Page 85 of For Your Own Good

The students aren’t the only ones treating him differently. When he walks into his English class, Crutcher greets him like a long-lost friend.

“Well, if it isn’t Zach Ward,” he says. “So glad you could join us today.”

“Um, thanks?”

“Sit down, sit down. We have a lot to talk about.” Crutcher turns to the class, still smiling. “I hope all of you have been readingInferno, because today we’re going to talk about the circles of hell.”

A poster of Dante’s vision hangs on the wall, right across the chalkboard. It would be easier to see if Crutcher used a smartboard.

Siobhan raises her hand and says, “Mr.Crutcher, you just assigned this book yesterday.”

“Then consider this a gift,” he says. “Now, the rings are numbered, with one being best—if you can consider it that—and nine being the worst. Dante basically created his own judgment list. As you look over the various rings of hell and who he has placed where, what stands out?”

Zach searches for the wordbribery.

“Violence is in the seventh ring,” someone says.

Crutcher says, “That’s right. It is. In our society, murder is one of the most heinous crimes. But according to Dante, others were worse. Look at the eighth circle.” He points to it. “It’s the circle of fraud. Here, he includes those who lie, cheat, and deceive.” Crutcher turns to the class. “This circle also includes thieves. Dante believedthieveswere worse than murderers.”

Yesterday, Zach wouldn’t have been stuck on the wordfraud, but today he is. Ezekiel told him bribery is a type of fraud.

“In fact,” Crutcher says, “the only thing worse than a thief is a traitor.” He points to the ninth circle of hell. “Interesting, isn’t it? So if any of you have lied, committed fraud, or stolen anything in your lives, this is where you would end up.”

He pauses and looks at the class. A few students squirm in their seats, including Zach. It feels like Crutcher is staring right at him.

Great.

Everyone knows Zach was arrested yesterday. They don’t know it has anything to do with Courtney. Not yet anyway, but they know he’s accused of bribery.

And Crutcher is going out of his way to embarrass him.

TEDDY SMILES AThis students, because he can’t help himself. Sometimes it’s good to watch these overprivileged kids get a little rattled.

They all are now, especially after Zach’s arrest. He’s not quite so cocky today. Good to see him acting humble, the way he should. He really is coming along quite well, if Teddy does say so himself.

But it’s not just Zach. Any one of his students could be arrested for the same thing. Maybe they’ve bribed someone to do their homework, or write a paper, or bribed their way out of a speeding ticket. Every single one has done something that would land them in the eighth circle of hell.

Possibly theft. Someone stole his plaque. And he still hasn’t ruled anyone out.

Joe is still on the list, but Teddy’s betting on Fallon. She was always a brat, and she’s mad enough to do something that stupid. But beyond those two, it could be any one of his students. They’re all capable of senseless pranks.

Before heading up to the lounge for lunch, Teddy checks the news. Something is going on at the courthouse, though no one is sure what. Lots of lawyers arriving, including Courtney’s.

Good. Maybe they’re finally letting her go. Honestly, if the wheels of justice moved any slower, Courtney might be dead before they figure out she’s innocent.

He shuts the laptop, locks it in his cabinet, and heads up to the teachers’ lounge.

THIRTY SECONDS. THAT’Sall Fallon needs, just thirty seconds.

She’s been around the corner from Teddy’s classroom, waiting for him to leave. When he does, she slips into the bathroom until he is up the stairs.

Fallon walks with purpose. No sneaking, no looking behind her. That’ssomething all Belmont students learn, and they learn it early: Wherever you are, act like you’re supposed to be there. People will assume it’s true.

She goes right into Teddy’s classroom and straight to the far corner, assessing the best place for the camera. A pile of books are stacked on top of a cabinet behind his desk. She swipes her finger across them. Dust.

Perfect.

The camera fits right between the last book and the wall. She aims it toward Teddy’s desk and takes out her phone to check the angle. One quick adjustment, and she’s done. This camera is even better than the one in front of his house. More expensive, too. She wanted one that not only had a microphone, but could also zoom.