Chapter 2

As Sue finished her drink, she was smiling when I finished. "Oh, you—that's the cop in you talking. Do you really think something that crazy would happen? Wendy won't lie, but children tend to say the wildest things.

"Also, didn't we pick this kindergarten because every corner is covered by cameras? So that parents can ask for footage anytime. What teacher would be so bold as to use a stun baton on a child?

"Oh, right—I've also been teaching Wendy electronics safety since I'm worried she'd make a mistake with the plugs and stuff. That's why I got a little dramatic showing her what it's like to get jolted. Maybe she misremembered and mixed that with what she saw at the kindergarten."

I was silent—Sue was right, but Wendy described that scene so vividly and I couldn't forget that look in Carl's eyes.

Nonetheless, I nodded begrudgingly seeing Sue's confidence and her mention of the cameras.

"I hope that is the case."

-

The next day, I took Wendy to school thirty minutes earlier than usual, and found Carl and Lilian in front of the gates ahead of us.

Lilian turned and saw us, immediately greeting me warmly, "Good morning, Mr. Jackson!"

Carl was behind her, his little hands clenching on the hem of her blouse, still hanging her head.

He only turned briefly, peeking at us when he heard his mom, but soon turned away again.

The unease I was feeling swelled again, and I hesitated for a moment as they headed inside.

Still, I soon hurried after Lilian, calling out to her in the hallway, "Wait, Mrs. Marks. There's something we should discuss…"

"What about?"

"Carl," I said, measuring my tone so that I sound less blunt. "During autumn camp yesterday, Wendy told me that she saw a teacher hitting Carl with a stun baton, and was punished for being a fussy eater.

"I know that children can get really wild with their imagination, but Carl is allergic to shrimp and he ate some yesterday. That's why I'm concerned and wanted to warn you so that you keep an eye out."

However, before I could finish, Lilian was scowling and glaring at me hostilely.

"No, that's absolutely impossible!" She snapped. "Carl's been such a good boy for the past couple of days—he doesn't fuss about food and doesn't pull pranks. Why would he be punished when he's so well-behaved?"

Still, I shook my head and tried again, "I'm just saying it could have happened, and Carl doesn't look at all… Lively."

That seemed to touch a nerve, however, as Lilian stood akimbo as she hollered shrilly, "Mr. Jackson! Are you having problems with Carl behaving? You'd rather he stay a naughty brat who causes trouble everywhere? So that Wendy looks better in comparison?! How could you!"

Her rant crashed on me like a barrage of missiles, leaving me stunned.

We were somewhat close as we lived in the same apartment block, and Lilian used to complain to me about how children being difficult as Carl often started fights with other kids.

But now?

Even so, I insisted, "I mean no ill will. I'm just giving you a heads-up in case something bad happens—child safety is top priority after all."

"No, Carl is just fine!" Lilian snapped back. "Quit poking your nose in our affairs!"

With that, she rolled her eyes and took Carl's hand as she turned to leave.

Watching her storm off, I sighed in exasperation that my goodwill was treated as malice.

Seeing that it was soon time for work, I told Wendy to behave at the kindergarten before leaving as well.

Arriving at the precinct, I fought back my annoyance to focus on work, but still got distracted whenever I remembered Carl's face.

It was not until after lunch that my phone started to vibrate relentlessly, and I picked it up to see that a ton of messages were sent to the kindergarten parent chat group.

Dozens more were coming, and my heart skipped a beat.

Having a bad feeling about this, I quickly tapped into it.

Pinned to the top was the class teacher's emergency announcement, followed by countless questions and comments from parents.

And the announcement hit me like a truck.