She protests, but you insist

"That suite is in the 2nd year student dormitories! I will not allow a man to sleep under the same roof as my charges!"

"Ms. Naylor," You had expected a fight over this issue, and were as ready as you could be under the circumstances. "The Dean's suite is on the first floor of the Mellon building, unless you expect your students to wander down the stairs in their nighties, I'm sure their honour will be preserved." Actually from your briefing at the Senator's estate, it sounds like many of the wilder students might come sauntering down those stairs wearing nothing at all, but there was no need to complicate the issue.

"Also, that suite will be adjacent to yours." You remind her "Its location will make it easier for you to keep a close eye on me." The knuckles on her hands whiten as her fingers press fiercely into the desk in front of her and responds with a determination that you have to admire.

"I intend to!"

Another long silence. "There will be a staff meeting tomorrow evening in the Faculty lounge. Seven o'clock. Understood?" You nodded silently.

"Do you have a car?"

"No Ma'am, I ride a bike." You could see the relief on her face. This might have been the only good answer you had given her during the entire interview.

You can leave your bicycle in any of the bike racks, it will be perfectly safe on campus."

"Not a bicycle, Ma'am. A motorcycle." You almost feel bad for the woman as she processes that bit of unpleasant information. You could see the lecture forming in the Headmistress' mind about not letting any of her students or female teachers near the motorcycle and the licentious behavior that came with it - to your surprise she decides not to lecture you. You try again to make some peace.

"I understand your concern Ms. Naylor." You tell her. "I'll park it in the garage Ma'am and keep it there. I don't want the students near my bike any more than you do."

"I hope you do just that." Ms. Naylor rose from her seat indicating the end of your appointment, but as you rose too she returned to the very first concern.

"I expect you to behave in an appropriate manner even if some of the girls cannot." She sighs, looking at you with careful eyes. "That goes for the teachers in this school as well. I see you've already met Miss Fulton, she's just one of several staff members who are rather impressionable." Ms. Naylor leans forward placing her hands on the desk and does her best to look matronly. "You're a relatively young man, Mr. Hawkfeather and not unattractive. I trust that you will not exacerbate the situation." In spite of her best attempt to look maternal and stern, you can see the return of a blush on her cheeks. The colour really did improve her looks, and you couldn't help but imagine how good she would look leaning forward like that only with her blazer and shirt unbuttoned.

You did not share with this proud woman the last part of the conversation you had with Senator Williams; even you were not comfortable with what he had told you, Ms. Naylor would have a heart attack right here in her office if she knew what he said.

"I came here to do my job, Ms. Naylor. That's all."