"Now." Janet sat comfortably at the head chair, Governors flanking each side of the table, only a week after cautioning Caroline. Evan had called her to move the meeting up, which she done gladly. Better to have all of this over. "We have one agenda item. The vote on terminating Caroline Dawson's contract."
Silence fell and several governors found places to look other than at Janet or Eleanor.
"I don't think there's a critical mass for any action, em, at, eh, this point, Janet." Evan shifted about in his chair like a child.
"On the contrary. I think there is." Eleanor Strathclyde smiled and looked to each member present at the table. "In fact, I move that we vote on the motion as listed on the agenda, presently."
Julie Bowen met Eleanor's glance. "I second."
Evan shifted again. "I don't think that's necessary - "
Janet cut him off. "Motion has been seconded. Discussion?"
Eleanor piped up again. "I'd like to call the question." She looked pointedly at Lenore Bowen, who responded promptly. "Second."
Janet made a note, pausing more for effect than anything, and looked up. "Very well then. Motion made and seconded. All in favor of voting immediately?" A unanimous 'aye' was recorded, all eyes everywhere except on Eleanor.
"Division, please." Eleanor smiled sweetly at Evan, who visibly preferred to be anywhere but present.
"Very well. We'll roll call." Janet looked over to the secretary who was assiduously scribbling. He motioned his pen for her to continue. "In the matter of board action on Caroline McKenzie Dawson's contract, proposed termination effective 30 days, how say you? We will proceed immediately to my right and continue around the table."
Janet particularly enjoyed Evan's 'nay.' Julie Bowen actually smiled while casting her vote.
She nodded at the assembly, clicked her pen and shut her binder. "Very well done, everyone. Fantastic job at avoiding a pointless debacle. Now let's hope Caroline decides we're worth keeping. Meeting adjourned."
A louder than normal shuffling of papers and scraping of chairs ensued as the board sought to hide their embarrassment with an air of casual conviviality. Eleanor met Janet's eyes and tipped her head to the satisfied Chair, who dipped hers in silent approval and walked toward the younger woman. The remaining members were hastily tripping over each other to exit.
"Well done, Eleanor." Janet offered her hand, which Eleanor shook gently, smiling.
"I won't have Caroline trifled with." Eleanor winked at Janet and walked out of the library, heels clicking.
Eleanor nodded at Beverley on her way through to Caroline's office and paused. "Give us a minute? I think Caroline will be fine if you went on home. The vote went fine. It's all sorted."
"All right then. Goodnight Dr. Strathclyde."
"Have a good night, Beverley." She clicked the door shut to the inner office. Caroline was hard at work, manic almost, glancing between computer and binders, making hurried notes.
"Well then, how was it?" Caroline did not look up from her desk or even acknowledge Eleanor's approach. Her grey jacket hung on the back of the chair – uncharacteristically - and she seemed particularly vulnerable in a pink button down.
Eleanor folded herself neatly into the office chair opposite the desk. 'I think she actually means for this thing to be uncomfortable.'
"It's fine. As I told you it would be. Unanimous. I don't think you'll be having any more difficulty with the board."
Eleanor finally got her wish as Caroline's head came up to peer at her over the rim of her glasses.
"What about Evan?"
"Oh he got in line and voted correctly."
"That's a neat trick."
"Someone must have talked sense into him, finally. I know Janet chastised him several times."
"And Lenore? She's always ridden Evan's piety bandwagon. Patricia?"
"He must have had them follow his change of heart."
"Well it's a genuine miracle." The news seemed to finally set in with Caroline Exhaling, she sat back in her chair, removed her glasses and rubbed at the bridge of her nose. Her eyes shone brightly.
"It's not a miracle, Caroline, it's the board realizing what's best for this school. You."
"Thank you Eleanor. Janet mentioned you'd tried to sway Lenore the right way, and I appreciate it." Caroline smiled and reached a hand across the desk.
Eleanor took it and smiled back. "Anytime, Caroline. I did what I could." She grinned. "And of course, now you owe me."
Caroline closed her eyes and bowed her head, still holding Eleanor's hand across the desk. "Name your price, Lady Eleanor."
"One million - more - kisses."
