Save Me - Lisa Scottoline [97]
“You could have told me or the school where you were.”
“I did tell the school.”
“That’s another lie, Kristen.” Rose felt anger flare in her chest. “They’re forwarding your mail to your parents’ house. That’s where you told them you were.”
“I don’t have to tell everybody everything.” Kristen squirmed in her chair, and Rose noticed the book she’d been reading, tucked by her side. Its cover wasn’t visible, but she’d know that spine anywhere. Before Kristen could stop her, she reached over and snatched the book from the chair.
“I thought so. I read this book twice. What to Expect When You’re Expecting.”
“This isn’t your business,” Kristen said, stricken, and Rose dialed back her tone, sitting down opposite her on the couch.
“You’re right. But if you ask me, it’s time to tell the truth.”
“No.”
“Try it. It works, and maybe I can help.”
“I don’t need help.”
“Kristen.” Rose lowered her voice. “You’re pregnant and hiding it from everybody. That sounds like a girl who needs help.”
“Okay, so I’m pregnant.” Kristen’s eyes brimmed, but she blinked her tears back. “My boyfriend Erik’s in Reesburgh, in the insurance business. He broke up with me, and I don’t know what to do. I don’t want to tell my parents, and they’re away anyway, so I came here to get back on my feet. That’s why I was out of school the day of the fire. I had morning sickness.”
“So you didn’t know the fire was going to happen?”
“No.”
“And you had nothing to do with it?”
“Of course not.” Kristen laughed, sadly, and Rose felt relieved and puzzled, both at once.
“So your boyfriend doesn’t want the baby?”
“It’s not that. He doesn’t know I’m pregnant. He broke up with me before I found out, and I’m not about to tell him, now.”
“He does have a right to know. I bet he’s the one trying to find you. Somebody called your parents’ house for you, the housesitter told me.”
“It was him. He calls my cell all the time, but he doesn’t want me back.” Kristen wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. “He wants his stupid truck keys, which I threw in the ocean.”
“Aw, I’m sorry.”
“Me, too, but not about the truck.”
Rose smiled. “Why don’t you tell your parents? I’m sure they’ll help, and they’d want to know.”
“You don’t know my dad.” Kristen shuddered.
“What are you going to do about the baby, if you don’t mind my asking?”
“I think I’m keeping him, or her,” Kristen answered, confident. “I think I can do it on my own.”
Rose’s heart went out to her. “What are you living on?”
“Savings, and I have money I inherited from an aunt. I’m fine, thanks.” Kristen’s lower lip buckled with regret. “I’m sorry I left Melly in the lurch, I really am. That’s why I called you this morning.”
“I know.” Rose got up, went over, and gave her a hug. “Eat crackers every morning, first thing. Old-school Saltines. You won’t feel so sick.”
“Thanks.”
“I’d better be going. It’s a long drive.” Rose went to the door, then stopped. “Let me just ask you something. Do you remember seeing cans of polyurethane in the teachers’ lounge, recently?”
“Yes. They were varnishing the cabinets. I remember there were WET PAINT signs everywhere, and it reeked.”
“When?”
“Thursday, the day before the fire. Why?”
“Somebody told me that the polyurethane is partly the reason for the explosion. It was left there, and it blew up.”
“So?”
“So I don’t get it.” Rose shrugged. “Why does anybody varnish cabinets in October, a month after school opens? Especially if it smells and is going to ruin peoples’ lunch. It doesn’t make sense.”
“I don’t know. Maybe a second coat?” Kristen got up, walked to the door, and held it open. “You won’t tell anyone I’m here, will you?”
“No, but you should.” Rose went into her purse. “Here, take this.” She found her wallet, pulled out a hundred bucks, and handed the money to Kristen, who put up her hand like a stop sign.
“No, I couldn’t.”
“Yes, you have to. Please.” Rose put the money in Kristen’s hands. “Good luck, sweetie.”
“Thanks. This is so nice of you.”
“Oh, wait. Take this, too.” Rose pulled a folded paper from her purse, opened