Fred's polite composure wavered the moment Penelope crossed the threshold.
"Mrs. Isley," he greeted cautiously, his voice tight, like he'd just been caught with his hand in the wrong drawer.
"Agents." Penelope's tone was flat, sharp as a blade's edge. She didn't need to raise her voice, her presence did the talking for her. "I'll ask you again... what's going on here?"
Jenny straightened but didn't step back. "We were just asking Mr. Starrk a few routine questions. His... situation has raised some flags which we find concerning."
Penelope's gaze slid to Jayden, then back to them, slow and deliberate. "Routine questions. In an empty classroom. With the door shut. No witnesses." Her eyes narrowed, a dangerous glint flashing. "Sounds less like protocol and more like intimidation."
Fred shook his head quickly. "That's not—"
"I wasn't talking to you," Penelope cut him off without looking at him.
