering behind my back as I threw my bag over my shoulder and walked out of the room.
I decided to head over to student accounts and see what I could do about delaying my tuition payment for a couple of days until the decision had been made about my case.
"Miss Pierce?" the cashier asked as she looked from my student ID to the screen in front of her.
"Yes, that's me," I said impatiently.
"You don't have a balance to pay, Miss Pierce," she said with a big smile. "All good!"
"Wait, what?" I did a double take. "When was that balance paid?"
"It looks like, um, this morning," she said. "A few hours ago."
"Very well, thank you," I said taking my ID and stuffing it in my bag. Cam Connor strikes again. Now I was furious. I was angry with him for paying these bills without consulting me, and I was mad that it made me angry.
I pulled out my phone, erased the message I'd been typing and simply tapped out the message, "Call me. Now," before hitting send. Since I had no idea how long it was going to take him to get back to me, I decided to head over to the diner for breakfast and a cup of strong coffee.
I might be angry, but that didn't mean I was going to punish myself by going hungry.
CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE
Cam
After I paid Alex's and Liz’s tuition bill, I headed over to the station to tell Chief Riley that I needed to take a couple of days off. I had vacation time coming, and I couldn't think of a better reason to use it than to help Alex find Liz. I also
needed to talk with Leo and be at the press conference for Richard Metzler later in the week, but first thing's first.
"Connor, what's up? Isn't this your day off?" Chief said as he looked up from his paperwork.
"It is, but I need a favor," I said as I stood in front of his desk. "I need some time off, Chief."
"Is that so?" he said leaning back in his chair. "And what brought this on? I hope it's not something that's going to interfere with your duties here at the station."
"No, sir," I said shaking my head vigorously. "I just need a few days to straighten out a few things and tie up some loose ends."
"Well, this is rather inconvenient, Connor," he said as he studied me. "Given that Vangel has called out sick for the week."
"Oh? That's weird; I didn't know he was ill," I said in a sarcastic voice.