Dominic stepped in front of Caroline, adjusting his torn suit, his expression shifting into righteous indignation.
"That's correct," he lied smoothly. "My sister doesn't know the difference between salt and sugar; she's never stepped foot in a kitchen. How would she know which mushrooms are poisonous?"
He fixed me with a look of mock disappointment. "Katherine, I know the school is looking to replace staff. But poisoning children to secure your job? That is a new low, even for you."
Mob mentality took hold. The parents advanced on me.
"Is this true?"
"You monster!"
I stood my ground.
The urge to laugh nearly overwhelmed me.
"That's a fascinating story," I said, my voice cutting through the noise. "But let's look at the facts. I was hired by the principal personally because of my qualifications. I don't need to stage 'rescues' to keep my job. I could walk into any hospital in this city and be hired tomorrow."
My gaze locked onto Dominic's.
"I'm the head of the Christmas committee. I organized the event. If something goes wrong, I'm the first person investigated. Why would I sabotage my own event?"
I turned to Caroline, who was peeking out from behind Dominic's arm.
"And you. If you wanted to frame me, you should have covered your tracks better."
"What do you mean?" Caroline snapped.
But her eyes darted nervously.
I pulled out my phone, connected it to the waiting room TV via Bluetooth, and hit play.
"I have the surveillance footage."
The screen flickered to life.
The room went silent.
Everyone watched as Caroline Henson—clear as day—checked to make sure the coast was clear. Pulled the box of mushrooms from her coat. Dumped them into the pot.
She even stirred it.
Undeniable.
The silence shattered.
"You lying little witch!"
The tattooed father didn't hesitate. He bypassed me and launched himself at Caroline. Other parents joined the frenzy—slapping, pulling hair, screaming.
"Dominic! Help me!" Caroline screeched.
Dominic threw himself into the chaos, shielding her with his own body.
"Stop! Get back!" he shouted.
A punch meant for Caroline caught him square on the jaw.
I watched him defend her with such desperation.
Nothing stirred inside me but cold revulsion.
"Police! Nobody move!"
Officers swarmed the room, pulling the enraged parents off the battered couple.
Caroline was a mess—hair a bird's nest, face swollen and streaked with mascara and tears.