Chapter 29

• A few giggles erupted in the classroom, but the piercing glare from Mrs. Ruth swiftly extinguished any remnants of laughter, compelling Emerald to suppress the rising urge to laugh within her.
• After directing her attention back to the visibly shocked officers, she inquired with a firm tone, "Are you still here?"
• "Well..." The first officer began but left his sentence unfinished as he nudged his partner. The two of them walked out of the room, closing the door behind them, as requested by Mrs. Ruth.