“Yes, Ms. Hayes. Dr. Evans is expecting you. Are you nearby?”

“No, I…” Her voice wavered, a traitorous tremor. “I’m not going to make it. There was an… unforeseen situation.”

A clinical pause hung on the line, followed by the cool, measured voice of Dr. Marina Evans, the head of the prestigious Northwood Preparatory Academy. The school she had dreamed of working at for the last five years.

“I see, Ms. Hayes. You understand we moved this meeting to Monday specifically at your request. Our interview schedule is exceptionally tight. We have a significant number of applicants for this position, and we are looking for candidates who are, above all, exceptionally reliable.”