Hearing footsteps in the outer office, I rise from behind my desk and stick my head out the door. “Mr. Dmitriyev?”

A man with icy blue eyes studies me with an intensity that sends a shiver racing down my spine. “Yes, I’m Victor Dmitriyev.” He holds out a hand. “And you’re Ms. Bianchi?

I force a friendly smile and step forward. “Sofia Bianchi. Please, call me Sofia.” I give him a firm shake. “I’m one of the counselors here at Lincoln High School. ...