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didn’t know why her fingers were shaking as she dialed the number to the school where Ginger worked as a teacher.
    â€œGood afternoon, Brainerd Middle School,” the receptionist answered.
    Celeste’s heart was racing but she didn’t know why. “Hello. I know Miss Brown is in class at the moment but may I please leave a message for her?”
    â€œOne moment please.” As instructed, the receptionist transferred Celeste’s call and all calls pertaining to Ginger to the principal’s office.
    â€œBrainerd Middle School. Principal Sanford speaking.”
    â€œHey, Diane. It’s Celeste.”
    â€œHey, girl. What’s up? I missed you at church yesterday.”
    â€œI wasn’t feeling well,” she lied. Celeste was still angry at Ginger from Saturday night. She purposely missed church to not support Ginger as the emcee for the afternoon service. But at that moment Ginger was all Celeste could think about. Celeste felt that something was terribly wrong.
    â€œSo, what’s up?” Diane asked Celeste. “You wanna do lunch today?” Celeste’s bank was only two blocks away from the school. She, Ginger, and Diane met for lunch often.
    â€œActually, I’m calling for Ginger. I want you to put a note in her mailbox to call me.”
    â€œGinger is not here today, Celeste.”
    Celeste frowned. “She’s not? I thought the students were taking their Iowa Tests this week.”
    â€œThey are,” Diane confirmed. “But I had to call in a substitute teacher for Ginger’s class this morning.”
    â€œDid she call in sick?”
    â€œShe didn’t call. Ronald did.”
    Celeste’s heart started racing. “Ron called off for her?”
    Working so closely with Ginger every day and attending the same church, Diane knew what Ginger was going through with Ronald. What Celeste didn’t know, and Diane wasn’t about to share, was that Ginger called off at least three times a month whenever Ronald got violent. “Yep. He called the school early this morning and said that Ginger wasn’t feeling well. Then he said she may need the entire week off.”
    Celeste’s palms were sweaty. “The whole week, Diane?”
    â€œThat’s what Ron told me. I’m gonna give her a call this afternoon because I need to know if a substitute is definitely needed for her class tomorrow.”
    â€œOkay, Diane. Thanks a lot.” Celeste disconnected the call with Diane and dialed Portia’s number at work.
    â€œChevrolet on Pulaski, Portia speaking,” she answered.
    â€œGinger didn’t go to work today,” Celeste stated.
    â€œWhat do you mean she didn’t go to work? The kids are taking their tests this week, aren’t they? She has to be there.”
    â€œI just spoke with Diane, Portia. Ron called and told her that Ginger is sick and it’s possible that she’ll need the whole week off.”
    Portia’s voice rose. “The whole week?”
    â€œYep. I woke up this morning with Ginger heavy on my heart. And to find out that she didn’t go to work today bothers me,” Celeste said.
    â€œYeah, and the fact that Ron called in sick for her bothers me. ”
    â€œI’m thinking about taking the rest of the day off and going to her house. Can you get away?”
    â€œYeah, it should be no problem. Business is slow. Did you drive today?” Portia asked.
    â€œNo. Tony drove me this morning.”
    â€œOkay. I’ve got to type up two bills of sale before I leave,” Portia said. “I’ll call you when I’m on my way to get you.”
    * * *
    An hour later Portia pulled into Ginger’s driveway. She and Celeste got out of the car and walked to the front door. Portia rang the doorbell and looked at Celeste. “What if Ron answers?”
    â€œWho the heck cares if he answers? We just wanna know why Ginger isn’t at work and why she may