The Unknown

The meeting

Mike's pov

Shane and I are at the girls' highschool meeting with Lisa's and Julie's science teacher Mr. Kemp. After introductions and obligatory pleasantries are exchanged, we get down to business.

"Mr. Kemp..."

"Please, call me Dick," Mr. Kemp interrupts.

"Okay, Dick, I was quite concerned when Admiral Donovan filled me in on the issues you've been having with both Julie and Lisa in your class. First, I want to assure you that Admiral Donovan and I do not condone nor tolerate disrespect nor disobedience from the girls at home and they are well aware that kind of behavior is unacceptable at school as well."

"That's good to hear because based on their behavior in my class, I never would have guessed there were consequences for such insolence at home, Mike," Mr. Kemp smirks smugly.

"It's Dr. Horton," I correct him.

I hear Shane inhale sharply as he visibly tenses upon hearing Dick's snide comment.

I give Shane a reassuring look before continuing, "Trust me when I say the girls' behavior cannot be attributed to a lack of discipline in the home. Both Admiral Donovan and I punish such infractions swiftly and severely."

Mr. Kemp retorts, "I took the liberty of printing out copies of the girls' referrals for the both of you."

Dick hands us the copies before continuing, "If either of you can provide an alternate explanation after reading these referrals, I'd love to hear it."

After reading their laundry list of sins, it's quite difficult to maintain my righteous indignation. As much as I don't like this man, I can't excuse the girls' horrid behavior in his class.

"I know you and Admiral Donovan have agreed on a weekly conference call to keep us informed but I'd like to know if there's anything else we can do to assist your efforts in maintaining discipline in the classroom in regards to our two girls."

"The fact that you're willing to take the time to come down here and discuss these issues in person, along with your desire to keep the lines of communication open, is definitely an encouraging sign, Mik... I mean, Dr. Horton. Having the parents' support goes a long way in improving disciplinary issues with students in the classroom."

"We look forward to hearing updates from you soon, Dick," Shane says, while standing to shake his hand on our way out.

It's obvious Shane doesn't want to spend any more time conversing with this man.

Once we're in the car, Shane asks me, "So, what was your impression of Mr. Kemp?"

"After only two minutes time, I wanted to smack the shit out of him. There's something about that man I do not like and I don't trust him one iota."

"Oh, thank God." Shane breathes a sigh of relief. "I was afraid it was just me."

Once we arrive back at the Center, I summon Julie and Lisa to my room.

"Sit down, girls, we need to talk." The girls sit cross-legged on my bed while I straddle the back of my desk chair, after placing it in front of them.

"Shane and I had the opportunity to sit down with your science teacher Mr. Kemp this afternoon."

The nervous glances exchanged between the girls do not go unnoticed. "It was an eye opening encounter to say the least, informative and disconcerting as well."

"You know Shane and Dean Banfeld both punished each of us already, right?" Lisa is worried where this conversation is heading.

"I don't recall asking, Lisa, and you're dealing with me right now, so how Shane or Dean Banfeld punished you is none of my concern." I give Lisa a look indicating she best keep her mouth in check.