“There are,” Laura confirmed. “Helen Decatur-Whitney is working to get everything removed, so I made sure we got copies of every single post and every picture just in case that happened before I could fill you in. Helen has her own copies, and I’m almost certain that she’s spoken to Carter Rollins to ensure that the police have whatever they might need in case the Dawsons want to file charges. Helen mentioned something about invasion of privacy, fraud and libel when I spoke to her earlier today. She’s discussed that possibility with Misty’s mother, too.”
“But no one’s gone to Annabelle’s family at this point?” Betty asked.
“That ball’s in your court, at least from the school perspective,” Laura confirmed. “Helen suggested we have a meeting tomorrow morning to determine the next step. She thinks we ought to have a plan that takes all aspects of this into account.”
“Yes, that would probably be wise,” Betty said. “I’ll ask Hamilton Reynolds if he wants to be there. As chairman of the school board, he should know what’s going on. We’re not going to be able to keep a lid on this.”
“And J. C. Fullerton has asked to attend,” Laura said.
“I’m not sure what he could add at this point,” Betty said. “Was including him your idea? I understand you’ve been seeing him recently.”
Laura heard a hint of judgment in Betty’s tone. She seemed to have a particularly jaded outlook on the social lives of her teachers.
“J.C.’s involvement has nothing to do with me. Misty went to him to try to get out of school when things first started getting out of hand. She wasn’t forthcoming about her reasons, so he and I have been trying to get to the bottom of this for a few weeks now. He’s very concerned about the situation and feels he has a vested interest in the outcome. He takes his responsibility as her physician very seriously.”
“Okay, then,” Betty said, apparently resigned. “Sounds as if we’ll have a full house tomorrow morning. Nine o’clock, my office.”
“I’ll let J.C. and Helen know,” Laura said. “You’ll alert the Dawsons, or would you prefer that I do it?”
“I’ll call them. I want them to know I’m all over this.”
Laura hated to bring it up but felt she had to. “What about the Litchfields?”
“Not until we’ve determined a course of action. I’ll make an appointment with them for tomorrow afternoon.”
“Will you want me there for that?”
“Let me give that some thought and let’s see how tomorrow morning’s meeting goes. I’m torn between facing them on my own or bringing in all the backup I can muster,” she said grimly.
“I know you didn’t ask for my opinion,” Laura said, “but I’d opt for the backup.”
“Much as I hate to say it,” Betty said ruefully, “I’m leaning that way myself. We know Annabelle’s going to deny everything, and Mariah’s going to leap to her defense. The only thing not certain is whether Mr. Litchfield will prove to be more reasonable.”
“All the more reason to have voices of reason right there with you. I’ve witnessed a few things myself. Helen has the proof in black-and-white. They won’t be able to deny that.”
Betty chuckled, though there was little humor behind it. “Have you seen the size of Mariah’s blinders? None of the designers make sunglasses that big or that dark.” She drew in a deep breath. “Not to worry, though. I think we have Annabelle dead to rights on this. If I have my way, tomorrow will be her last day at Serenity High School for a very, very long time.”
“Do you think they’re going to throw Annabelle out on her sorry behind?” Katie asked Misty in a whisper when she met her outside of school on Monday morning.
Misty shuddered. “A part of me almost hopes they don’t,” Misty admitted.
Katie regarded her with shock. “How can you say that? Jail’s not good enough, if you ask me.”
“Because you’re just a little bloodthirsty,” Misty said, grateful to have such a loyal friend.
“No, because it’s what she deserves after everything she’s done to you,” Katie countered. “I can’t believe you still think she should be let off the hook.”
“Not because I’m not mad,” Misty said. “Or because I think she doesn’t deserve it. I just can’t help thinking about what her friends are going to do. They could make my life hell for getting her kicked out of school.”
“Only if they’re idiots like her,” Katie said.