Julian’s brow furrowed.
Officer Cooper continued.
“The supplier believes one of the retaining bolts had been deliberately loosened.”
My hand went cold on Julian’s shoulder.
“You’re saying someone tampered with Maya’s wheelchair?”
“We’re saying it was unusual enough that Mr. Ortiz contacted us.”
Julian stared at the officers.
“But who would do that?”
“We don’t know.”
For several seconds, nobody spoke.
Then Julian’s expression changed again.
Not fear this time.
Recognition.
I saw it before he said anything.
“Julian.”
He shook his head.
“It’s probably nothing.”
Officer Daniels’s attention sharpened.
“What is?”
Julian looked at me.
“Yesterday morning, before first period… I saw somebody near Maya’s chair.”
My pulse quickened.
“Who?”
“I don’t know. Maya leaves it outside the music room sometimes when she uses the standing frame for physical therapy. I was going to band practice early, and somebody was crouching near it.”
