“Clint McMahon,” I answered, not looking up from the drawings.

“Mr. McMahon, this is Eleanor Spencer, principal at Lakewood Academy.” Her voice was crisp and formal. “Your daughter is in my office. She’s been expelled. You need to come get her immediately.”

My pencil stopped mid-stroke. The world seemed to slow, the words not quite computing. “I’m sorry, what?”

“Your daughter, Carrie. She’s been involved in a serious incident. Please come now.”