"Yes." Ava stood by the bed, her hands wringing together like a guilty schoolchild, spilling everything before Amelia had a chance to ask, "I'm sorry, Amelia Foster. I didn't think she'd harm you. I wouldn't have agreed to do it otherwise."
Amelia asked, "Who is she?"
"Linda," Eva burst into tears as she spoke. "Linda said you made her lose face and get punished, sullying her record. She wanted to scare you and let off some steam. I had no idea things would get so serious."
Amelia nodded, "How much money did she give you?"
Startled, Eva raised her head, surprise shining in her tears, "How did you know?"
She had not mentioned a word about Linda paying her to anyone.
She patted her teary eyes, laughing ruefully, "Linda, that kind of missy, with her nose in the air, didn't even speak a word to you since school started. Apart from money, do you really think you would just step in and help her out?"
Eva bit her lip.
