Chapter Five: The Finishing School

Wednesday, 9:00 a.m. — Social Development Wing

The elevator doors opened onto a spacious, beautifully decorated floor. Glass walls overlooked landscaped gardens, and soft instrumental music played throughout the reception area.

A gold sign read:

DIXON SCHOOL OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

Stephanie was greeted by a tall woman carrying a tablet.

"Good morning, Stephanie. I'm Dr. Caroline Bennett. I'll be overseeing your finishing-school curriculum."

Steve frowned.

"Steve. My name is Steve."

Dr. Bennett glanced at her tablet.

"Your file says Stephanie Thomas."

"My file is wrong."

"That disagreement is noted. Come along."

She led him into an enormous classroom. There were polished tables, comfortable chairs, a ballroom practice area, and a dining room set for twelve.

The curriculum

Dr. Bennett displayed the day's schedule.

Time Lesson

9:00 Personal presentation

10:00 Posture and movement

11:00 Conversation skills

12:00 Formal dining

1:30 Ballroom dancing

3:00 Courtship etiquette

"These lessons," she explained, "are intended to prepare our residents for sophisticated social environments."

Steve noticed something written at the bottom of the presentation:

ADVANCED PLACEMENT PREPARATION – PRIVATE CLIENT PROGRAM

"What's that?"

Dr. Bennett quickly changed the slide.

"An administrative matter."

Steve had seen enough to know that Dixon was hiding something.

An unexpected visitor

At lunchtime, Dr. Bennett received a telephone call.

She listened carefully.

"Yes, Director. Stephanie is progressing through the curriculum."

A pause.

"Of course. I'll ensure she's ready for the private reception."

Steve looked up.

"Private reception?"

Dr. Bennett ended the call.

"Nothing you need to concern yourself with."

But Steve had caught another name on the tablet beside her.

RICHARD WHITMORE – SPONSOR FAMILY

He was beginning to suspect that his future had already been decided.