The Apprentice
by and © N Fourbois
Chapter 24
The Williams family motored a short distance out of town to a pub with a restaurant they liked, the Carpenter's Arms at Coley Payne. Over lunch they caught up with what had happened while Dean and Colleen had been away. Kieran had little to add about school to what he had told his parents on the phone.
"We won't discuss this now," said his father. "I'd rather do that at home." Kieran talked about how he had met Orlando and what a super guy he was.
"We liked him immediately when we met him this morning," said his mother.
"He seems to have a sensible head on his shoulders," added Dean, "the way he's getting himself organised for university."
"Perhaps we'll get to know him a little better," said Colleen encouragingly. Kieran's parents told him about the business they had done, the places they had visited and the sights they had seen in between business meetings.
"We should be able to afford to keep you in school for another year," said Dean, partly in a jest. They talked about Eric and how he had looked after Kieran, but that was in general terms. He judged it better not to go into detail. If Eric did, however, he would worry about that at the time. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. He spoke about joining Eric's gym club and how that had become a regular feature on Monday evenings, and of course now he was a full member he could go there any time apart from Tuesday evenings.
"What's so special about Tuesday evening?" asked his father.
"That's ladies' evening."
"And do they have a gentlemen's evening?"
"Yes, Mondays when we go."
"That follows," said Dean with a sniff.
"Now we don't want you to make any plans for the last two weeks in August, Kieran," said Colleen.
"Oh, why? What's happening?"
"We've booked up a family holiday at Seefeld."
"Where's that?"
"In the Austrian Tyrol," she replied. "Near Innsbruck."
"What's there to do?"
"R & R," said Colleen.
"Rest and recuperation chiefly," added Dean. He'd caught Kieran at the wrong moment as he nearly spat his drink across the table with laughter when he heard that. "Something wrong, son?" asked his dad.
"No, it's okay," said Kieran, tears now rolling down his cheeks. "Something went down the wrong way," as he coughed and spluttered, trying not to laugh at the same time.
"It's up in the mountains," said Colleen, attempting to restore order, "so there's walking, mountain biking, swimming..."
"Skiing?" said Kieran.
"Not in August."
"We'll hire a car," said Dean "so we can please ourselves what we do."
"Sounds great," said Kieran and then went into deep thought for a few seconds. "Mum, Dad, if he wanted to go, do you think we could take Orlando as well?" Dean thought for a moment and looked at his wife.
"If he can pay his airfare... and get on a flight, I don't see why not. The room is paid for and includes board, so that won't cost anything and we'll pay for any incidentals. It'll mean you'll have to double up in your room, but I don't suppose you'll mind that." Kieran blushed deep red.
"And it'll be company for you," said his mother.
"But get a move on. It's booking a seat on our flight I'm concerned about."
"I'll text him now," said Kieran "and he can get back when he's talked to his parents."
Kieran took out his mobile at the table, causing a certain look of disapproval from his mother, which encouraged him to switch his phone off completely after the text was sent.
"Now, we've brought you back a little present," said Colleen, handing Kieran a wrapped box she had kept in a bag under the table. Kieran unwrapped it carefully, lifted off the lid, unfolded the white tissue paper and espied a black leather pouch like object. Taking it out he could feel and smell the quality of the soft black leather. A puzzled look had crossed his face. "It's a gentleman's handbag," said Colleen. "They're very fashionable on the continent. It saves you stuffing your pockets, especially when you've got summer clothes on." Kieran could see it was expensive. It was just that he was nonplussed. He sniffed the leather, then a broad smile covered his face as he said thank you and kissed his mother and hugged his father. "We also brought one back for Eric to say thank you for looking after you."
"The strap goes over your wrist and is guaranteed not to break if the bag's snatched," said his father. "It might break your wrist, but the bag won't get stolen," he added with a dry laugh. "The other thing is, despite what your mother may do, do not keep your money in there. It's safer in your pocket." Colleen gave him a look and said
"Oh, Dean," but she said it with a smile.
It was time to settle up and Dean called for the bill. Although the restaurant was classier than Domino's or Burger Star, the waiters were not a patch on theirs, Kieran remarked to himself, but then he might have been slightly prejudiced. The family climbed back into the car and drove home. Just before arriving, Dean said
"Family discussion round the kitchen table. Give me ten to get my thoughts together and let's be smart. I want to go and see what's been going on at work since we've been gone."
"I'll make a pot of tea," said Colleen.
"I'd better call Eric, if you've got a present for him so that he'll pick me up here," said Kieran. "He's not expecting you back for a couple of days."
"Tell him we'll feed him after gym tonight," called out Kieran's mother.
Tea poured, the family sat round the kitchen table with Dean at the head and Colleen, who was also his secretary and PA in the company, with notepad and pencil poised. He conducted it as if it were a board meeting.
"Let's clarify one or two points before we begin," started Dean. "Kieran, you did something at school which was inappropriate because of time and place. You recognise this. The school punished you and so I have no intention of punishing you again. Is that fair?"
"Yes, Dad."
"We as a family feel that we have certain grievances with the school in this matter. First excessive punishment of one party. Two, no apparent punishment of the second party despite being equally involved. Can we have a name, please?"
"Kevin Braithwaite."
"Braithwaite. Where do I know that name from? Don't know. It's not relevant at the moment. Three, lack of will to investigate further, particularly as the incident may have been set up. Mmm, hard to prove that one, unless someone coughs. Four, lack of correspondence and explanation from the school to us.
"Our requirements from the school. One, a punishment to fit the crime. Two, fair and equitable treatment of both boys. Three, part refund of fees for excessive exclusion. Four, an apology from the school for the way it mishandled the matter. Anything else?" The other two couldn't think of anything. As usual Dean had done his homework. "Okay this is what I propose to do. Colleen, will you please write a letter to the Headmaster, copied to the Chairman of Governors, requesting an urgent appointment with the Headmaster. No details, keep them guessing. I'll deliver them this afternoon on my way to work. I'd like you to be with me in school uniform, Kieran. I'm afraid you'll have to walk home."
"I can cope with that."
"Take the work you've done with you, hand it in and I'll ask for more. I'm just trying to wrong foot them all along the line so that we're irreproachable. Can anyone think of anything else?" Shakes of the head. "Colleen, let me have those letters as soon as possible." In his mind Dean was in his office at work. "Kieran and I will get changed and be ready to go. Oh, one thing more, Colleen. Letter in both our names, please."
Kieran and his father drew up at St Sergius's School, parking in a bay marked HM's VISITORS, bonnet facing the wall as instructed, and switched off the engine. They walked to Reception. Kieran mentioned he didn't know the receptionist.
"Good afternoon, may I help you?"
"Good afternoon. My name is Williams and this is my son Kieran. He's brought in his completed work from study leave and would like to collect some more. I would also like an urgent appointment to see the Headmaster."
"Certainly. I have his diary here. He has a thirty minute appointment at 10.30 tomorrow morning. Would that suit you?"
"That would suit us very well. Could I leave these letters? They cover the matter concerned and Kieran will collect his work after the interview. Thank you for being so helpful. Goodbye."
Kieran and Dean quickly returned to the car and departed.
"Bullshit baffles brains, as the saying goes," said Dean. "That was a stroke of luck with a new receptionist that didn't recognise you." He dropped Kieran off on a corner nearest to home. "Tell your mother I'll probably be late this evening. They don't expect me back in till Wednesday." He grinned.
Back home Kieran got the St Sergius's uniform off as soon as possible and told his mother about the appointment next day. As they were chatting, she said
"Kieran, that really was thoughtful of you to put some flowers around the house for our return." He just smiled. At that moment he felt some vibrations in his shorts pocket just by his package. He fetched out his mobile out. He had a text. It was from Orlando. ‹OK 4 HOLS IN AT. WILL CALL 2MORROW B4 WK XXX O›
'Great!" shouted Kieran punching the air. "Orlando can come on holiday with us. He's going to call me tomorrow morning before work."
"Tell him to ring early then."
"Will do," and he punched out a text.
"You know, dear, I really meant it when I said we liked Orlando. You know how good a character judge Dad is. Some poor girl's going to miss out there."
"Yeah, maybe, but there's going to be one hellish lucky boy and that's going to be me."
Early evening Eric arrived to pick Kieran up for the gym. A quick chat and they were off. They could talk more over supper. By then Dean was back home as well and the four of them were sitting round the kitchen table.
"Have you got something wrong with your eye, Eric?" said Colleen.
"It's nothing. It's almost gone. I forgot to close a kitchen cupboard door, one of the high ones, and I walked smack into it." Kieran gave his uncle a look. They continued talking. Eric described his dealings with St Sergius's and said what a prig the headmaster was - at least, that's what Kieran thought he said. When they were finishing their pudding Colleen produced a package similar to Kieran's and said
"Just a little something to thank you for looking after Kieran while we are away."
"You shouldn't have," said Eric as he unwrapped it, not meaning a word of it. "Just what I needed," he said, recognising what it was.
"Something for the gayboy who's got everything," quipped Kieran who immediately received stern glances from both parents.
"It's all right," Eric assured them. "You're allowed to joke about it. We do it all the time... unless of course we're with some of those intense LGTB types. They're greyer than a chartered accountant knows how to be. They don't deserve to be called gay."
When the meal was over and the crocks safely stacked in the dishwasher, Eric took his leave.
"I didn't get a chance to tell you about my weekend," he said to Kieran.
"What? The highly clandestine one?"
"Yeah. Next week perhaps. Remind me."
"See ya then, Eric. Good night." They hugged.
The three members of the Williams family dressed to kill on Monday morning, Dean in a well cut three piece suit, Colleen in a three-quarter length black skirt and white blouse, Kieran in school uniform to remind the Headmaster he was still a member of the school. Earlier he had had a call from Orlando confirming that he would join the family on holiday and enquiring what the airfare would be. At twenty-five past ten the car was parked according to the rules in the visitors' bay. The three walked into Reception. The usual receptionist was there. Her face turned to stone as they entered. Martha Tidville came to take them to the Headmaster's study - to welcome them would have been a gross exaggeration. They sat in the waiting room. As the second hand clicked onto the figure twelve the study door opened and Mrs Tidville asked them to come in.
"Williams, would you remain in the waiting room, please?" she said to Kieran.
"Miss Tidville..."
"Mrs Tidville."
"I'm sorry. Mrs Tidville," Dean began again, "we are here as a family to see the Headmaster and we have no secrets. Kieran, would you join us, please?" This was a side of his father Kieran had rarely seen. After the formalities and frozen pleasantries the five were seated in the study.
"Mr and Mrs Williams, you will have no objection if my PA stays to take a protocol of the meeting?" Kieran had suddenly become a non-person. The Headmaster, obviously ill at ease, was looking for support from his secretary.
"Certainly not, Mr Placey. My wife is also my PA and secretary in our business, and you will similarly have no objection if she takes a record in shorthand?" Dean smiled. The Headmaster didn't. Neither did he give his consent, but he knew it would have been pointless to cavil. "Do you mind if I begin?"
"Please do."
"We accept that Kieran was caught in an adolescent and inappropriate, but not criminal act. We accept that some form of punishment should be handed out, but does the punishment fit the crime when you, Mr Placey, deprive him of nine out of thirteen weeks of his education?" Mrs Tidville flinched each time he said 'Mr Placey' rather than 'Headmaster'. Unfortunately he had noticed and continued to apply the tactic mercilessly.
"It was a heinous misdemeanour of gross indecency which the School cannot tolerate."
"Indecency," retorted Dean "unless I have been misinformed? Gross indecency is buggery... sodomy... anal penetration, or was until the emancipation of homosexuals." The Headmaster looked as if he was going to have an apoplectic fit, but he controlled himself.
"Indecency," the Headmaster reluctantly corrected himself.
"Would not a week's suspension with a warning of expulsion have been more fitting and still harsh?"
"For the rest of term was in my opinion appropriate as an example to others. This was subsequently supported by the Board of Governors."
"We beg to differ. May I go on to the next point?" The Headmaster nodded.
"Mr Placey, I now come to the question of equitable treatment. We understand that the other boy was not punished, not even reprimanded. Is that true?"
"He was given suitable advice."
"Mr Placey, can you tell me why he was treated differently?" The Headmaster played for time by reading through his notes.
"He was the victim of an attack."
"Was he interviewed?"
"Was he interviewed, Mrs Tidville?" She went across to a PC on separate table.
"No, Headmaster." The 'Headmaster' was stressed in a way that it might counterbalance Dean's 'Mr Placey'. "We have the statement of the prefect who discovered the misbehaviour and this clearly states that the other boy is the victim."
"Isn't that negligent, Mr Placey?" The Headmaster declined to answer. "We haven't been told the name of the other boy."
"That's irrelevant to our discussion in order to afford him some protection."
"Kieran," said Dean, "what's the name of the other boy?"
"Kevin Braithwaite."
"Did Braithwaite resist during this encounter?"
"No, Dad. In fact he asked me to do it to him. He said the prefects forced him to do it because they wanted to trap me or he would be put on their black list as well."
"We'll come back to the black list later, if need be. Mr Placey, our son is not given to telling lies. Sometimes he can be disarmingly frank. Kieran, would you be prepared to repeat what you just said under oath in a court of law?" Kieran answered with a simple and unequivocal yes. The mention of a court of law jolted the Headmaster. A court case would ruin the school, and him, and he assumed that as a successful local businessman Mr Williams had the means to go that far.
"Time is going on, Mr Placey. May I proceed? Presumably Braithwaite's parents were informed of the incident?"
"Mrs Tidville?" Again she referred to the PC.
"Apparently, Headmaster, there is no record of any correspondence on the matter."
"No matter, Mr Placey. I am playing a round of golf with Charles Braithwaite next Saturday. He's sure to know. Now I come to our last point and this can be settled very quickly. We were going to ask for a refund of nine weeks' fees, but in view of an obvious miscarriage of justice and as an act of goodwill, perhaps, Mr Placey, you will give serious consideration to refunding a whole term's fees?"
"That is not within my authority."
"Come, come, Mr Placey. I am sure you have some say in the matter and you will be discussing it with the Bursar and Governors in the very near future. Now that concludes what I have to say. Colleen?"
Colleen looked up from her shorthand pad and said she had nothing further to add.
"Kieran?"
"Not at the moment, but I might in a minute."
"Mr Placey?"
"The School will be in touch, otherwise no further comment."
"No reduction of punishment? Not even an apology to Kieran?"
"I said the School will be in touch," repeated the Headmaster, now openly irritated.
"This is how we shall proceed in the short term." Psychologically Dean Williams was now in full command of the situation. "We should be grateful for a hard copy of the protocol Ms Tidville has taken and we shall return the courtesy by sending you a transcription of my wife's record of the meeting. With a copy to the Chairman and Clerk to the Governors, naturally. How we proceed after that will depend of course on the School's response. Also I do not expect any mention of this so called 'misdemeanour' to form part of any references the School might be asked to write on Kieran's part. Oh, one other thing. I suggest you hold an internal inquiry into the corruption side of this affair, but since that won't affect Kieran directly now, we won't insist. Thank you for your time and attention, Mr Placey, Ms Tidville. We'll wish you good day."
Dean ushered Colleen and Kieran towards the door. Before they left, Dean turned and said
"Headmaster, do you know anything about your school's saint, Sergius?" By this time the Head had been struck completely dumb. "He and his comrade St Bacchus are the patron saints of homosexuals. Goodbye, Mr Placey, we'll see ourselves out," and he gently closed the door behind them. The clock on the wall showed eleven o'clock to the second.
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