Desperate Measures

10

A shadow loomed beyond the door’s opaque glass window. Although Pittman wasn’t looking in that direction, he sensed the brooding presence and turned just as the door came open. The stranger who entered took long, forceful steps. He wore the gray slacks, navy blazer, and red striped tie that were Grollier’s uniform. He was tall, rigidly straight, in his fifties, with a pointed jaw, a slender patrician nose, and an imperious gaze.

“Would you mind telling me what you’re doing?”

Pittman stood. “Why, yes. I’m planning to write a book about your school, and-”

“You didn’t answer my question. What are you doing?”

Pittman looked at Jill in feigned confusion. “Research. At the moment, we’re looking at yearbooks.”

“Without permission.”

“Mr. Caradine, the librarian, said we could-”

“Mr. Caradine doesn’t have the authority to give you permission.”

“Perhaps you could tell me who-”

The man’s eyes flashed. “Only I can. I’m the academy’s headmaster.”

“Ah. Mr. Bennett.” Pittman remembered the name that the boy outside had mentioned. “We wanted to speak with you, but since it was lunchtime and you weren’t in your office, we thought we’d come over here in the meanwhile.”

“It wouldn’t have done you any good. There are procedures that must be followed, letters to be submitted, applications to be filed.”

“Letters? Applications? But you just said that you’re the only one who can give permission for-”

“I said I’m the academy’s headmaster. I have a board of supervisors who must be consulted about the sort of breach of privacy you’re suggesting.”

“But my book would be for the benefit of-”

“I’m afraid I must ask you to leave.”

If he cuts off one more of my sentences… Pittman thought.

“Whatever you want,” Pittman said. “I’m sorry for the misunderstanding. Perhaps we could go back to your office and discuss the problem.”

“Yes, there is a misunderstanding, but not the one you suspect. I did not mean leave this room. I meant leave the campus.”

Bennett glared toward Pittman, pointing toward the open door.

“Very well.” Pittman worked to control himself. He was suddenly conscious that Jill stood next to him. “I’ll write you a letter explaining what I want.”

“I doubt that the letter will accomplish anything.”

“I see.”

“Good day.”

“Good day.”