Arnold asked, “What is it, exactly, that you want to do?”
Colin took a long breath. The prospect of his next step left Colin feeling physically ill. But there was no choice. None. Another breath, and then he lied to his friend for the first time ever. “I want to study Boolean logic.”
The two adults exchanged glances, and then Arnold said, “Unpack that a little bit.”
“Boolean logic is a form of algebra. It’s a formal notation for describing logical relations. It’s centered on three words known as operators:or, and, andnot. All values are noted as either true or false. …”
He stopped because Arnold held up his hand. “I know what Boolean refers to.” Arnold’s voice had resumed its normal soft intensity. “I want to know why this is important to you.”
Another breath. Another lie. “I want to study artificial intelligence. This is a good place to start.”
“The mathematical foundations of AI,” Sandrine said. “At eleven, no less.”
“I just turned twelve.”
“I’m surprised poor Braxos didn’t run screaming from the room.”
Colin inspected himself. Wondering if some great rift might open up in his body, exposing the terrible deed. Instead, he felt nothing. A faint whiff of some vague disorder, like smoke from a distant fire. Otherwise, nothing except a resolve to see this through to the end. Because there was no other way out.
The academy’s director said to her colleague, “Which brings us to the point.”
“Sandrine and I have had a word with UNC Wilmington,” Arnold said. “They are willing to have you attend classes. Term starts the week after next.”
“You’ll need to meet with their head of department,” Sandrine said.
“And the dean of admissions,” Arnold added. “Both those meetings are set for Sunday afternoon.”
“They are putting you down provisionally as a visiting student,” Sandrine said. “But if you prove yourself, as I’m sure you will, they’ll matriculate you with next autumn’s incoming class.”
Arnold asked, “Do they even offer Boolean algebra to undergrads?”
“I’ll check.” She made a note. “If not, I’m sure they’ll make adjustments.”
Colin felt like the news held such force it literally pushed his lies from the room. Like their words had taken on solid form and were cascading all around him, bombarding him with pulses of silver energy, cleaning away the dark elements he had introduced. He wanted to shout, to leap from his chairand go racing around the room. He could scarcely draw a breath, he was so excited.
“You will officially remain a student here at Outer Banks Academy. And continue to live at Sojourn House.” Arnold smiled at his expression. “But Sandrine will have a word with Mrs. Fitzgerald on your behalf.”
“Not on your life,” Sandrine said. “As academy director, I hereby assign you that particular job.”
“I am happy to decline,” Arnold replied.
“You can’t. I’m your boss. I’m giving you a direct order.” She turned to Colin and continued, “The house schedule obviously will require changes to fit your classes.”
“How do I get there?” He hated to mention it, especially now. But there was no choice. “I don’t have any money.”
“Ah. Of course. I almost forgot.” Sandrine seemed to be enjoying herself now. “I have had a word with the head of our secret benefactor’s trust. Actually, it was her attorney.”
“You met him, sort of,” Arnold said. “He was there at your preliminary examination.”
“The trust has taken a personal interest in you and your development. They will cover the cost of your university studies. You can arrange for a car service to take you to and from the UNC Wilmington campus three times each week. You’ll still attend other classes here, of course.”
“Look at that face, will you.”
“I think he’s happy.”
“Happy doesn’t come close,” Arnold said. “Our Colin has left happy and entered the stratosphere.”
Sandrine asked, “You mentioned something you needed to discuss?”
