Epilogue

John Johnson III patted his head with a handkerchief.

“We were lucky, Madame Puant. Just lucky.”

Madame Puant shook her head. “Not lucky. It was a show of strength.”

Johnson stood up and leaned on her desk. “What if he comes back?”

Madame Puant sighed. “You and I both know he will. He always comes back. But for now, we can rest in the knowledge that one of our students beat him.” She leaned forward. “And if she could beat him, then someone else can too. Now, don’t you think that’s encouraging?”

Johnson sank back in the chair. “Yes, I suppose you’re right, Betsy.” He chuckled. “You do seem to be right about almost everything here. I’ll give you that.”

“It’s like I told you before, John. I know my students. And I would go to hell and back before I’d let something happen to them.” She looked sadly out the window. “But we can’t do everything for them. More often than not, they must help themselves. What we can do is be there for them, no matter what comes up.”

She cleared her throat and then walked John Johnson III to the door.

“But I intend to do just that. I will be here. Always. No matter what.”