How to Slay a Beast (Book 1)

Chapter 19

"This is a new level," I said, barely glancing up as Richard walked into my office, half naked. I was aware he only owned one shirt and washed it once a week.

"Laundry day was compromised it needs another go---can I have sub or do you have any extra clothes around?" He asked, hopefully.

"I actually wanted to talk to you," I said, going to a box where I kept school shirts for---not at all this reason usually it was students who ruined their clothes not teachers.

"What is it?" he asked.

"No---first how was laundry day compromised and does it have anything to do with the black eye?" I asked.

"No, black eye was the night before; the shirt actually got washed, but it needed to be washed again because I dropped it in chocolate ice cream while I was busy doing something else," he said, as though that made logical sense.

"All right I'll go with that," I said, handing him the t-shirt, "Mr. Gates was in here last night."

"Oh, what a complete coincidence, he's the one who gave me the black eye," he said.

"The man gives you a black eye, then comes marching in here trying to get you fired?" I asked, frowning.

"Oh, wow, he is an asshole----- did he?" he asked.

"Yes, he did; he used that security company he works for to look you up," I said.

"Shit---do you have to fire me?" he asked, hanging his head little.

"No----I don't have to do anything---but if he gets other parents together, it might be beneficial if you had a statement from a psychiatrist stating that you are under care taking your medication or something of that kind," I said.

"But I'm not," he said.

"Richard---," I sighed.

"I'll go if I'm causing you trouble," he said, "You were kind to offer me the job I don't want to get you in anything."

"The hiring committee approved of you---you were found not guilty and the doctors at the clinic had excellent things to say about your recovery---however trial by public opinion can be quite different," I cautioned, "I'm just saying---if he decides to do anything it might be best to have all of our bases covered."

"I'm not taking the medication," he said, shaking his head.

"Do you want to go to a doctor?" I asked.

"No. I'll leave if it gets to that, I don't want to see any more doctors," he said.

"All right," I said nodding, "Let's hope it doesn't get to that."

**

"Not guilty of what?" Del asked, the moment I was out in the hall.

"I'm late for class," I sighed.

"You're my father---I don't know anything about you---you can answer one question," he said, folding his arms.

"Murder," I said, with a sigh, "Guilty of murder"

"Of whom?" he asked, following me as I walked past him towards my class.

"You said one question, that was one question," I growled.

"Did you do it?" he asked.

"Yeah," I said, fumbling with the keys for my class, "I did."

"Then how were you found not guilty?" he asked, frowning.

"If you're found not guilty due to insanity---that means that you aren't responsible for your actions because you weren't in your right mind," I said, leaning my face against the door, "I'm sorry---Del I just---don't want to talk about it."