Witness for the prosecution

With an effort you push nubile Miss Duplessis and the intriguing Ms. Naylor out of your mind and head to the Mellon building to meet with Dean Hawkweather regarding the drunken cheerleaders. You meet Mason entering the building, and the Dean welcomes you to his office, thanking you for your time. You're still holding the ribbon tied package from Gabrielle, and as you exchange some small talk you notice both men glance at it curiously. They say nothing, however and 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 bit 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, but return the bright smile she gives you, inspiring memories of helping her in the weight room.

You and Alice sit on the couch while Mason chooses 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 Mason 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 bare asses of the three pretty young cheerleaders, but you put it aside as you leave his office.