“I wasn’t happy about receiving that complaint.”
My cheeks grew warm.
“I understand.”
“But I saw your expression when the bus pulled away.”
I lowered my eyes.
“I was absolutely terrified.”
“I could see that.”
He glanced toward the yellow bus.
“That fellow at Oak Street kept saying there was an emergency. He knew your daughter’s name. He even knew her teacher. But Ellie didn’t recognize him.”
Frank stopped speaking briefly.
“Then his pickup appeared again.”
His voice became quieter.
“I can’t say what that man was planning. Maybe he would’ve walked away once you noticed him.”
He slowly shook his head.
“But I wasn’t willing to test that possibility with Ellie standing beside an open bus door.”
I gently wiped my cheek.
“Weren’t you worried that my complaint might cost you your job?”
“Of course I worried.”
“Then why didn’t you open the doors? I was standing right outside.”
