ODDS OF LOVE : SEASON TEN

Episode 40

Monday December 16 , 2024

Arnold Saunders leaned back in the large black leather chair in the spacious conference room at the Arlington, Virginia Barrington Academy main campus. He lit up one of his beloved cigars and regarded each of the nine people sitting around the long table including Richard Norland who sat at the opposite end of the table from himself. " So I know this is short notice but we have a very pressing crisis to address. Gerald HighTower is falling down on the job. The death of a sixth grader there. Sidnei Chou. From drugs no less. The woke policies at that particular campus. And now a bombing caused by the man's wife's cousin who actually impersonated his wife, a teacher at the school, for heaven knows how long. This woman killed two people. One being a police officer. She is a psychopath and this man let her run about the school for how long undetected? "

Celeste Benson shook her tightly coiled silver head. " That's hardly his fault. Gerald was , to my knowledge, just as much a victim as anyone in this whole tragic incident. He was even poisoned by this woman. It's a shame really. "

" I agree," Richard said as he steepled his fingers below his chin. " Gerald has been a big asset to the school for years. He has devoted his life to the school and the student body. I don't think he should be held responsible for events beyond his control. And the police have not as of yet , and may not ever ,  connected the child's death to the school. He also has established a decent anti drug and anti bullying program there through the clinic. The clinic is also the brainchild of Gerald. An excellent idea in my opinion. And what " woke " policies? All of Barrington Academy schools have very progressive standards. "

Arnold snorted ," He takes it too far. That Barrington Pride club. The gender neutral bathrooms. Nonsense really. "

Celeste sighed in much annoyance. " All policies we approved as a board. Except for you of course. I think the Barrington Pride club does good work and is an excellent PR tool for us. And there have been no complaints about the bathrooms as far as I am aware. "

Arnold slammed his hand on the tabletop. " I'm not going to argue this point all day long.  Two families have pulled their children from the school. Two important families. Two wealthy families. Not one of those charity cases. And they cited the bombing as a reason. We need to act and act fast. Our loyalty has to be to the school not this man. I say we just vote now and get him out. I have the perfect replacement as well. My cousin Kris Keller is a principal at a local middle school in that area. She is very willing to step into the position. "

Richard narrowed his eyes. " You are aware this woman dated the teacher at that school who attacked my brother? My brother who is in a wheelchair? You can't be serious about putting her in charge over Gerald. I'm voting no right now. And if you do this I will resign from the board. "