Maybe about half

You see a few of the teachers decide that this policy would be worth a shot. You recognize the art teacher Mrs. Somersby-Walker, who seems loosely allied with Miss Swanson's vocal opposition, when she stands and raises her clear voice slightly so it is clearly heard by all.

"And who would be witnessing the administration of the paddling?" Before you get a chance to explain that you haven't had a chance to think through all the details Ms. Naylor steps to your side.

"I will be there if this ever becomes necessary." Diana says further suppressing the potential revolt, those who knew their Headmistress must know she did not approve of the paddle, her willingness to be there eased much of their concerns. You realized that Senator Williams may have underestimated the leadership qualities of this young head of the academy. She held up her slender hand stopping the potential debate before it even starts. "As I said before, this is not a matter for debate. If you feel strongly about this issue I advise you to join the committee charged with rewriting the rules that so offend you."

The meeting continues with much less drama as one after another detail are ticked off the Headmistress' mental agenda. As far as you can tell, she has no notes, but you can only admire the efficiency with which topic after mundane topic are brought up and dispensed with.

"On a different note," you know Diana well enough to by now to hear the slight edge to her tone, "I've learned that there is a Boston Globe reporter snooping around town trying to dig up some dirt after last year. I want to remind you that if this," for the first time in the entire meeting you see her check her notes, "Holly Piper wishes to speak with any of you, please refer her to me." A murmur goes through the hall and you wonder just what happened here that would make a major paper like the Globe care enough to send a reporter out to the Academy.

The following discussion about the need to make sure the custodial staff is reminded to clean the white boards and vacuum every day and not just when they feel like it sounds like the refrain a long ballad, and you take the time to look over the staff again trying to decide if any of them are likely to give you a hard time. As you look over the group you notice Mr. Sharp doing something very similar. There is something familiar in the way his gaze settles on each faculty members one at a time before moving to the next, it reminds you of a wolf eyeing a herd of sheep deciding which of the bunch will make the tastiest treat. With a start you realize that this is the same man you saw in the parking lot earlier in the day watching the 2nd year students' arrival; you had mistaken him for a parent - you now know better.

Mr. Sharp's assessment of the women in the room, you quickly realize, is not at all sexual. He barely pauses when he takes in Monica's full figure, but his eyes linger for far longer on Miss Swanson's square shoulders and scowling demeanor. You are careful to make sure that Mr. Sharp doesn't see you sizing him up, the last thing you want is for any more of the teachers to think that you do not trust them.

"Ms. Naylor?" Donna Considine stands up near the end of the meeting. "I hate to be a broken record, but I see that the 'Student Auction' is on the calendar again." A muted groan goes up from several of the teachers although Mr. Sharp's eyes flicker in what might be a indication of interest.