“Perhaps it was a mistake putting Eric into advance classes,” William responding; listening to Principal Andrews explain what happened yesterday and then this morning with Jeff Wilson. The math teacher a former veteran of the Second World War and a were-pig, sat in the next room under guard all the while Eric was being tended to in the ambulance on the way to the hospital.
“Regardless if Eric was in advance classes or not,” Principal Andrews answering; Eric would of eventually had Jeff for his math teacher. At least now,” Principal Andrews looking at the file Benton dropped off earlier; “Jeff won’t be bullying anyone else with his teaching methods.”
“Why was he allowed to teach to begin with,” William asking; “didn’t he have any complaints or red flags in the past?”
“I have been aware of some complaints on Jeff,” Andrews responds; “however no one has lodged one in writing. As for red flags,” Andrews looking at Jeff’s education; “it was just after the war and everyone was in a rush to fill in vacancies for posts that were empty at a time. Jeff’s accreditations somehow fell through the cracks.”
“He was in the war,” Williams raising an eyebrow; “where was he station? What was his rank?”
“According to the information that Benton’s private investigator dug up;” Andrews glancing at his desk.
“Wait,” Williams raising his voice; “Benton was here earlier?”
“Please let me continue,” Andrews looking serious; “according to what was gleaned, Jeff Wilson was a cook. He never rose above the rank of Corporal.
“You sound like you are in disbelief,” William looking at the principal.
“Well,” Andrews closing the file; “I am. It’s no secret Jeff was in the war; he would mention it constantly. But he would always state he survived Normandy and was nearly killed during the battle of the bulge.”
“Yet his file tells a different tale,” Williams looking at the mass of papers in the principal’s desk.
“Jeff never set foot on Normandy until after it was secured,” Andrews stating flatly; “as for the battle of the bulge?” Andrews shrugging his shoulders, “there could be some truth to that; Jeff’s file does state he earned a purple heart from shell fragments and a good conduct medal.”
“Shell fragments,” Williams looking dubious; “are we talking mortar shell or egg shell?”
*******
Jeff Wilson overhears the conversation the principal was having with what he could assume was Eric’s father. The laughter coming from Principal Andrews after Williams posed his last question stung the were-pig.
‘Sure I embellished a few facts,’ Jeff looking forlorn; ‘but it was for the greater good. And if it wasn’t for that boy of yours,’ Jeff glaring; ‘I would still be teaching. Getting back at those who picked on me by going after their children.’
******
In a classroom, as fourth period begins for sophomore and seniors; lunch time for freshmen, Nate was just finding out what happened to his brother. Alex and Ben being witness to the altercation to Jeff Wilson striking the young were-panther; Nate starts to growl menacingly, unconcerned that his fourth period teacher may be listening in.
“Fat-Piggy is lucky,” Nate clearly mad; “if I didn’t need this cane to keep me balanced while standing and walking, I’d be going after his hide for some bacon.”
“I prefer pork chops,” Alex responding; licking his lips menacingly.
“No I agree with Nate,” Ben drooling; “Thick cut hickory smoked bacon is where it’s at.”
“If you three are quite done,” the teacher interrupting the private conversation; “pay attention to today’s lesson.”
*******
“Well if there is nothing else,” William getting up; “I need to get to the hospital to see how Eric is doing.”
"I assume you want Jeff Wilson charged for hitting Eric,” Principal Andrews asks as he escorts William to the door.
“To the fullest extent,” William turning to look back at Andrews; “I also want assurances that he will never be able to teach a class ever again.”
“Don’t worry about that,” Andrews nodding; “Jeff Wilson will be dealing with more than criminal prosecution.”
As William heads out to go to the hospital, Principal Andrews opens up the room next door to his office. Seeing the teacher cuffed and under guard; Andrews knew he heard every word that went on in his office. Staring down at the were-pig; the principal growls.
“You brought this on yourself,” Andrews speaking; “I did warn you to tread carefully. It was Benton Knight that came this morning to give me a file that shed light on your past.”
“So who is looking after my classes,” Jeff looking sullen.
“The vice principal for the moment, “Andrews replying; “but I thought you’d be more concerned as to what is going to happen to you.”
“I already know,” Jeff sneering; “police are on their way to arrest me. I’ll probably be visiting the elder council,” Jeff shaking his head; “after that your guess is as good as mine.”
“That is one way to put it,” Andrews retorting; “but you do realize your job is done here. Phony accreditations, falsifying records; the elder council could of helped you deal with that in time. But to hit a minor,” Principal Andrews shaking his head; “I can’t help you with that.”
“So the guard that escorted you as you came to see me,” Jeff looking at the man standing in the room; “was that for pomp?”
“To keep you from making a scene,” Andrews shaking his head; “but I guess that is moot now. You just couldn’t keep your ego and emotions in check. Eric is at the hospital,” Andrews’s voice raising; “to tend the broken nose you gave him. Once the police arrive; “you’ll be charged with assaulting a minor. Think on that as I make arraignments to get a substitute teacher and a permanent replacement.”