― Carl Sandburg
The next day on the drive into the city I told Creed I was feeling hopeful, for the first time in months.
"Hearing the extremists are about to be arrested is encouraging," I told her, "and seeing the vigilantes being hauled away to jail helps as well."
She nodded, "That's one good thing—the police and the army didn't back a coup—and I have to give credit to Wren for the quick response in our neighbourhood."
"So, you don't entirely hate her," I grinned.
"I still don't trust her, but she's good at her job. She's good at other things too, so be on your guard."
She gave me the look. She didn't have to say anything more.
I met up with Ari and Lev at lunch and told them what Creed told me about extremists possibly being brought to justice and Wren's rapid response to our neighbourhood threat. They were encouraged.
"You're lucky to have her" Lev smiled, "She's beautiful and a real support as well."
"Yeah," Ari agreed, "this Wren chick seems hot but I'd keep my distance. She might be the type to make the first move and then you'd be in real trouble."
I nodded, If you only knew, I mused and started to worry Wren might still say something to make Creed distrust me.
I ran back the events of that night and realized I did nothing wrong, but that wouldn't soothe Creed's anger if she found out what actually happened.
Yeah, it's not good for a man to be alone, but I'd add a caveat—especially with a beautiful woman.
I'd make sure that didn't happen again.
When I got back to my office there was a memo on my desk—Dean Atkinson wanted to see me.
All my optimism faded as I imagined all sorts of dire possibilities.
I expected the Dean and Regents to see me in a disciplinary hearing but was surprised to find myself alone with the Dean in his office.
“I just wanted to inform you that Clement Blaise has made an adverse report about you.”
“Is it about a student petition?” I asked.
“It is and the Regents and I have met and disciplined Blaise for instigating it.”
My jaw dropped—I wasn’t sure I heard correctly.
“Excuse me, Dean Atkinson, did you say that Clement Blaise was disciplined?”
The Dean nodded. “It turns out Professor Blaise encouraged two students to circulate a petition based on bogus information in an attempt to discredit you. Disagreements between staff is one thing, but encouraging students to discredit a faculty member is intolerable. Blaise has been dismissed. I’d like to apologize for any embarrassment this incident has caused you and assure you we value your service.”
I was totally taken aback by the news.
“Thank you, Dean Atkinson, for your support. I guess the political climate has had an impact on the university as well.”
“It has,” he conceded, “but the crisis seems to have passed. Several donors who previously supported the National Party and their far-right agenda have stepped down from the steering committee and we’re now in the process of repealing their previous recommendations and restoring our traditional policies.”
I left the Dean’s office with a renewed optimism.
It seems Creed’s inside information was accurate and the power of the National Party and its extremist agenda was in fact waning.
I couldn’t wait to tell Creed the news.