“Did he question you about these same matters?” Daniel asked carefully, his tone measured.

Ms. Rivera nodded. “Yes, but differently. He was… less interested in the students’ wellbeing.” Her back tensed, tightening under the strain of the memory.

Juniper kept her voice steady despite the tension. “Could you elaborate on that interaction?” The mention of the DOJ created an unexpected moment of solidarity between them, Daniel stepping forward, his posture protective, causing Juniper’s pulse to quicken.

Finally, solid ground. Something in her chest loosened, like she’d been holding her breath without knowing it. Just for this moment, I don’t have to brace myself alone.