NOIR
Chapter Two
Substitute
By Steve Edward
Saturday, April 1st 1700 Hours, The Le Charmel International School of Academia
The highlight of her day so far had been the ride to the faculty living quarters with an obviously hung over Francis Davis, who took his leave upon arrival by going directly to his assigned quarters without a word being said, leaving Oliver Heaton to help Gina carry her belongings.
Gina Baldwin then given a map of the school grounds and the keys to a cart, which after seeing Oliver drive off in his cart; Gina having located her cart begin exploring.
Her first stop had been at the Science building, the same building that had housed the boiler. The shallow excavation at the rear of the building surrounded by warning tape and temporary barriers was the only evidence remaining that anything untoward had occurred. Taking digital pictures, she returned to the cart and continued her exploring.
Approaching the student living quarters, she found several students both boys and girls sitting together at a large stone, which was not natural. Getting out of her cart, she approached them and a young girl rose and said in French "Hello I am Tonya Manning," as Gina came closer.
Gina replying in kind spoke "Hello I am Mrs. Gina Baldwin; I am the new English teacher. Please you may call me Gina."
A young boy stood and bowed "I am Shane Whitfield, pleased to meet you." The others stood and introducing themselves one by one sat back down and returned to their books as Gina circled the stone.
Seeing that they were all studying English grammar, Gina said, "So you will be my students come Monday. Is that homework that was assigned by the last teacher?"
The boy named Shane replied "Yes Madam Baldwin, though not in person. She left written instructions on the classroom board for us. She did not attend the last class on Friday."
Gina stopped by Shane and replied, "The teacher did not show for class at all?" Tonya sitting near Shane spoke "Yes that is correct. She gave no warning that she was leaving. We only found out after the headmistress came to our classroom."
Gina tapping her foot in thought mused silently "That is completely unprofessional, unless the headmistress told her not to. That might explain the urgent request for our meeting."
About to bid farewell to her new students, Gina curious about the stone spoke "Shane? If you do not mind, this stone is not natural. It looks like it was part of a Grist Mill. One that grinds corn into meal, does this school has one?"
Tonya replied as she pointed towards the rear of the school grounds "Yes Madam Baldwin. There is an old water powered mill in that direction that still works, the big wheel still rotates. It is part of the science classes we take."
Thanking the students, Gina returned to her cart and drove off in the direction indicated.
Gina driving through the campus began to understand why electric carts were mandated. The near silent propulsion helped with keeping the ambient noise low. The students had not even bothered looking to see who had driven up until she had stepped out of the cart, which encouraged their studies as a group in a comfortable environment.
Eyeing the covered bridge that crossed the stream, Gina drove slowly across but relaxed when she saw the steel beam construction. Someone had gone to considerable trouble to make the bridge blend into the surroundings. Tall and wide, the bridge could accommodate an oversized vehicle easily and one that would be rather heavy. It seemed out of character where electric carts were supposedly the norm.
Stopping and reviewing the map, she turned right and continued to follow the path as it meandered through the campus. Passing various buildings whose functions not listed on the map, Gina saw the Grist Mill, a water powered mill sitting among a stand of maples. Another electric cart parked nearby indicated that other staff members were present.
Damia Parshall's right arm and hand ached. Trapped in the gearing of the gristmill Damia watched her sister Kamille who struggled to keep the bar jammed in the main gear. "Kamille even if you can do it, the bar won't hold long enough for you to get to the diversion gate to close it again."
Kamille, the oldest at 27 years of age replied, "If I could I would Damia, but I am not moving from this spot. Someone will come looking for us in time. Remember there is the meeting at the dinning hall."
Neither woman heard Gina Baldwin enter the building until she spoke "My God! Are you two Ok?"
Kamille blinked in surprise then replied, "No we are not. Do you know what a diversion gate is? It is at the head of the sluice. Go out the door and to your right you will see a path along the building going down to the stream. It is a big wooden board, please pull it towards the shore side and do it quickly! Otherwise my sister will loose her hand!"
Gina turned quickly about, not asking any questions and following the directions given found the diversion board, but the pull rope for the gate, was no longer there. Ignoring the chillness of the water, Gina entered the water and pulled it physically back with her. The large wheel behind deprived of the current began to turn slowly backwards as she found a spot to jam the gate into the dirt.
Seeing a large rock, Gina wedged it against the board then walking out of the water returned to the interior of the mill. Damia having already climbed down was standing with her sister as Gina walked in. Kamille seeing Gina had returned spoke "Thank you so much! I am sorry you had to get wet."
Gina replied, "Shoes can be replaced and the pants can washed but ones hand if lost can not be easily replaced or healed even with our modern medical technology. I am Gina Baldwin; I was hired by the headmistress to be a substitute teacher in English next week."
Damia spoke "I am Damia Parshall and she is my sister Kamille. We are Science teachers."
Gina spoke "Just what were you doing?" as Damia, having her hand wrapped by her sister replied, "We were ensuring the gearing was properly lubricated, by applying grease along the teeth when the wheel started turning with no warning then my jacket sleeve was caught and pulled me in.
Gina looking at the main shaft and the large stone shaped wheel beneath replied, "Well thankfully I came along. Perhaps you need to be to the infirmary before dinner and since I require a change of clothing before the dinner, I too need a bit of sprucing up. Do you need me to give you a lift?"
Kamille spoke "Thank you Madam Baldwin, but we can manage from here. We'll see you later at the dinner."
Gina bid farewell and left the building but turned back towards the path leading to the sluice gate. Looking at the board itself, she saw the remains of a rope, but it appeared merely to have broken, but that doubt hung in her mind as she drove off in her cart. The sisters seemed concerned enough to look after an antique mill so why not care to ensure that a rope holding the sluice gate was in good condition. Maybe it had been a sudden increase of the water flowing through the stream, but the near calmness of the water ruled that out. Gina crossing the bridge selected the path that would take her directly towards the faculty quarters where she had to change. In the distance, the students still clustered in a group around the stone wheel appeared absorbed in study and reading.
Saturday, April 1st 1900 Hours, Apartment of Noir, Paris, France
Mireille Bouquet set the salad bowls on the table the returned to the kitchen where Kirika readied the drinks. The visit to the Baldwin's went well though Mireille observing Olivia and Harmony's exploratory behavior had to agree with Randy's assessment. The two twins indeed deserved the label of the "Terrible Duo". One of the few things that seemed to calm them was music and Ashley piano playing had been entertaining. Not focused on any particular style, Ashley playing a slow blues number had made the twins sleepy enough to have an afternoon nap though it came a bit too late to save Randy Baldwin and Kirika Yumura from much embarrassment.
Though not appearing injured, Kirika nevertheless had been on the receiving end of an oddly strong kick to her lower leg. The blow to the rear had caused Kirika to topple over backwards, but executing a snap roll as she fell; Kirika avoided landing on her attacker, which was Olivia who was mimicking a second attack, which narrowly missed her head. Randy coming in from the kitchen walked into the melee and bowled over by Kirika, sending the tray and the drinks he had been carrying flying skyward. Harmony giggling whirled around and with her small foot hit her father directly on the chin.
Kirika still dealing with the idea that she was a godmother to the twins, after shoving Baldwin off her; stalked off to the garden. Corey had trailed after her to ensure she was ok, and 15 minutes later, she had returned.
Sitting at the table Mireille adding a dash of pepper to her salad spoke "How is your leg?"
Kirika glancing up from her own salad replied, "It will be fine. However, Monsieur and Madam Baldwin need to teach them properly. They are not just the "Terrible Duo" to me anymore; they are little she devils in disguise!"
Mireille replied, "That may be true, but it seems they are quick studies. Madam Baldwin would have them by her said in the swing chair as you and I gave instruction to not only Irena and Nina but to Corey and Ashley as well. Olivia mimicked one of your techniques precisely as Harmony mimicked one of mine in her "attack" against her father. If they can begin understanding such martial arts techniques at an early age; one can only ponder how well they will be when they are in their teens."
Kirika finishing her salad spoke "Then one must be prepared to guide such inquisitiveness to fruitage. Perhaps we should speak to the monsieur about this when it is convenient, so that no one else will fall victim to such tactics." Rising from the table, Kirika removed her bowl and glass and walked towards the kitchen leaving a slightly smiling Mireille behind.
The mood at the dinning hall was subdued, forced friendliness. The seating arraignments were such that the school staff faced the council members of the school board. Seated next to Gina were the Parshall sisters and then Francis Davis who looked better than he had several hours earlier.
Oliver Heaton seated next to the headmistress, Marie Catharine Camus was doing his best to avoid rubbing shoulders with a female member of the council who seemed to be trying to toy with the man, which Gina found both disturbing and somewhat disgusting.
Sanford Christopher the president of the council interest Gina, however not in the way she preferred. During the initial greet and meet before dinner; Gina thought it had been an accident when he brushed up against her. The second time however with Sanford running his hand suggestively on her buttocks caused her to retaliate but in such a way as to not make a scene. A lesson from Mireille Bouquet came to mind and Gina dropping her napkin in distraction cause Sanford to do the manly thing. With her body hiding her movements, she snagged his hand and locking fingers twisted his wrist sharply. It appeared to anyone around that Sanford had simply lost his balance and Gina had tried to reach out and steady him. Only she was not and had she exerted a little more pressure, she would have broken his wrist cleanly and loudly.
With message sent, Sanford had retreated after apologizing for bumping her. She watched him now massaging the very same wrist she had nearly broken. Noting that he was gazing at her, she smiled slightly then said, "Did you injure yourself when you tripped Monsieur Christopher?" Sanford raised an eyebrow slightly then replied "No Madam Baldwin. I just may have strained something when I reached down for your napkin earlier. Thank you for your concern."
Sanford spoke addressing the gathering "Seeing that everyone had finished, shall we retire to the conference room where we can talk more in depth?" The members of the council quickly agreed and rising from their seats before any of the staff did so began walking away from the tables.
Gina Baldwin waited until the headmistress left her seat and following behind heard Damia whisper a warning "Gina, do be careful with Monsieur Christopher he is rather headstrong and can be pushy no." Gina signaled with her hand that she had heard caught up to the headmistress and said, "None of them appear to have proper backgrounds to hold such positions."
Headmistress Camus replied quietly "That is true, Madam Baldwin but I have little say in this matter. Majority of the parents that send their children here elected them; alas, you see the results and unfortunately, Monsieur Christopher is the one that directly controls the funds. I merely act as the distributor of those funds when required."
"Baldwin speaking," said Randy Baldwin as he picked up the extension in the study.
"Yes Monsieur Baldwin, this is Ian Falk Ministry of Education. I have reviewed the request and find merit. To loose such a facility no matter how insignificant would be troublesome indeed. The request from the school council members requesting cancellation of school-scheduled classes for the upcoming week will not take place. Ministry representatives will arrive forthwith; Monday as scheduled."
Randy replied, "Ian, I appreciate what you had to do on a weekend no less. Thank you again." Ian Falk replied, "With all due respect, Monsieur with what the foundation has done in recent months with assisting in the immigrant issues it is no problem. Will you be attending the function on embassy row; Sunday afternoon?" Randy flipping his desk calendar to Sunday replied, "I look forward to it, see you Sunday."
Hanging up the handset, Randy mused silently "Ok Gina, the ball is in your court; time to get their attention and for old Lucio to close the deal."
"So as you can see we have little choice but to shut down the school. We will notify the parents of the students currently being boarded that they will have to make new arraignments," said the rather confident voice of Sanford Christopher.
Headmistress Camus rose from her chair "Monsieur Christopher how you could do this to the children. Why?" Christopher replied, "Simple the school is bleeding money, costs have spiraled, and it is for the best."
Gina Baldwin felt her phone vibrate and removing it from her pocket, she activated the screen to read the text message.
Gina stood then spoke "Monsieur Christopher, may I address the council?" Sanford replied, "Madam Baldwin, you may but the decision was rendered earlier today. I regret that you will not be able to carry out your teaching duties as stated in a contract that I had opposed."
Gina replied, "It is interesting that you are so quick to close this school even though there is one week left before the vacation break. To force parents to find a new school on short notice is impertinent and those parents are the ones who do fund this school; did they give their approval? Likely not, moreover you have thumbed you nose at the Ministry of Education by advancing the closure. Do you care to explain that?"
Sanford replied, "You are the one being impertinent Madam! How dare you speak to the council in that fashion! Your contract is terminated as of now as are the remaining teachers. Get out of my sight!"
"Oh Monsieur you should watch your tongue!" The voice recognizable to Gina, as was the sound of a metal tipped cane as its metal tip struck the tiled floor. The black pinstripe suite he wore sported a subdued red tie with a red rose adorning the label and a silk handkerchief ever so carefully arranged in the breast pocket drew those to the speaker.
Lucio Magnus stepped into full view, then gazing at those present his blue eyes passing Gina winked slyly in acknowledgement as he finally stopped and locking his gaze on Sanford Christopher approached the council president.
Setting his portfolio directly onto the council table, Lucio Magnus began removing various documents lining them along the table then he spoke "The closure date that you requested has been reversed based on further reviews. As for voiding any contracts, that authority is suspended. The school's day-to-day operations and decision-making now are in the hands of an independently appointed trusteeship. I, Monsieur Lucio Magnus have been appointed as trustee by the Ministry of Education, any questions Monsieur Christopher?"
Sanford coming to his feet replied, "I will see about this! I do not recognize your authority!" Lucio Magnus took a step back and raising his hand, snapped his fingers the noise to Gina seemed nearly as loud as a gunshot as Lucio then said, "I have the authority to back it up Monsieur Christopher, do not press your luck. I believe the proper vernacular in English is that "You are standing on thin ice,"" the sound of others walking into the room caused Gina to turn. Gendarmes, their shoulder patches signifying they were from the National Police Service; expressionless they presented an impressive display of authority.
Lucio Magnus seeing the reaction from Sanford Christopher and the remainder of the council board members retrieved a document from the table and handing it directly to Sanford spoke "You have been served! Please follow the directives immediately otherwise you and any others attempting to impede my duties will face arrest."
Lucio turning away from Sanford faced the staff and bowed slightly as he spoke "I will expect all of the staff to report for their contractual obligations. If any of you have any questions, I will visit staff members living in the faculty quarters later this evening to discuss your immediate futures; so please make yourselves available, until then good evening to all."
Then addressing the headmistress Lucio said, "If at all possible I would like to speak with you privately. Perhaps in your office?" as he approached the headmistress and laying his palm down on the table, Gina saw the slip of paper being slid towards her; which she casually took as she picked up her purse.
Leaving Magnus with Camus, Gina Baldwin walked out of the conference room past the Gendarmes still standing within and glancing at the note returned it to her purse then walked out the door to her cart.
Saturday, April 1st 2100 Hours, Faculty Living Quarters, Apartment of Gina Baldwin
The tap of the cane announced his presence and Gina opening the door greeted Lucio with a hug after he entered. Taking in the simple living arrangements, Lucio walked to a chair then sat as Gina returning from the kitchen with coffee gave him a cup then sitting on the small sofa spoke "Ok Lucio, just what kind of strings did Randy pull to have you appointed as trustee? Is there something going on that I need to know about? Moreover, what gives with all of the Gendarmes? Were they really necessary?"
Lucio taking in the aroma of his drink replied "He pulled a few strings yes, but it was only after he learned of the council's request to speed closure. Then there was a matter of the financial outlook. Your husband suspects that someone on the council is diverting funds for their own gain and benefit instead of the school. In addition, Madam Summers visited the company that had been responsible for maintaining the destroyed boiler. Two different stories have emerged and your husband is leaning towards the company vice the school when it comes to replacement. The maintenance firm is obstructed from replacing the destroyed boiler, even though they are contractually obligated and may face a contractual dispute despite the fact the school's founders had established a fund that was specifically for plant maintenance by contract, a repair bond if you will that at current value will cover all expected costs. As for the appearance of the Gendarmes, I suspected that Monsieur Christopher would likely challenge my appointment as trustee so hence their presence."
Gina replied, "Randy thinks someone is cooking the books? How, did my husband found an inconsistency somewhere?"
Lucio replied, "Financial statements to the Ministry of Education differ to what Headmistress Camus presented to you. He will not know the full extent since the official he is working with is on holiday with his family at Euro Disney. The official surprised by the request from the council president had not closely scrutinized the request until your husband spoke with him. That official ordered an emergency appointment of a trustee, and I was "nominated" which I accepted by phone."
Gina spoke "And since you are an attorney, you knew what legal documents were needed. Frankly how did you get here so fast? It is a long drive from Paris." Lucio sipping his coffee spoke "Madam Milroy is an excellent pilot, her flying skills are to be commended." Gina sitting back somewhat stunned replied, "Oh no she did not!" as Lucio taking in her expression replied "That would have been overkill; we flew in a helicopter of course. Landing the Hercules here on the grounds was out of the question."
Gina spoke "Is Kay still here?" Looking out the window into the darkness looking for signs of a helicopter she may have missed.
Lucio laughed and replied "No Madam she is not. Your husband directed that she would return to Paris after dropping me off. Do you need her services? I can request that she return after refueling." Gina replied "No Lucio, thank you anyway. Is there anything else I might need to know?" Lucio Magnus spoke "Yes Madam Baldwin there is one other thing. During Madam Summers visit to the repair facility, she discovered signs of tampering on the safety valves of the boiler. The tool marks left on the adjustment bolts were consistent with that of a pipe wrench. They never used such tools since they used calibrated torque spanners that are machined to fit the bolt heads firmly with precision."
Gina getting to her feet spoke "Thank you Lucio. I guess that is all I need for now. Was I the last on your list for a private visit?" Lucio Magnus replied, "Yes Madam, you were. I felt coming directly to you would have raised suspicions." Taking Lucio's empty cup, Gina walked to the door and before opening said, "After you have the official meeting in the morning after chapel, and would you care to go for a ride around campus?" Lucio bowed slightly and replied, "I will be honored to do so."
Sunday, April 2nd, 0700 Hours, Foundation Guest House, Paris, France
Guiding his Vespa scooter to a stop, Risto Ganic an ethnic Serb from Bosnia stepped off and removed the sealed packet from the rear mounted top case. Carrying his helmet under one arm and the packet in the other; Risto paused at the bottom of the steps and taking a breath then climbed the stairs to the front landing where he ensured he was presentable then pressing the door bell waited for someone to answer.
Nina Baldwin opening the door took in the young man then spoke "My father is expecting you. Please come this way."
Risto focusing his eyes everywhere else but Nina stammered in reply "Yes Madam, thank you."
Passing her identical twin Irena, Risto swallowed heavily in silence afraid to speak. Irena seeing his discomfort spoke fluently in his language "One need not fear being berated. Please relax." Risto stunned, that one of them knew his mother language did not reply but looked somewhat perplexed. Coming to the study, Nina knocked and speaking in English "Father the courier has arrived," as Risto hearing the voice of the American who was in essence his employer give permission to enter, though he did not understand all that the man had said.
Following Nina into the study the young Bosnian Serb tried to keep his eyes from wandering, but there were many things to see. The photographs mounted to the walls told individual stories frozen at a specific moment in time. The American looking up at him smiled and then stood and speaking French said "Bonjour, allez vous aujourd'hui?"
Risto having an understanding of French replied "Je vais bien, Monsieur." Randy accepted the package and signing the signature delivery card, returned it to Risto who haltingly replied in English "Thank you… Sir, I shall return to the office now?"
Randy spoke "Please relax Monsieur Ganic. Would you like some coffee?"
Nina spoke "I will return in a moment father", then leaving Risto; Nina walked out of the study and closed the doors behind her.
Risto at Randy's insistence took the offered chair. Returning to his seat, Baldwin unsealed the packet and removing the contents; arranged the material on his desk as Risto watched. Randy said, "I hope your day began well?"
Risto speaking in reply, "Oui, Monsieur Baldwin it keeps one busy from the streets."
Baldwin sitting back in his chair knew all too well the difficulties experienced by immigrants in France. Similarities to Latino immigrants in the United States, who willingly sought employment to support families back in their own homelands, had been aggravated by their perceived numbers of those whom had entered the country illegally.
France suffering high unemployment had resorted to legislation that undermined a workers ability to stay employed. Many young hardworking young men and women faced the prospect of termination without notice by the whim of their employer with little recourse.
Risto who was a legal immigrant, but one with little education had faced an uncertain future until the foundation had established an educational program geared towards immigrants.
Immigrants were not the only ones seeking jobs. French nationals, many of them teenagers vied for jobs too. It had been in the middle of a protest that Baldwin found Risto Ganic.
Risto traveling by on his scooter interrupted an attack against a young woman pushing a baby carriage. The young immigrant using his body as a shield was crouched over the woman and the infant, which she had removed from the carriage.
Hooligans, thinking that Risto and the young woman were husband and wife focused their rage against them. Randy Baldwin, returning from a meeting on foot seeing the attack waded into the melee and one by one, the hooligans who were Neo-Nazi members found out the hard way; that Baldwin held little tolerance for their kind of behavior.
Risto had been kicked and pummeled repeatedly and one of the attackers holding a steel pipe was rearing back to strike again, however the blow never came because the screech of pain from the man. Out of the corner of his eye, Risto saw the American holding onto the arm, which held the pipe. Twisted unnaturally, the arm went limp and the hand holding the pipe released it where it fell with a clatter to the pavement. The American delivering his own blow sent the thug reeling to the pavement. Others seeing the intruder turned on him, but they too quickly left as the American brought forth his massive handgun.
Randy reaching down hooked his hand under Risto's armpit and pulled him away from the woman and child. Then speaking French fluently to the woman who regained her wits and stood, he with Randy helping him walk escorted the woman to safety.
Entering a café where others had sought safety, Risto with Baldwin's help found a seat. The woman and baby taking a seat close by watched as Randy bringing wet hot towels began treating Risto for his injuries. Issuing instructions to those standing nearby, the American walked back out the door into the riot torn night, as Risto feeling the effects of the beating soon passed out.
Risto Ganic taken to a hospital for treatment woke up the next morning to find the same American standing at his bedside. Uneasy at first and fearing arrest, Risto tried to leave the bed, but a friendly grip on his arm stopped his movement. A nurse speaking his native language explained what had happened.
Then the American gave Risto his business card and turned to leave. Risto pondered how he was to pay for his hospital stay and asked the nurse who smiled then replied, "The Monsieur has taken care of that matter. Please rest."
After three days, Risto released from the hospital returned to the apartment that he shared with his only surviving relative, his grandmother.
Carrying a letter translated for him by the friendly nurse, he gave to her and reading the contents the old women cried. Sitting with her on the worn couch, the grandmother told him to accept the offer.
With her blessings, Risto appeared at the appointed time in the foyer of the Baldwin Foundation where Adeline Adora the office manager welcomed him. Guided to the office of Alfred Stolzberg who interviewed him; Risto Ganic left the building eight hours later gainfully employed and driving not his old Vespa, destroyed during the riot, but a brand new blue Vespa.
Nina entered from the kitchen entrance with a serving tray and setting it on a portable stand; poured Ganic a cup of coffee, then one for her stepfather. Taking a seat nearby, Nina waited for her stepfather's instructions.
Randy inserting the DVD into the computer drive waited for it to load then glancing at Risto said in English "Nina, explain to Monsieur Ganic that I will need him to take a package to the US Embassy, then upon delivery he will have the rest of the day off with pay since he worked last night."
Nina translated Risto's astonished reply "Monsieur Baldwin? I do not deserve such. I will accept only my normal pay."
Randy seemed to ignore his answer for the moment, preoccupied with the computer display then typing on the keyboard and then clicking the optical mouse; Ganic heard the laser printer start and saw numerous pages filling the output tray.
Randy read over the printouts then tucking them into another envelope, which he then sealed, Randy spoke to Nina who translated again "It is customary in America for an employee to be paid for the time and effort that he or she has put forth. You have performed such a service. Please consider it a bonus."
Placing the envelope into a packet that he sealed, Randy Baldwin gave it to Risto and spoke directly to him "Livrez svp aux USA L'ambassade et utilisent la porte est. Les gardes vous attendront, Bonne journée Monsieur Ganic."
Accepting the packet with final reluctance, Ganic departed the study escorted by Nina who returned a short while later.
Nina picking up the tray spoke "Father? He seemed unsure that you were being truthful."
Randy replied, "The young man comes from a homeland wrecked by war and he saw much distrust there. It is but his nature to suspect such bounty. He will eventually become more accustomed to our ways of doing things. Now onto other matters Nina. Who is watching the "Terrible Duo"? The last thing we need is another house wrecking exploration trip by either of them."
Sunday, April 2nd, 0900 Hours, The Le Charmel International School of Academia
Lucio Magnus dressed casually for exploring walked out of the Administration Building when Gina Baldwin arrived in her cart. Attendance at chapel had been sparse, however Gina seeing the students she had spoken with the other day in attendance made her feel that not all was lost.
Lucio setting his cane in the seat next to Gina spoke "In my visit with the Parshall sisters they told me about their near accident at the Grist Mill. Perhaps we need to look at the mill for anything out of the ordinary, and then we will look at the rest of the facilities."
Gina putting the cart in gear replied, "So you think it was not a malfunction or wear and tear?" Lucio spoke "Neither one leads me to believe that they are incompetent and they would take considerable care when working around such antiquated machinery."
Lucio opened a notebook that he carried and said "Madam Baldwin, in order for the school as an institution to survive they must maintain a student level of 250 that is based on current levels of tuition; which of course are based on a sliding scale factored by the Ministry of Education. At present student rolls show 175. There has been no petition submitted to increase the tuition to the ministry. With one week to go, the school has funds to operate until then and then it must close the doors. As for the students that departed, parents concerned over incidents that had taken place at the school removed many."
Gina crossing then bridge then turning right replied, "If one was to take the incidents into account they would simply be things that could take place in such an environment. However, it was the closeness of the events. My husband would likely say the bad luck fairies had spread a heavy dose of pixy dust, I call it something else."
Arriving at the Grist Mill, Gina parked the cart and with Lucio walked around the small building then descended along the path, which led to the sluice gate. Lucio bent down briefly to view the wheel then walking to the edge of the bank where Gina had jammed the gate studied the gate for a moment then spoke "You did not see the retrieval line when you came to the bank?"
Gina replied, "No I did not Lucio. I had to wade out into the water to pull the board. It had only a small piece attached." Lucio walked to a large wooden post driven into the ground and holding his arm outward from his body towards the sluice gate spoke, "A simply pulley system with nylon rope was used. Both ends severed and the gate pushed outward; much the same way you brought it back. This was not another accident Madam Baldwin," Lucio stepping past the post tapped his cane into the moist earth of the bank and beneath the end of his cane, a large imprint of a boot.
The Duquesne Eiffel listed as a three star hotel near the famed Paris landmark the Eiffel Tower is where Kelly Summers found the former English teacher, an American named Tamara James. The African-American, at first shied away not wanting to talk about why she had left the school so suddenly but a woman to woman talk from Kelly helped open her up.
Tamara gazing at the Eiffel Tower a short distance away spoke, "Mister Christopher if you were to met him for the first time appears to be a gentleman and acts as such but when you get to know him better, well sister he is a snake."
Summers though taking notes, recorded the conversation. Writing down the woman's observation, she replied, "So his behavior became unbearable?"
Tamara spoke, "Well that and those cronies of his on the school council. Each of them has an agenda; they wanted to have done even if it meant changing lesson plans with little or no notice. Some were unhappy at how the children received lessons or even the materials used. One plans to have a number of textbooks available and the associated material that goes along with them. It is never a good idea to change out the text books in the middle of the school year. Students have to buy new books and we have to supply the new material. Costs escalate and guess who comes down on the school for the added expenses? Well sister it comes full circle again and Mister Christopher and his cronies start all over again."
Kelly replied "What about his behavior? You said he is a snake?" Tamara spoke "Snake, leech take it as you may but Christopher can't keep his hands off women. About the only ones who he never bothered were the Parshall sisters, maybe they may have dealt with him and put him in his place; but that left every other woman open to his advances and his slimy hands."
Kelly silently pondered if Sanford Christopher had conducted himself in the same manner with any of the female students. Casting that thought aside for the moment Kelly spoke, "Why did you depart suddenly from the school Ms. James?" Tamara replied her body visibly shivering "Because he tried to rape me. I fought him off and bruised him up good; but I knew if I told Headmistress Camus the truth, he being the "upstanding" citizen that he is would deny it and he promised retribution against me if I spoke out. You think the authorities would believe an African-American woman. Hardly, not after all those demerits that I have in my record there thanks to him."
Kelly replied as she handed Tamara a business card, "Since you have a week before you can use the plane ticket, keep me informed on any travel plan changes or going to another hotel that you have. If you think someone might be following you or if you get any threatening calls, do tell me Ms. James. The phones are manned 24/7 at the Foundation. I will come or send someone to here to help you, so please rest easy. Out of curiosity have you sought medical attention?"
Tamara replied, "The snake yanked the school issued medical card that I had as such I have not." Kelly Summers removed another business card from her purse, pushed it across the table with her finger tips then said, "That is a private clinic, discreet and confidential. Their staff deals in situations as yours. Just have that with you when you go. There will not be any cost." Tamara Jones accepting the card replied, "Why are you doing this? You do not even know me." Kelly getting to her feet spoke, "My boss has a motto written into the Foundation Mission Statement and it says "Aid when help is needed, and teach those who have been helped to aid others," if more acts of kindness did happen Tamara the world might become a better place for all of us." Walking away, Kelly Summers entered the dinning room of the hotel to head for her car.
Sunday, April 2nd, 1100 Hours, Paris Park
The sun bringing warmth had made the baby twins Olivia and Harmony sleepy and each was napping on either side of Irena Baldwin who watched her stepfather tossing a rubber ball that Gregor chased. Nina Baldwin busy with the picnic basket setting the food onto the stone table sensed movement behind her and turning to see who approached waved at Mireille Bouquet and Kirika Yumura as they descended from the park path towards her.
Randy Baldwin giving a final toss watched Gregor sprint quickly after the ball and retrieving it, returned to his side. Padding along side in step with his master, Gregor's tail curved upward in recognition of the new arrivals.
Kirika joining Irena on the blanket opened a sketchpad that she carried and began to draw.
Mireille set the basket that she carried next to the picnic basket then waited as Baldwin joined her.
Passing Kirika, Randy glanced at the sketchpad then back towards where Kirika was looking. An impromptu game of soccer with several different families was underway and they were her subjects for the drawing.
Mireille reached down and gave a pat to Gregor's head when the dog stopped and sat next to his master then said "Rumor has it that Monsieur Magnus has been appointed as an emergency trustee, has it degraded to that at the school?"
Baldwin gave little thought as to how Noir found about Magnus's involvement but replied, "The school council submitted an emergency closure request which contained a gross number of errors. I like you have contacts, I made a few calls, and had that request reversed. Lucio agreed to the appointment of being an emergency trustee and that's the story."
Mireille spoke, "How is Gina dealing with the problems that she inherited?" Randy reaching for an apple then taking a bite replied, "I presume she is taking care of matters. I have not had any e-mail from her or any phone calls other than the nightly missive so that may be a good sign."
Mireille reaching for a grape and plucking it replied, "Yet you sent Magnus?" Randy spoke "Ok Madam Bouquet where are you going with this?"
Mireille replied, "Allowing her to thrust herself into a situation that has degraded and having little experience in hostile environments is foolish and you know it!" Randy spoke, "Lower your voice or you will wake up the babies." Kirika glanced over her shoulder to ensure that they were not about to come to blows then returned to her sketch.
Mireille spoke, "Are you trusting her instincts?" Randy finished his apple then said, "All as a mother, teacher and wife, who has done a damn good job at raising children in the midst of two women who are godmothers to two of her children and who live their lives as Noir. Yes, I do, but do not sell me short Mireille. If I get any inkling that either she or Lucio are in immediate danger; then you will get the nod to go, happy now?"
Mireille replied, "I am now Randy."