Page 33 (2/2)

I take a deep breath and keep things as factual as possible, starting with the first day he drovewith the afternoon in his apartment

“He kissedthat word in front of Mr DioGuardi I can’t believe I’ about this is hu

When I’ tiainst his two front teeth

“These are serious allegations, Marin,” he tells me finally “You realize I’m required to report theation”

“Okay,” I say slowly, not sure if he’s trying to warn me off or not It kind of feels like ate?” I shake my head, confused “I mean, I just told you what happened”

Mr DioGuardi’s impassive expression flickers, just barely “Well, this is a process, Marin We’ll need to gather more information before we decide on a course of action They’ll want to interview you theine they’ll want to speak to Mr Beckett as well”

“And what if he says I’ up?”

Mr DioGuardi frowns “Are you?”

“What? No!” I say, more sharply than I mean to “Of course not!”

“Watch the tone, please,” Mr DioGuardi re for the whistle around his neck like he’s checking to make sure it’s still there in case he needs to foul me out “I know this is anemotional situation, which is exactly why there’s a procedure in place” He ss take tih You can trust us all to do our jobs”

I wrapsomehow—the way he said eue without proving his point

“Okay,” I say instead, reaching down for htheaded It’s claustrophobic in here all of a sudden, the air too hot and thick to breathe properly “Well Uet back to class”

Mr DioGuardi frowns He was expecting rateful to hi the playbook

“Marin—” he begins, but I paste another bland s else

“I appreciate your help with this, Mr DioGuardi” I promise “Really”