She pulled out her phone and dialed the principal's office with numb fingers. It was picked on the first ring...
"I need to speak with the chancellor. It's urgent. Regarding Stan Harrison — I need the expulsion order withdrawn. Immediately."
There was a brief pause on the other end. Then the chancellor's voice came through, not the polite, deferential tone she was accustomed to, but something drier. Almost amused.
"Miss Reeves. You're a little behind the curve, I'm afraid." A soft chuckle. "Mr. Harrison's position at this university was secured hours ago. After I received a call from his associates, people whose influence, I must say, operates at a level somewhat above campus politics, I realized that pursuing the matter would have been deeply unwise."
He paused.
"In future, Miss Reeves, you might consider researching a person's background before attempting to have them expelled. It saves everyone a great deal of embarrassment."
The line went dead.
