The Fire (Northwest Passage Book 4)

by John A. Heldt

  "Yes. I do," Kevin said as the last bell of the day rang. "It won't happen for a while, but it will happen. Count on it."

  Kevin smiled at Josh and others as they walked out of class and then turned his attention to a stack of graded papers. When he glanced again at the door, he saw Sarah. She wore a guarded smile and not her customary grin.

  "It looks like you're still a hit," she said. "Maybe I should attend your classes."

  "You should!"

  Kevin was about to say something playful when he saw the guarded smile turn to a frown.

  "Is something wrong, Sarah?"

  She sighed.

  "I'm not sure. Principal Morrison asked me to summon you to his office. He wants to meet with you immediately. He did not appear happy."

  Kevin didn't need to guess why. He suspected it had something to do with his credentials, or lack thereof. He had hoped that the school would forgo a thorough background check and simply let him finish the year. When thirty days had passed without so much as a peep, he assumed that they had. It was clear now, however, that he had assumed incorrectly.

  "I'll go there now. What about you? Would you like me to walk you home?"

  "No. You go to your meeting. I'm joining two others for tea. We can talk tomorrow and maybe discuss our plans for the weekend. I'm looking forward to Saturday, Kevin."

  "I am too."

  Sarah brightened a bit.

  "I'll see you tomorrow then."

  "OK."

  Kevin watched her withdraw from the doorway and vanish into the hallway. He didn't like the look on her face or the news she brought, but he decided not to dwell on it. The best way to deal with unpleasant matters was to deal with them quickly and plainly.

  He put the papers in a drawer and grabbed his jacket from the rack. It was time to see the boss.

  CHAPTER 39: KEVIN

  Kevin wasted no time walking from his classroom to Ed Morrison's office. He passed students and faculty who greeted him warmly and a secretary who greeted him coolly. When he finally entered the office, he felt the temperature drop twenty degrees.

  "Miss Thompson said you asked to see me."

  "I did," the principal said. "Please sit."

  Morrison closed the door and returned to his desk. He sat in his substantive chair, opened a file sitting atop his desk, and stared at the man sitting in a chair directly in front of him.

  "Mr. Johnson, I called you in because I wanted to give you the results of an investigation. I have recently concluded an examination of your credentials, your background, and your general fitness to teach at this school."

  Kevin stared at Morrison with a poker face.

  "What did you find?"

  "A better question is what didn't I find. I didn't find a thing."

  Morrison reached into the folder and pulled out a typewritten letter. He handed it to the teacher and then leaned back in his chair.

  "What's this?" Kevin asked.

  "That, Mr. Johnson, is a letter from the dean of admissions at the university in Seattle. As you can see, the dean could find no evidence that a student named Kevin Johnson has recently attended the university. He could find no evidence that a student with that name has ever attended the university."

  "I see. Is there more?"

  "Oh, there is plenty more."

  Morrison pulled out two additional letters.

  "I also wrote letters to the chiefs of police in Seattle and Unionville, Oregon, to make certain that our probationary science instructor was not a fugitive or someone embroiled in a serious legal situation."

  Kevin felt a knot form in his stomach. This was not going well.

  "Here are their replies," Morrison said as he pushed two pieces of paper across his desk. "Please look at them."

  Kevin glanced at both and placed them back on the desk.

  "I'm not sure what the problem is, Principal Morrison. I've broken no laws."

  "You're probably right. I found no evidence that a Kevin Johnson has done as much as spit on a sidewalk or drink on a Sunday in either community. That's not the problem."

  Morrison leaned forward in his chair.

  "The problem is that the police have never heard of you. They've never heard of your family or anyone who claims to know you. As far as they are concerned, you don't exist."

  Kevin took a deep breath and braced himself for an unpleasant verdict. He knew Morrison already had more than he needed to send him packing.

  "I see."

  "Do you have an explanation for all this?"

  Kevin laughed to himself as he pondered not only an answer to Morrison's question but also whether to fight or flee. Was his reptilian brain telling him to mount an aggressive defense or run out the door as fast as he could? He decided to go with a version of the truth that might buy him some time and perhaps a second chance.

  "I don't have an explanation, at least one you'd find sufficient. I didn't lie to you about where I'm from or where I went to school, but I can't offer anything to support those claims."

  "I have nothing then," Morrison said.

  "You have my word."

  "I was afraid you'd say that. This complicates my decision."

  Kevin decided it was time to fight. If he was going to get canned, he might as well go down swinging. He hated going out with a whimper in any situation.

  "Why does it complicate anything? It seems to me that this matter is pretty cut and dried. You asked for my credentials. I can't provide those credentials. You have a responsibility to the school and the community to fire me immediately."

  "You're right, Kevin. I do have that responsibility. I could have fired you three weeks ago when I received the letter from the dean. I still might fire you. I believe I have been misled."

  "Then why not get on with it?"

  "The reason I didn't fire you then is the reason I'm reluctant to fire you now. You're one of the most gifted educators I've ever seen. You have the respect of your peers, the love of your students, and the support of many parents and members of the community. Were I to let you go now, I would have to answer many questions myself. I'm not sure I'm prepared to do that with only six weeks left on the school calendar."

  "What about the school board?" Kevin asked.

  "The board has moved on to other things," Morrison said. "No one has asked to see your credentials. The members seem more interested in funding issues and expanding the curriculum than checking the background of a temporary hire. They have left the matter to me."

  "I see."

  "That brings me back to the point of this discussion, Mr. Johnson. Your probationary period has expired. I can either retain you for the balance of the year or I can send you on your way. What do you suggest I do?"

  Kevin sat back in his chair. He had anticipated several scenarios but not this one. He had not expected that the principal would deftly shirk his responsibility and leave Kevin Johnson's fate up to Kevin Johnson. He gave the matter a moment of thought and came back with an answer that Morrison probably didn't expect.

  "I suggest that you let me finish the year," Kevin said. "I'll complete the job that you asked me to do and walk away in June. I'll be happy, you'll be happy, and no one, including the students, will be any worse for wear."

  The principal studied Kevin for a minute and then reached for the papers scattered on his desk. He placed the papers in the folder and returned to his star instructor.

  "You have six weeks, Mr. Johnson. Please don't give me a reason to regret my decision to keep you on. You're dismissed."

  Kevin sighed and got up from his chair.

  "Thank you. I won't let you down."

  Kevin took his leave, smiled at the frowning secretary, and bolted out the front door into the April sunshine. He wanted to find Sarah, give her that long-overdue kiss, and tell her about his near-death experience in the office of the principal, but he knew that such a reunion would have to wait for another time.

  He walked to Third Street, turned south, and started his way toward Ma
ude's. He continued toward Bank Street, found a favorite shortcut, an alley between two churches and a boarding house, and turned west for the final stretch.

  When he approached the first church, he saw what he had expected to see: an unoccupied carriage used often to cart children from the church to Sunday picnics and other activities. When he approached the second church, he saw something he had not expected to see: a large, ugly man he had last seen on Easter near Garnet and Seventh. For the second time in an hour, Kevin went into fight-or-flight mode.

  "Good afternoon, Mr. Johnson," the man said as he stepped into the middle of the alley.

  "What do you want?" Kevin asked.

  "I don't want anything. I'm here to deliver a message."

  "Speak."

  "It seems you have taken something that doesn't belong to you."

  "I don't know what you're talking about."

  The man smiled, revealing a glorious gap is his horribly arranged front teeth.

  "Oh, I think you do."

  "Speak plainly, mister, or get out of my way."

  "I've been asked to tell you to stay away from Miss Thompson."

  "That's not going to happen. Now, move."

  Ugly smiled again, making Kevin wonder how far dentistry had advanced by 1910. When the man dropped his smile and balled his fists, Kevin knew the time had come to act. He charged forward in an attempt to push Ugly out of the way, but the effort failed. The man caught him as he passed and punched him in the side of the head.

  Kevin turned quickly and put a fist in his opponent's stomach, sending him to the ground. Within seconds the combatants, evenly matched in size and strength, commenced a battle that seemed destined to end in a draw.

  For more than a minute, the two exchanged blows, mostly to the midsection. Kevin learned quickly that Ugly was strong but slow. He moved slowly on his feet and reacted slowly when successfully attacked. He was more than durable, however, and refused to fall despite repeated punches to his midsection and ribs.

  Kevin sensed an advantage when Ugly grabbed his side and fell to his knees. Making the most of six kickboxing lessons, he booted the man in the ribs and watched him roll over.

  He saw Ugly roll to his side and writhe in pain. He saw the thug grimace and spit. He did not see the man's accomplice walk up behind him and strike him in the back of the neck.

  After that, Kevin didn't see much at all. He wobbled forward and then turned around. He got his first glimpse of his second opponent just as a fist hit his face and day turned to night.

  CHAPTER 40: KEVIN

  "Let me do it," Andy said as he paced back and forth in Maude's living room. "Let me do it now. I could make it look like an accident."

  Kevin chuckled as he held ice to a swollen eye.

  "That would be a neat trick," he said.

  Kevin loved the show of support. He agreed with Andy in spirit. He too wanted to put the hurt on Preston Pierce, but he knew that hanging the banker by his balls from the Bank Street Bridge was not a particularly constructive response to a brutal assault.

  "You can't let this go unanswered. You can't," Andy said.

  "I won't. I'll file a police report."

  "That's it?"

  Kevin wanted to say, "No. That's not it." He wanted to say that he liked the idea of imposing rough justice but that he also liked the idea of finishing the school year. He didn't know everything, but he knew that teaching physics from a jail cell might be a challenge.

  "That's all I want to do for now."

  "There's a place for you among the saints," Andy said. "I don't know how you can do it. I don't know how you can be so civil."

  Kevin watched his friend and defender walk out of the room just as his Florence Nightingale walked in. Sadie brought a new cold compress, a wet cloth, and a gentle smile that had done more to ease his pain than four aspirin and a shot of whiskey.

  "How are you feeling?" she asked.

  "I'm better. They mostly hurt my ego."

  Sadie wiped Kevin's forehead with the wet cloth as he settled into an upholstered chair. When she finished, she sat on a nearby ottoman and looked at her patient with sympathetic eyes.

  "Does Sarah know about this?"

  "I doubt it," he said. "She went out with some friends. Thank God she wasn't there."

  Kevin watched Sadie give him a fleeting smile and then turn away. He could see that she was trying to adjust to his social priorities, but he could also see that it was killing her.

  "Do you want me to get word to her?"

  Kevin smiled sadly and shook his head.

  "No. I'll tell her in the morning when I tell everyone else at school. I'm sure she won't be the only one to ask why the science teacher has a black eye."

  "What do you plan to tell them?" Maude asked from a nearby chair.

  "What do you think I should tell them? Should I tell them that one of the most prominent businessmen in town hired two thugs to beat me up? I can't make a claim like that without proof and, right now, I don't have proof."

  Maude got out of her chair.

  "I understand your predicament, Kevin, but I also think Andrew is right. You can't let this stand. Preston Pierce is a bully and bullies need to be stopped or they'll continue to bully."

  "You're probably right."

  "I know I'm right, but I won't press the matter," Maude said as she walked toward the kitchen. "Can I get you anything? There is still pie left from dinner."

  "I have everything I need, Maude. Thanks for asking."

  Maude left the room.

  "She is right, Kevin. They both are," Sadie said. "Mr. Pierce is a vile man. You of all people should know that. You remember the spot he put me in."

  Kevin looked at Sadie and laughed to himself. He could ignore Andy's spirit and Maude's logic, but he wasn't at all sure he could ignore an angel with big brown eyes. He owed her. He owed her a lot. Maybe he should do something.

  "I'll think about it, Sadie. I'm not big on vengeance, but I agree. Pierce needs to be put in his place," he said. "Maybe I can put my students on it and award extra credit to the one who comes up with the best way to torment a banker."

  Sadie laughed.

  "If you do that, I'll help you grade the papers."

  "It's a deal."

  Sadie got up from the ottoman.

  "I should go. I have clothes to fold and a kitchen to clean."

  She looked at him thoughtfully.

  "Are you going to be OK?"

  "I'm going to be fine, Sadie," Kevin said. "Thanks for looking after me."

  She gave him a sad smile.

  "It was the highlight of my day."

  Sadie grabbed the old cold compress and walked toward a wicker table on the other side of the room. She picked up a stack of towels, turned to face Kevin one last time, and disappeared.

  A moment later, Andy rushed into the room and grabbed his jacket and hat off a hook. He threw them on, looked at Kevin, and shook his head.

  "Are you sure I can't at least break his legs?"

  "Not this time," Kevin said with a chuckle. "Where are you going?"

  "I'm meeting a friend for a wee bit of conversation."

  "You're going to Maggie's?"

  Andy laughed.

  "I'm going to Maggie's."

  "Say hi to Jasmine for me."

  Andy smiled.

  "I will," Andy said. He walked to the door. "Well, I'm out, my friend. I'll see you in the morning. Can I get you anything before I go?"

  Kevin put the compress on an armrest and sat up in his chair.

  "I don't need anything now, but I would like something later."

  "What is it?"

  "I'd like you to do me a favor. What are you doing Saturday night?"

  Andy lowered his head and brought a hand to his chin.

  "I don't think I'm doing anything. Why do you ask?"

  Kevin got up from his chair.

  "I want you to ask Sadie out. Sarah and I are going to dinner and then to a play, and I want you two to j
oin us. I want Sadie to have a chance to get dressed up, have a nice dinner, and feel like a million bucks," he said. "I'll pay for everything. You just need to show up."

  "It would be my pleasure."

  Kevin nodded and smiled.

  "Thanks, Andy," he said. "I feel better already."

  CHAPTER 41: KEVIN

  Saturday, April 23, 1910

  Kevin needed only five minutes in the Placer Room to know that turning a date for two into a date for four had been a good idea. Andy looked happy. Sadie looked happy. Most important, Sarah looked happy.

  That alone was progress. Sarah had been anything but happy when she had heard about the assault. She had been furious at Preston Pierce for allegedly masterminding the attack and angry with herself for having associated with a scoundrel for several weeks. She had expressed her feelings on the matter so clearly and frequently, in fact, that Kevin had considered adding her to the band of vigilantes that had wanted to lynch Pierce on Wednesday.

  Kevin hadn't let her foul mood dissuade him from pursuing a double date. They needed a night like this as much as Sadie did. There was nothing like a dinner with friends and a comedy at the theater to put a bad week in the past. Sarah had agreed to his suggestion with enthusiasm.

  Kevin settled into his chair and drank some water. He started to ponder other matters when Sadie broke a long silence at their linen-covered table.

  "Thanks, Kevin."

  "For what?"

  "For insisting that we all go out," Sadie said. "Andy told me that tonight was your idea."

  Kevin glared at the reporter.

  "He's being modest," Kevin said not so truthfully. He smiled at Sadie. "We both wanted to do something as a group. I merely suggested that we should do it sometime soon."

  "Well, thanks, anyway."

  "You're welcome."

  Kevin gazed at Sadie.

  "You look nice, by the way. Where did you get that dress?"

  Kevin didn't wait for an answer. He instead let his eyes drift to the back of the room, where a well-dressed patron got into a heated exchange with a waiter over a table. When he returned to Sadie, he saw her stare at him with mildly scolding eyes.