Further discussion

"That sounds like you have a plan," you say quietly.

"I wish I did," she answers, shaking her head sadly. "If I thought that expelling her would do any good I'd do it, but I think she's safer here than out in the so called real world. I keep hoping that she'll learn, or mature, but I've seen no signs of it. I'm afraid that one day she's going to get herself into trouble that's way over her head."

You nod silently and she sighs. "Valerie thinks that she can get her way by bullying and threatening. She's got herself in trouble in town a few times, teasing some of the local boys and trying to threaten them when they got serious about her....offers. Fortunately for her someone or something got her out of it unscathed each time. But she hasn't learned from her experience. To be frank, Valerie isn't very bright."

She catches herself and sits straighter in her chair, as though irritated at having said so much. "This is, of course, entirely confidential Mr. Carter."

"Of course," you agree.

Ms. Naylor stands up and nods, indicating the interview is over. With a smile you extend your hand, and after a moments hesitation she shakes it.

"Welcome to Pink Rose Academy Mr. Carter. Let us hope the board of regents has no reason to regret their decision."

"They won't. At least not on my account," you smile, letting your hand linger a moment before releasing hers. Once again you think you see the hint of a blush on her throat and cheeks as you turn and make your way out of the office.

Consulting the map you see that the quickest way to your cottage is to continue down the hall and exit the main building. Trailing your suitcase you stroll down the marble hall, glancing around as you go. Most of the rooms appear to be classrooms, marked with brass number plaques. You make a mental note to explore further after you've found your cottage.

At the end of the hallway you find double doors. Pushing one open you step outside into bright sunshine. To no surprise, the grounds here are equally immaculate as at the front of the building. Gravel paths lead away to other buildings, and you can pick out the shapes of several small cottages through the landscaping, perhaps a hundred yards away. With a nod you set off, enjoying the clear air and bright green of the lawn and foliage.

Cottage 4 turns out to the be the third one you reach. Each cottage is set in a little bend in the path, the landscaping giving each a measure of privacy from its neighbours. It's slightly larger than you expected, designed in the Craftsman style and blending well with the immaculate landscaping. Nodding in silent approval you step up onto the porch and slide your key into the lock.