Dr. Barnes studies me for a long time and it’s a struggle not to fidget as her dark eyes bore into mine.
“Do you have proof of your allegations against Mr. McConnell?”
I pull a memory stick out of my pocket and place it on the desk. “There are records of the financial transactions on this flash drive. Most of our discussions were face-to-face, but I also included transcripts of the few texts he sent me.”
Barnes takes the drive and rolls it between her fingers. “I’ll need to review the files, but if what you say is true, Mr. McConnell will be dealt with accordingly.”
Relief washes over me. The TAs reign of terror is over. I don’t know if he was blackmailing anyone else, but I’d be shocked if he doesn’t have other victims. He was way too confident for someone lacking experience.
“Thank you.”
“Don’t thank me for doing my job, Ms. Reynolds. I don’t condone abuse of power, and I certainly don’t condone blackmailing students.” She arches a brow, giving me a speculative look. “It was brave of you to come forward.”
“I should have come forward months ago,” I admit, wringing my hands. “To be honest, I was afraid of what you’d say. You’ve always been so vocal about making good choices and being hyper-vigilant about our online activity.”
“You know,” Barnes says, leaning back in her chair and crossing her arms. “It wasn’t so long ago that I was sitting where you are. Oh, sure, we didn’t have smartphones and streaming services, but I remember what it was like to be young and hopeful, convinced you can change the world.”
Ha. “I’d happily settle for gainful employment and a steady paycheck.”
She chuckles and it might be the first time I’ve ever seen her laugh.
“It might surprise you to hear this, but the reason I’m so passionate about professional conduct is that I made some pretty serious mistakes when I was your age.” The admission lands like a blow. Dr. Barnes?Miss Always-put-your-best-foot-forward-and-for-God’s-sake-don’t-give-the-admin-a-reason-to-fire-your-assis preaching from a place of experience? “It took me a long time to bounce back and I don’t want to see any of you kids experience what I went through.”
She doesn’t offer to elaborate and I don’t ask. Whatever mistakes she made are her own and dredging them up won’t change the message.
“I wouldn’t be where I am today if another educator hadn’t been willing to give me a second chance. I was lucky, but these days, with social media, the past rarely stays in the past. The internet is forever, Miss Reynolds.”
Despite her admission, the words carry the weight of a warning. “I understand.”
“Good.” She holds up the flash drive. “I’m going to need a written statement to take to the dean.”
Panic squeezes my chest like a vise and I open my mouth to argue, but then I remember my vow:Whatever it takes.
“I’ll email you a statement by the end of the week.”
If it’s going to be put on file, I want to take my time. Not only for accuracy, but to ensure I’m comfortable with the final draft.
“We’ll need a record of his actions to pursue expulsion, but between you and me, I never liked him much, anyway.” She offers me a wry smile. “He was always just a little too self-righteous, if you know what I mean.”
Do I ever.
“Now.” Dr. Barnes turns to her computer and brings up my student record in WildcatPATH, the student information system. When she turns back to me, she’s all business. “We still have one rather important matter to discuss, and that’s your student teaching position.”
I wipe my palms on my thighs, promising myself that whatever happens, I’ll be okay with it. After all, what other choice do I have?
47
BRADY
I paceback and forth in front of the College of Education, my breath forming a white cloud as students file past for class change. Several people call out to me, congratulating me on the win over Georgia.
It’s been like this all week. Some guys on the team relish it, sporting championship gear everywhere they go, but I prefer to fade into the background. Especially now, when football is the furthest thing from my mind.
A cold January breeze whips through the quad, but even it does nothing to distract me from the thoughts ravaging my brain.
What is taking so long?
Piper’s meeting with her advisor is going far longer than I expected. That can’t be good.
