Aiden’s Science Bridge Was Destroyed and Mason’s Shoe Seemed to Prove He Did It — Then the Classroom Camera Showed Who Planted the Evidence
Chapter 6 — Samuel’s Final School Visit
Maria explained that Samuel kept two early River Walk sketches.
One was Concept B.
The paper hidden inside Aiden’s bridge.
The other was a finished presentation drawing both of them signed.
Years later, Samuel wanted to donate it to Riverton Middle School.
“Why our school?” Aiden asked.
Maria smiled.
Because Samuel visited the school every spring for almost ten years.
He spoke to science classes about engineering.
Ms. Carter suddenly remembered.
“Mr. Reed.”
Aiden looked at her.
“You knew Grandpa?”
“Not well.”
She had been a new teacher during Samuel’s final visit.
He brought old blueprints.
Showed students bridge models.
And repeatedly told them:
“Engineering is almost never one person’s idea.”
Maria nodded.
“That sounds like Sam.”
Samuel planned to donate the signed drawing along with a short explanation of Maria’s contribution.
Then he became ill.
The school visit never happened.
Aiden thought about the wood he had used.
“Could Grandpa have hidden the drawing in the workshop box?”
Maria didn’t know.
Aiden searched the remaining materials at home.
No second drawing.
Then his grandmother remembered something.
Samuel had donated a cardboard tube of “school bridge materials” shortly before he died.
She assumed it went to Ms. Carter.
Ms. Carter had never received it.
The school office checked old donation logs.
There it was.
ENGINEERING MATERIALS — SAMUEL REED.
Received three years earlier.
Storage location:
SCIENCE PREP CLOSET B.
Ms. Carter stared.
“That closet hasn’t been opened in years.”
