Chapter 117

A quick glance around the inside of the schoolhouse left Hope with several questions. There were shelves, but no books. Rows of chalk lined the front blackboard, but there were no slates, not enough erasers. She opened the drawers to her desk and found them empty. While the building itself looked large enough, with plenty of storage, and a nice fireplace, there were still supplies and other items she would need. With a deep breath, she headed back outside.

Brady was standing next to the door, his arms folded, and she imagined he was not the person she needed to talk to. "Can you tell me where the school board president lives?" she asked, hoping her voice sounded chipper and not panicked or ungrateful.

"Mr. Stewart? He lives two houses down, but he's likely still at the bank."

"The bank?" Hope asked, confused.

"Yes. He's the acting superintendent of schools, as well as the school board president, but he's also the president of the bank."