Phrontistery Of Monster Kind - Six Feet Deep

Chapter 31

The Barkley's were called before my arm was placed in a sling; I didn't even get to tell my story before I had Mayor doting on me. She grabbed my face, claws scratching me as she searched for other injuries.

"Clay said you were underwater for four and a half days. How? Why? Ignore the why, he told me. Don't worry, we called the boy's parents. After this in your classroom I- I don't know what's got into him. His record wasn't spotless, but drowning you-"

"It wasn't intentional," I stated. "However, not telling anyone, was."

"No matter. Once the Barkleys are here, he will be given an appropriate punishment, one you are comfortable with, of course."

"No police?"

"I'm afraid not. Harro's decision. Not sure what he is up to. I started an incident report, but I'll need your help finishing it. Not that I don't trust Clay's words, but I would rather get the information from the source, some details didn't seem believable."

"I doubt I'll be able to calm your mind."

"Seeing you well is enough. I was worried."

"Well don't worry, you don't have to replace me just yet."

"I was worried for you dear, not your position. A job can be refilled, a monster cannot."

"Human."

"With a great pair of lungs apparently. You sure you're not aquatic?"

"Maybe in a past life."

She chuckled. "If Clay was here, he'd tell you those don't exist."

"Then proceed to tell you something that is virtually the same."

"That's our Clay."

"Yeah."

***

I was made to sit in the office as the two entered, the wife clinging onto her husband's arm. Her high heels scraped against the floor, making me wince as I watched them approach my bosses. They didn't seem to pick up on my presence in the corner of the room as they greeted the deputy and headmaster. Mr Barkley shook with both hands, only to Harro. Mayor shook his wife's and then nodded her head in acknowledgement to the lycan.

The action was strange. I threw it down too it being a cultural behaviour, a way to interact with opposite sex, for whatever reason. Some of the upper-class wolves were overly protective of them partners especially if they believed they were soulmates. Monogamy among the socialites made them insufferable beyond belief. But they couldn't be from the North End, because if they were aware of this in their children her, it would be considered falling from grace. Still, Mayor was approximately twenty-five years their senior, there was no competition.

Like most lycans, they appeared like extremely hairy humans with animal characteristics. Like his niece, Mr Barkley had wolf ears peeking from his gelled hair. His shirt was freshly pressed, possibly having come from work. His wife was sweeter, in a cardigan and mid-calf skirt. Her hair was long and luscious and clearly professionally done with how much there was.

Harro gestured to his desk and ask them to take a seat. Mr Barkley pulled out his wife's chair for her and didn't settle himself till she was comfortable.

Harro phased through his own, settling and not bothering to offer to get the deputy one. She seemed content looming over his shoulder. Harro plucked the incident report from a pile of folders, one clearly labelled the perpetrator's name.

"I assume Mrs Mayor told you why you were both called?"

"An incident with Simon. I hate to admit it, but I don't see what the issue is. My son hasn't done anything wrong."