Chapter Two: The Intake Assessment

"Good morning, Miss—" She stopped herself and consulted her clipboard. "Mr. Thomas. Please dress and report to the assessment suite."

"What's wrong with what I'm wearing?"

"Everything, according to the Dixon standards."

She handed him a folded outfit: a white blouse, navy skirt, white stockings, and polished shoes.

Steve stared at it.

"You're serious?"

At Dixon, Mr. Thomas, we take presentation very seriously."

The assessment suite

The room resembled a combination of a doctor's office and an upscale beauty salon. There were full-length mirrors, dressing screens, vanity tables, and rows of neatly arranged cosmetics.

Director Whitmore was waiting.

Today we establish your baseline," she explained. "Your posture, grooming, personal habits, social behavior, and presentation."

Steve folded his arms.

"And what if I refuse?"

Whitmore made a small notation on her clipboard.

"Resistance is something we shall be addressing."

She gestured toward the mirrors.

"Let's begin."