The Boarding School

It's a Job

Scott Lucas

"In my defense, I was in jail," Scott heard the familiar voice of Thomas try to explain why his absent homework should be excused entirely.

"That is not a defense," Katelyn replied shortly, "You still have that homework due and the points are being taken off each day that they are late."

"I'll never be able to finish it and my other homework."

"Its a good thing you don't do your other homework, then."

"Well, I have to now, its part of my probation."

"Then it seems you have a problem," Katelyn shut her book and ushered Thomas into the hall where Scott waited for her, "I expect to see the essays on my desk tomorrow." She paused. "Thomas?"

"Yes, Miss Katelyn," he grumbled, heading down the hall with a heavy step.

"Trouble again?" Scott asked.

"Yeah," Katelyn nodded, tucking her binder beneath her arm and locking the classroom door, "He was arrested for assaulting an officer and missed over a week of class and assignments."

"Assaulting an officer," Scott raised his eyebrows, "That's hefty."

Katelyn shrugged, "Oh, I don't think he did. He was just with the wrong crowd and they left him in the lurch. But whatever the fact, he's on probation and has to attend all his classes, turn in all his homework, and maintain a GPA of greater than 3.4 to stay out of jail."

"How long if he doesn't keep it up?"

"Two years."

Scott shook his head incredulously.

"They know he didn't do it, that's the only reason he's being given this chance."

"Not to mention his sister," suggested Scott, following her into her office, where she put her binder on her desk and motioned to a chair. He took a seat on the brown leather chair; one of the antiques in the mansion.

Katelyn smiled, "Yes. I am sure she helps."

"To be honest, I doubt that even if he lets it drops, he'll be in any longer than six months if she's around."

"Do you know her?"

Scott nodded, "We occasionally work in the same circles."

"I thought she was a CI handler."

"She handles teams now, especially ones that involve CIs, and I've been the computer geek on some of those. She's tough."

"I bet."

"Anyway," Scott changed the subject, "I came to ask about the kid."

"Luke?"

"Yeah."

"He's doing well."

"Yeah? Well, it's all set up for payment in a week and as long as no one looks closely at it, it should go through without a hiccup." He paused, "But if anyone takes a closer look, it'll be pretty obvious for now that something's wrong."

"What sort of anyone?"

"Any certified computer geek."

"Well, I doubt we'll have any of those shifting through our records," Katelyn forced a smile.

"Let's hope," agreed Scott, "Anyway, we're agreed that we never talk about this with anyone else and never ever mention it over any form of electronic?"

"Or in any building that may have recording devices or cameras," promised Katelyn. Even in all seriousness, Scott maintained his friendly, innocent air.