Page 80 of The Teacher

“Does she now?” I raise my eyebrows. I didn’t expect that. Very sly of the older teacher.

“Yes, she does.”

“Okay,” I say. “Well, how about you come in and see what I’ve got to say?”

30

SANDY

Skipper doesn’t even wait for me to reply before he knocks on the door to Mr. Brown’s office.

How about you come in and see what I’ve got to say?

That’s what he’s asked me to do, so I’m going to do it, just to see what kind of excuses flow from his mouth. I’m not going to trust a word he says, but if he’s ready to lie to everyone, then so be it. I’m going to watch him and catch him in the act.

What he’s got to say? What does he mean by that? And why is he here?

I want to reply to the man that I don’t care what he has to say, but I’m actually curious why he’s come here.

He says he’s not here for me, but to talk to Mr. Brown. Why?

Skipper seems calm. Composed. Even after my screaming match at him he’s not bothered. He hasn’t raised his voice against mine or seemed perturbed by my raging emotion. It’s not what I thought would happen when I saw him enter the school hallway a moment ago. It’s like he knows something I don’t. An ace up his sleeve. Either that or the cocky man is unfazed by anything.

He might just be such an arrogant dick he doesn’t even give a shit about my feelings.

I follow him inside the principal’s office.

As soon as she notices Skipper entering the room, Miss Tweed straightens up like she’s standing to attention. Her cheeks flush.

She’s obsessed with him.

It’s embarrassing to see.

And my own face isn’t much better. I try to wipe away the tears with the back of my hand, but I know it’s useless. My face is red and stinging from crying too much. I must look like a blubbering mess.

Great, I’m exposing myself to Mr. Brown and Miss Tweed in my moment of weakness.

Mr. Brown sits up in his chair, obviously not expecting Skipper Deep to be walking into his office early on a Monday morning with his bodyguard. He’s the last person Mr. Brown is expecting to see.

But Skipper ignores all of us and calmly strolls into the office with Steve and I following.

The whole atmosphere of the office has changed now that Skipper’s entered.

“What a surprise, Mr. Deep,” Mr. Brown says, gesturing to the spare chair, but Skipper does not sit. He continues to stand by the door. I’m stuck behind him like he’s a shield between me and Miss Tweed, but I prefer it this way. I don’t want to be the center of attention. I want to be as small as possible. “What can I do for you, Mr. Deep?”

“I’ve come here today to let you know I’m reconsidering my stance on investing in the school,” Skipper says, and Miss Tweed and Mr. Brown’s expressions both change into smiles. They’re immediately happy about this sudden change in the school’s financial situation.

“That’s very good news, Mr. Deep,” Mr. Brown replies, but Skipper gently raises a hand to silence the principle.

“I’ve concluded my orientation here. Unfortunately, it’s turned into a bit more like an investigation.”

Mr. Brown is very clearly confused about this sudden change. “An investigation? About what?”

“Someone’s been stealing from the school, Mr. Brown.”

The room goes silent. Mr. Brown shakes his head.

“That can’t be the case.”