Chapter 1: Arrested
Emma Barlow pulled out her phone to silence it when a text came in. It was from Michael Johnson, the principal at Riverside High, the school she had attended before becoming the High Priestess. He’s never texted me. Something’s up.
Emma read the text. “May the Sovereign bless you today at school.”
Less than a week ago, he had warned her that the government might try to shut down their microschool. He also said he didn’t dare text her, which would create a record that could be used against him. Since he texted her today, it must be important. Really important. Emma concluded that today was the day when it all might come down.
She sent a quick text alerting Hernandez, the chief of security. As an afterthought, she also texted Scarlett Steele, the reporter assigned to cover her and everything that happened on the Temple grounds. Once finished, Emma shoved her phone into the back pocket of her jeans.
Sitting in the classroom of her microschool, Emma waited for her teacher to arrive. To her left sat her bestie, Chloe. They were roommates during the week. To her right sat her boyfriend, Joshua. Their ten friends—her disciples—sat scattered behind them. Her puppy, Montgomery, hadn’t gone to doggie daycare, so he snuggled in his favorite spot in the back corner.
Jennifer arrived to signal the beginning of school, yet most of the students had already begun their assignments. As for Emma, her algebra book lay open in front of her, but she couldn’t focus. Instead of worrying about what might happen, she prayed instead, asking for the Sovereign’s divine protection for her, her friends, and their microschool. Peace flooded her being.
With her focus restored, she began working through her algebra problems. But a commotion soon interrupted her. Alarmed, Emma turned around. There stood an uptight-looking woman wearing an ill-fitting business suit. Two police officers flanked her.
“May I help you?” Jennifer asked. Their teacher moved toward the unwelcome guests.
“We’re here to observe your so-called school,” the woman said. “I’m authorized by district headquarters and acting on behalf of the capital.”
“You need to schedule your observations with me in advance.” Jennifer moved closer to them. “Your presence is interrupting my students. I insist you leave immediately.”
“Though we often extend the courtesy, we’re not required to provide advance notice.” The woman planted her fist on her hip and scowled. “The urgency of the situation required immediate action. We must protect the children.”
Hernandez burst into the room, but one of the police officers held up his left hand while placing his right hand on his holstered sidearm. Hernandez halted his approach while his gaze darted around the room.
Emma stood and moved toward her teacher to confront the threat. “In the name of the Sovereign, I command you to leave.”
The woman laughed. “I care nothing about the Sovereign or your antiquated beliefs. Your idle threats mean nothing to me.”
Emma edged up to Jennifer.
The other police officer stepped toward Emma while avoiding eye contact. “With all due respect, High Priestess,” he said with a slight bow, “I will detain you if needed.” He reached for Emma’s shoulder to push her away from Jennifer.
A yipping Montgomery raced to the officer and nipped at his ankle. The guard swung his leg to kick the tiny puppy, but Montgomery was too fast.
“Leave my dog alone!” Emma lunged toward the officer, but Joshua’s muscular arms pulled her back. He spun Emma away from the officer and stepped toward the uniformed man.
The officer glared at Joshua. “Do you want me to arrest you?”
“It wouldn’t be the first time I was arrested for protecting Emma.” Joshua stomped closer to the officer and glared back.
“I’ve seen enough of this circus,” the stern woman stated. “There is no education occurring here. This is not a school. It’s nothing more than a ruse to circumvent these children from receiving their legally mandated education.” The woman jabbed her finger at Jennifer. “You’re no teacher. You’re nothing but a fraud.”
Jennifer held her ground. “I suggest you familiarize yourself with how a microschool functions. Not only are these students excelling at their work, they’re also ahead of where they should be at this point in the school year.”
The woman shook her head. “You’re only allowed to have ten students. I count thirteen. That puts you in violation.”
“She’s not our only teacher,” Emma interjected. “We also have Elizabeth Butler here on staff.”
The woman shook her head. “Not according to my records. And that’s all that matters.” She nodded to the police officer standing nearest her.
“Jennifer Russell,” the man said, “I’m placing you under arrest.”
