The board of alumni had covered. Mrs Lathum eyed Dr Gabelhouser with her usual flirtatious and intimidating stature.
Across from her, was Dr. Thaddeus Charles Radcliffe IV, as wealthy a donor as Caltech got. Every year he gave millions to the school on behalf of the physics dept. as he was apparently distant relative to Newton. His wirey grey hair was parted neatly and his herringbone jacket had a silk handkerchief in the pocket.
He had a warm fondness for a certain quirky physicist who unfortunately couldn't be present for annual peer reviews.
"Why where's Dr Cooper?" He peered over the top of his horn-rim glasses at Gabelhouser.
Gabelhouser shifted uncomfortably. "He's….on a sabbatical at the moment."
"According to this, he's no longer working here. Whats going on Gabelhouser? Wheres my money going?"
"Dr Cooper is a crackpot! Ive never met a more obnoxious person in my life!" Agnes Packard said adjusting her broach. "Good Riddens"
"Ill admit he's eccentric, but so is a full third of the scientific community. I have faith that his name will go down in the history books!" Dr Radcliffe said said not looking at anyone in particular.
"While I admire Dr Cooper's research and his achievements…he requested that he switch his studies to Cosmology which we simply cant allow." Mrs Lathum said matter of factly. "He didn't like it so he quit simple as that."
"Well get him back!" He said simply
"We cant. For all we know he's interviewing as we speak." Gabelhouser said getting more and more anxious as he spoke.
"Either Sheldon Cooper is a name of the faculty of this school, or I pull every penny!"
The blood in Gabelhouser's face drained.
"But….But…Dr Radcliffe, please understand…we didn't fire him…and besides, despite his achievements Mrs. Lathum is quiet correct. He simply cant change his field of study as he pleases."
"Ive had the pleasure of reading every one of Cooper's papers, and Ive never seen a more brilliant insightful Youngman." Radcliffe said
"He's been the cause of more complaints in this school than the entire staff combined!" That included Howard Wolowitz!" Mrs Davis growled. "he's a nutcase!"
"I don't care if he thinks he's Napoleon! Get him back." Radcliffe spoke in an air of man used to getting his way. "All those in favor…" He raised his hand and gave a very finalizing look across the table.
Gabelhouser looked around the table and saw nine hands go up. He sighed heavily and raised his own.
"Very well, case closed." Dr Radcliffe Stood and closed his briefcase.
Dr Gabelhouser looked at him in question.
"Well what are you waiting for Gabelhouser? Go get him back!" He said his voice raising. "NOW!" He barked
Gabelhouser scurried form the room, followed quickly by Mrs Davis, and several other board members, leaving him and Lathum alone.
He gave Mrs Lathum a look that meant one thing.
"Dinner?"
Lathum grinned evilly. "Oh Thadeous, just like the old days."
He extended his hand gentalmen-ly. 'Shall we my dear?"
"I just love when you yell at the help…" She said allowing him to take her arm and together they left in very close proximity.
