Chapter 20 #2
Again, Carson methodically went through what he and Marge had discussed in the parking lot and her unhappiness with the outcome of their conversation.
“Mrs. Duncan said she was going to speak to you regarding Drake not starting or playing in the scrimmage. My impression was that she thought Drake was no longer on the team. Though I tried to correct that, she wasn’t in a mood to listen to what I had to say.
I can’t speak as to what Drake told his mother, but I was very clear with him that he was still a Pirate for as long as he wished to be. ”
“Do you have anything to add, Coach Andrews?”
“No, sir.”
“Then I would like to move along and speak with Mila Perry, whom I mentioned as being present at the beginning of this recording.” Dad looked to her. “Ms. Perry, would you please recall your conversation with Marge Duncan last night and elaborate on it?”
She sat up a little straighter. “Yes, Dr. Perry. I spoke with Mrs. Duncan at Bayfest last night, shortly before the bonfire was to be lit.”
Dad gave her the chance to recount the entire conversation before he asked, “Did you notice anything unusual about Mrs. Duncan’s behavior?”
Mila knew what he meant. “Besides being openly hostile, Mrs. Duncan was extremely loud. I smelled alcohol on her breath, which may have caused her to speak more loudly than seemed appropriate.”
“But you never witnessed her consuming any alcoholic beverage?”
“No, sir. I did not. Mrs. Duncan was standing very close to me at times, however, and I did pick up the scent. I believe there are several videos which show our conversation.”
“Yes, I have seen some of them,” Dad said. “Anything else you wish to share, Ms. Perry?”
“No, Dr. Perry. I’m happy to talk with the school board if necessary.”
Dad tapped his phone, ending the recording. “You both did extremely well. You were articulate. You provided clear details. I’ll be playing this for the school board.”
“Is this about Carson benching Drake, or is it about Marge being drunk and disorderly in public?” she asked.
“Possibly both,” Dad said cryptically. He glanced at his watch. “I’m going to head over to admin now. If you don’t mind making yourselves available, I think it would be a good idea if you waited outside while the board meets in closed session.”
“I want to go home and change,” Carson said.
“If I’m going to appear before the board, I want to be dressed more appropriately.
I also need to make arrangements regarding Lily.
I called Cecily on my way over here and explained I couldn’t pick up Lily just yet.
Since it sounds as if I might be tied up this afternoon, I need to figure out what to do with her. ”
“I’ll have Michael and Cecily bring the kids over here,” Mom said. “I’ll feed them lunch, and we can watch a movie together.”
Carson said, “I appreciate you helping out, Laura.”
“I’ll go home and change, as well,” Mila said. “What about Marge?”
“I’ve already notified her that the board is meeting,” Dad said. “She’ll also be there at noon.”
She hated that they would have to see Marge. The foyer outside the boardroom was small.
Carson finally released her hand and rose, offering Dad his hand. “Thank you for hearing my side of the story, Dr. P. I know you went out on a limb, backing me and telling Marge it was a coaching decision.”
“I still feel it is, Carson. A superintendent has no business becoming involved in coaching decisions.”
“Is my job on the line?” Carson asked, causing Mila to hold her breath.
“If I have anything to say, you’ll be staying on,” Dad confirmed. “However, I can’t guarantee anything. It’s up to the board.”
Carson nodded. “I understand. And whatever the outcome, I want to thank you for having faith in me to do the jobs you hired me to do. I appreciate your belief in me more than I can ever convey.”
Mila walked out with Carson, saying, “You really were good in there. I know if the school board calls you in, it’ll be nerve-wracking, but just do what you did when you were explaining everything to Dad. It’s going to work out, Carson. I know it will.”
They stopped at her car.
“I hope so,” he said. His gaze searched her face, and then he said, “I’ll see you in the boardroom.”
Mila drove home and changed into a shirt, pants, and navy blazer.
She pulled her hair from its ponytail and brushed it thoroughly, adding earrings and a spritz of perfume.
Gazing at herself in the mirror, she freshened her lipstick, thinking she looked polished and professional.
She knew every board member personally, but this was going to be a different situation than their usual light, breezy conversations before a game or in the grocery store.
Though she wasn’t certain if they would ask to speak to her, she wanted to be prepared for whatever came.
She drove to admin, seeing the parking lot was full, and crossed the street to park at the high school. When she moved to the front doors, she saw at least fifty people milling about outside.
Sandy stood holding the door open, waving her inside.
“Your dad is in with the board right now,” the secretary informed her. “Everyone was here by eleven-thirty, so they went ahead and started in closed session. Come wait with the others in the conference room.”
Sandy led the way, and Mila entered, seeing the seats around the conference room were filled.
Mae from HR. George, their principal. Jon Earl.
Carson was seated at one end of the table, while Marge and Drake were at the opposite end of the table.
Mila seated herself next to George, who nodded briefly.
“I’ll be back,” Sandy told the group.
And so the wait began.