Midweek. Paul's call comes through just as I'm parking at the school — two cars bought outright last week, cash, no questions. One for me, one for Katie. "The girls are in my office. Good time for a visit." I kill the engine, pocket the keys, and walk the corridor to his door, knocking just as he's wrapping up with the twins.
"Mr. Ben!" Dana lights up. Gina's head snaps around, a smile already tugging at her mouth.
"Fancy seeing you two here," I say, easy. "I was just in the neighborhood. How's the tutoring treating you?"
Paul leans back, papers in hand. "They were just telling me how it's going. Seems you've made math the most popular subject in the building." He chuckles, and the twins flush, stealing glances at each other. "You know what — I've got a meeting. Girls, why don't you finish up here with Ben. He can walk you back to class."
I nod, all warmth. "Go on. I've got a few minutes."
