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It was beginning to feel like a very long day. Dominic glanced at the clock and tried to refocus on the final candidate’s explanation of why he’d like to work here. It was a waste of time. His presentation had been dreadful. There was already no way this guy was getting the job. Dominic knew it. Mrs Addams knew it. Theo knew it. Dominic suspected that even the candidate knew it. Unfortunately, there was no socially acceptable way of everyone simply acknowledging the fact and agreeing to call a halt to the whole thing, so they asked their questions, took cursory notes on the answers and watched the clock. When Theo finally stood up to show the interviewee out Dominic closed his eyes for a second and leaned his head back between his shoulder blades to try to ease the tiredness in his neck.
Theo came and sat back down. ‘Well a decent crop I thought.’
Dominic nodded even though he didn’t agree. They were an average crop. It was going to come down to Dr Levine or Helen. Everyone already knew that but they ploughed through the interminable scoring and discussion of each candidate before admitting that out loud.
By the time they officially agreed that it was between Dr Levine and Helen they were knackered. Dominic had scored Helen higher. Theo had scored Dr Levine higher, but not as high as Dominic scored Helen. Mrs Addams from Human Resources felt they were fairly evenly matched, and excused herself to get back to her office. Apparently, she thought the academics could deal with the contentious bit.
‘Dr Levine’s presentation wasn’t as strong.’
‘But his research record is more substantial.’
‘Dr Hart was better on diversity.’
Theo rolled his eyes.
Dominic saw. ‘What’s that mean?’
‘What does what mean?’ Both men were tired, irritable, and ready to be somewhere else.
Dominic inhaled. ‘You don’t seem to place much importance on diversity and equality.’
Theo shrugged. ‘It’s a teaching and research job. We should be concentrated on that.’
‘Fine.’ Dominic spat the word out. ‘Helen’s a stronger teacher.’
‘Dr Hart is a perfectly adequate teacher, but so is Dr Levine.’ Theo stood up. ‘Again, I can’t help but wonder if your judgment is being affected by your personal relationships.’
‘Is that why you gave her such a hard time?’
Theo didn’t answer.
Dominic paused. ‘They’re both friends. And I’m starting to wonder why you’re so hung up on my friendship with Helen?’
‘I’m not,’ Theo grimaced at the phrase, “hung-up” on your relationship with Dr Hart. I’m wondering whether you are.’
This again. Dominic didn’t know what to say. There was no relationship. There never had been, at least not in the way Theo was implying. There’d been a moment, possibly, once, a very long time ago. Dominic stood up. ‘I think perhaps we’d better discuss this later.’
Theo shook his head. ‘We need to discuss it now.’
‘Well if we add both our scores up, Helen wins. Nothing more to discuss.’
‘I think we have to weight teaching and research above all this box ticking.’
Dominic reminded himself to hold his temper. He could imagine what Emily would say if he had to take time out from the wedding reception to argue with her Dad about academic appointment criteria. ‘It’s not box ticking. It’s widening participation.’
Professor Midsomer closed his eyes. Just for a second Dominic could see the old man, usually obscured by Theo’s vigour and constant activity. Maybe Dominic wasn’t the only one who harboured thoughts of a different life. ‘But teaching and research are the things. That’s what we’re actually here for.’
‘Maybe we could make a final decision when you get back?’ It seemed unfair to make the candidates wait, but they weren’t getting anywhere. ‘Sleep on it?’ Dominic was aiming for a conciliatory tone. The words were right at least.
Theo nodded. ‘As you wish.’
Dominic left without saying anything more. Why was he so angry? Yes. He was friends with Helen. Yes. He wanted her to get this job. Did the accusation of bias hurt because it was true? He tried to run the two interviews through in his head. However, he thought about it, he did genuinely believe Helen was the better candidate. He was angry on her behalf as well. She had been overlooked, and she was a brilliant lecturer. He wanted to see her get a chance.