Bearing witness

For the moment you put your sex life out of your mind and head to the Mellon building to meet with Dean Hawkweather regarding the drunken cheerleaders. You meet Brian entering the building, and the Dean welcomes you to his office, thanking you for your time. You exchange some small talk until Ms. Wilder arrives a few minutes later, the four of your taking seats in a little conversation area near a window. Alice Wilder looks nothing at all like the cheerleader coach of yesterday, but every inch the severe-looking librarian in a dark suit and white blouse with ruffles peaking from the ends of her sleeves and collar. You puzzle how she transitions from one to the other, and note the bright smile she gives Brian.

You sit in the armchair, and the Dean perches on the edge of his desk. In the next five minutes the three of you give him the gist of what happened. The Dean nods, then asks each of you to write a short statement.

"Looks pretty open-and-shut." he smiles as he reads them. "especially with Miss Duncan's admission at the time. As I understand the policy, Miss Wilder, you are permitted to stay for the administration of the-"

"That will not be necessary, Dean Hawkfeather." She pops up off the couch athletically showing a hint of the vibrant cheerleader in her. "I'm not a fan of this change in discipline, and if it's all the same to you I'd rather not be a part of it."

"Fair enough, Miss Wilder. On you way by her rooms, would you please let Ms. Naylor know that I'll be ready as soon as she's here."

"Gentlemen, thank you for your time," he adds as he shakes Brian and your hands, his eyes shrewd as he looks into your face. For a moment you wonder if he reads the momentary pang of envy you feel for him paddling the asses of the three pretty young cheerleaders, but you put it aside as you leave his office.