Zach was gentle when he asked Laney, "Any idea why Dawkins and Greene seem to have it in for him? I'd like to help, if I can."

"Mr. Greene doesn't like it that a kid can get away with open 'disrespect', which is what he considers the way Parker and Jacob dress, and still maintain decent grades." She swallowed some water before continuing.

"Mayor Benedict is still ticked that Parker beat his son Peyton to qualify for a state-wide math competition, and Greene wanted to ...