Today is the day. Mrs. Brooks and I discussed at length how we were going to do this, but today the plan is being executed. Mrs. Brooks has made an appointment with Mrs. Van Dalen at 1:00 PM to discuss some of her remaining concerns. We thought it wise to notify the police, but try to keep them out of Mrs. Van Dalen's sight for as long as possible. As long as she thinks it's just a strange premonition from Mrs. Brooks, she won't feel very threatened.
During morning classes, I'm completely distracted. I'm feeling incredibly nervous about this afternoon. Will we succeed? What if we're completely wrong, and the IT guy turns out to be guilty? Or what if Mrs. Van Dalen has already been on to us?
At 12:45, I walk to Mrs. Brooks' office, which is completely empty except for her. As agreed, I give her a nod to let her know I'm going to my position: an adjacent office. The connecting door is ajar, allowing me to listen in and intervene if necessary. I'll be the only witness, if necessary. She nods back, meaning the police have also been alerted and are waiting outside.
When Mrs. Van Dalen arrives, the teachers first briefly discuss general work matters. This will help her feel more at ease and lower her guard a bit, or at least, we hope so. Mrs. Brooks slowly begins talking about the theft. She mentions having a strange feeling. Then my mentor plays a clever game: "I'm worried the real perpetrator is still at large. I checked the schedules, and the IT guy has a watertight alibi for the time of the theft. Besides, the missing documents weren't found after his arrest. What would he even do with them?" I can hear her growing concern in Mrs. Van Dalen's voice. "He must have been arrested by the police for a reason; there must be something to it." Mrs. Brooks reacts strongly, "Still, I think it would be wise to inform the police of my findings." Mrs. Van Dalen quickly tries to steer the conversation in a different direction by suggesting that it could have been anyone else. She speaks rapidly and incoherently. Until, in the middle of her story, she drops the following words, "But no one saw me there."
That's my moment. I open the ajar door between the two teachers, and they both turn to me. "I did see you, at the administration office, you were walking towards the principal's office." I'm laying it on a bit thick. Sure, it could have been more female figures in dark outfits, but I have to make her break under the pressure. And she succeeds. As soon as the police walk in, she completely breaks down. She confesses, and the missing documents are found in her car, hidden under a child seat, which is ironic, since she doesn't have children.