Who doesn’t find Dr. Nicholson frightening?
We stopped just outside the steps of Milton. I looked back towards the entrance. Jonas gave a slight huffed as he moved past me. He opened the door for Dr. Nicholson. One other man was already inside the vehicle. The vehicle's engine was running. Two other men in black suits climbed into a car just parked behind the doctor's car. Dr. Nicholson was the only other man I knew who had so much security.
“She’s quite lovely.” Dr. Nicholson’s voice made me uneasy. Our eyes met as he stopped by the door of his vehicle. Jonas stood beside him, holding the door open. “I like her,”
I doubted that. I didn’t like the idea of him regarding her in any way.
“I very much hope she’s not a distraction. I would hate to think what I would have to do if she were.”
My brow furrowed. Jonas was grinning alongside him. I tried to direct the subject to his plans about dinner.
“Sir, what do you mean about dinner? Is it wise to insert yourself into the assignment as my father this far into the mission?” Jonas looked surprised by what I had asked. I was stunned that I had said it.
He’s making me angry, threatening my girlfriend. Did I just think of Claudia Belle as my girlfriend?
Dr. Nicholson moved closer to me. Even though it was menacing, he was calm. “Wise would be finding what I’m looking for. Find me the person in the video. All I want is he or she. Once I have what I want, there will be no reason for me to return to this place.” He looked up at the school in disgust.
“You should be thankful I have a soft spot for you, John Slater. Or I would have Jonas eliminate her without hesitation. I trust your word she is not a distraction.”
Jonas gave me a smug smile. I restrained my temper. It took a lot to do so.
“Regardless, it appears that inserting myself, as you stated, will be beneficial to your role.”
Dr. Nicholson climbed into the car and Jonas shut the door. The window of the vehicle slowly lowered. Jonas moved away and climbed inside.
“When the time comes, how will you ever explain to her why it is you have to leave? I’m sure this is a thought that has crossed your mind?” The window went up and the vehicle drove out of the parking lot.
“I don’t plan to leave, that’s how,” I answered to myself as I watched the vehicle disappear.
Across the parking lot to the very far side was a small section that appeared to have once been a sitting area for students, was now in ruins. The hole was sectioned off with yellow tape.
I went back inside the building and to the main office. Mrs. Wallace was still taking calls, but it looked like she was packing up.
Joseph was in his office with Michael, Claudia was sitting on the couch in Joseph’s office when I returned. She immediately looked over at me. There was no doubt she wanted to be by my side but didn’t move.
“Well, I hope it’s not as bad as we’re assuming,” Michael said as I stepped in. “I hate to think what would happen to Milton.”
Michael seemed to be taking Dr. Nicholson’s words regarding Milton, rather hard.
“As I said, once we know what we have out there, we’ll decide. We have classes tomorrow until, we are sure. I spoke to the official outside just before my brother came to see me. It’s looking less and less dangerous from their perspective.”
“What has the superintendent instructed?” Michael asked.
“Superintendent? I’ll take the advice of the official with the equipment before that of the superintendent,” Joseph said, blunt and brutal.
“Right.” Michael looked like a timid rabbit in Joseph’s presence.
Had I appeared the same, in Dr. Nicholson’s presence. I made myself noticed.
“Ah, nephew. Did you have a nice chat with Dad?” He smirked, flashing me a settled look.
I nodded. A little angry he had tossed me under the bus by reporting me to Dr. Nicholson and telling him that Claudia was a distraction. That was not cool. I wanted to tell him as much. However, what did I expect from him? He was bound by the ethics of his guardian duties.
“It was nice meeting your father, John,” Michael said.
That was a lie. I wouldn’t have wished that man’s presence on anyone, not even my worst enemy.
“He seems well put together, a very interesting man.”
Claudia rolled her eyes. I choke back a laugh, only to get a curious look from Michael.
“Interesting doesn’t begin to describe my brother,” Joseph interjected. “It’s more like arrogant.” The one time you could say something bad about your boss and get away with it. “He’s the reason John lives with me.”
I clenched my fists, feeling my nails digging into my palm, and gave an audible huff. Why couldn’t he just shut up. Michael didn’t know how to respond, but I think he agreed with Joseph’s description of Dr. Nicholson.
Mrs. Wallace stuck her head through the office door. “Sir, if you don’t mind, I’m heading out.”
Is she talking to Michael or Joseph? I wondered.
Her eyes were focused on Michael before she looked directly over at Joseph. That didn’t surprise me.
“Not a problem, Mrs. Wallace. Get some rest. We have a lot of work tomorrow.”
“So, we’ll be open?” she asked, sounding surprised by the news.
“Until further notice, yes,” Joseph said. “I’ll need you in early to make the announcements and type up a formal letter for the parents notifying them of the incident.”
“Sir, we can just post it on the website.”
“I also want a letter,” Joseph said, asserting his authority. He was thorough.
Mrs. Wallace nodded and left with a frown on her face.
“Can I help with anything?” Michael asked. “I was planning on working on a few things, but my day is quite open.”
“Ah, sure,” Joseph said. “I can use the help. John, would you like—”
“Michael, I can take Claudia home. I think she’s bored,” I said, cutting Joseph off and focusing my attention on Claudia’s guardian.
She looked pleased I had said something, but didn’t know how to tell me.
“John, you wouldn’t mind?” Michael asked.
I didn’t answer right away, unable to speak when a grin from Joseph distracted me, making me wonder what he had said to Dr. Nicholson.
Can I trust him now?
I didn’t have a choice. He was my guardian. He wouldn’t betray me. He was there to look out for me.
“John, take Claudia home,” Joseph said.
It surprised me and made me suspicious at the same time.
“Do you mind?” Michael asked once more.
Claudia made her way over to me, grabbing my hand then lead me away.
“Not at all,” I uttered under her spell. I would’ve let her lead me anywhere.
Claudia waved as we exited the office. Her fingers curled around my palm and it surprised me when she hadn’t pulled it away, even after we stepped into the hall. As we came outside the office, she looked over at me. There was a beautiful smile on her face.