I Woke Up 347 by M.P. Arsent
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It was a voice I didn't have any problem identifying even through a wall. Mr Adams it seemed was now really out for blood.
I did notice that Mrs Humboldt had a rather disgusted look on her face after hearing that statement. Her phone buzzed.
"Yes sir. Please go in Mr Sawyer."
I took a deep breath as I knew tempers were likely to be running high at this point.
"Have a seat, Mr Sawyer. We have two matters to discuss today. The first being rather obvious I would say. Mr Sawyer, do you have anything to do with the rumors concerning Mr Adams?"
"I absolutely do not. I have in fact been taking pains not to react to those rumors nor cast any dispersions. I fully realize that Mr Adams has no faith in my word, but nonetheless, I give it."
"And you Mr Adams deny having anything to do with this rumor that persists about a drug ring?"
"I do."
"That is the other item I wished to discuss with you, Mr Sawyer."
"That one I think I can put to rest for you, sir. When it first came up late last week I put in a call to the police at home. They were kind enough to send me a copy of their file, redacted of course."
I reached into my backpack and handed Dean Evans a copy of the report.
"I gave a copy of that to Bob Watson as well, and expect to have the press coverage of the whole thing in the next couple of days."
"So, Mr Watson already has an interest in this?"
"This and the other rumor as well. He told me that he informed the editor that it wasn't worth investigating but the editor insisted. If I've correctly interpreted what Mr Watson told me, the editor has already made up his mind that I started the rumor concerning Mr Adams."
"I must admit, I've quite forgotten who the editor is these days."
"Mr John Hasting, as far as I know not someone I've had any dealings with."
"The name doesn't ring any bells for me either, though I do suppose he was a student of mine at some point."
A wild thought went through my mind at that point, and it must have shown on my face.
"Dennis?"
"Two thoughts actually. What if it has nothing at all to do with school? And secondly, what if Mr Hasting does have a grudge, real or perceived, against one or both of us? Could he be playing us against each other? A variation of the enemy of my enemy is my friend?"
"You should both do some digging gentlemen."
"It appears as if we shall be working towards the same goal Mr Adams."
"Which doesn't make us friends Mr Sawyer."
"The both of you put a lid on it. I don't expect to see any escalation of hostilities between you two. If something else should arise, I want to be able to know that it wasn't either of you."
"I haven't said anything so far Sir, and I don't intend to."
"As Mr Sawyer has said, neither do I."
"Very good. Let's see if we can keep a lid on things."
"Will I still be able to defend myself on the drug ring allegation?"
"You are expecting trouble, Mr Sawyer?"
"Yes sir. I've already had to defend myself to the Fraternity. I expect I shall have to do so to Coach Warren as well, and maybe to the licensing board as well."
"You shall be free to do so, but try and keep it as low-key as possible."
"Yes sir, thank you."
"The same goes for you, Mr Adams. You may defend yourself against these allegations. That will be all gentlemen."
I made my way back to my car and even before I called Karl, I called the office.
"Dennis, what's going on?"
"Somebody has dug up something on me that I can well defend myself on, but I want to find out if someone has a grudge against me or the family or firm."
"You have a name?"
"John Hasting, or he could be acting for one of his family I suppose. He is currently the editor of the school paper."
"I'll see what I can find Dennis. This anything that is going to affect the business?"
"It is a possibility. Remember that drug ring that was broken up at the high school a few years ago?"
"I do indeed, and how you and Karl were being set up to take the heat. I take it this is all connected?"
"Those are the allegations I have to defend myself against yes. I have a copy of the police file and I have someone getting all of the print coverage of the whole thing for me. Do you think I'll have to go before the licensing board?"
"I doubt it. I'll call Tank and have a few words with him."
"Thanks, Stan. I'll let you know if anything else turns up at this end. Later."
I then called Karl and let him know I was on my way.
"So, how did things go with the Dean lover?"
"About as well as could be expected, but we weren't alone. Mr Adams was there as well. He denied having anything to do with the drug ring rumor, and I denied having anything to do with the rumor concerning his alleged malfeasance. Which brought us to the point of either a common enemy or someone who is playing us off against each other."
"Suspects?"
"Currently there is only one, and that one is tenuous at best. For whatever reason, the editor of the paper seems to be pushing that the drug ring thing is a story. I've got Stan looking into the guy. He's also going to have a few words with the Commissioner so I hopefully don't have to defend myself to them."
"It's going to be another long year isn't it?"
"It's shaping up that way."
At which point the printer beeped and started churning out pages.
"Damn, Stan works quick."
"If it is from Stan."
I went over and grabbed the first couple of pages.
"It's the press cover from Aaron. Just a little more defense at this point."
When the printer was done, I again made several copies of the information.
"This should get the paper off my back at the very least."
"Which leaves who?"
"I'm thinking just Coach Warren at this point, and I'll see him tomorrow."
"Then let's eat."
We had our supper and then hit the books for a couple of hours and crashed for the night.
Tuesday morning and it all started all over again. Once laps were done and Karl and I cleaned up, I had time to spare before I had to head into Creative Writing. I just reviewed the press coverage of the drug ring case so that I would have it fresh in my mind.
Creative Writing taken care of, I headed over to get my lunch and bench time. Much as I suspected Bob Watson was soon sitting beside me.
"My editor isn't satisfied, Dennis."
"Then your editor is either an idiot or has his own agenda. Here maybe he'll believe his fellow reporters."
I handed over a copy of the press coverage.
"If that doesn't convince him I don't know what will."
Bob did a quick scan of the stuff.
"If this doesn't convince him Den, then I'll really start to question his motivations."
"Don't dig yourself a hole, Bob."
"Hey, it's my senior year, and the editor doesn't have any direct impact on my grade. Going out busting somebody up might well get me at least on staff someplace."
"Yeah, it could just as easily get you a bad reputation as well."
"Hey, you pays your dime and takes your chances."
"Just be careful Bob. I've got to get it in gear."
I headed on over to the Psych class and once that was done I headed over to the rec center. I went straight to the coaches office.
"Ah, Dennis. I expected I'd be seeing you today."
"An I expect you know what about as well."
"Yes, certain rumors that I choose not to believe."
"Thank you for that, but for a change I have some proof to offer you and I'm sure the governing body will get wind of this as well."
"They have and have asked me to check things out. Now, as to this proof?"
I handed over a copy of both the redacted file and the press coverage. Coach Evans went through it all and I just sat there as he did.
"As far as I'm concerned Dennis, you're good to go and I'll forward all of this to the governing board. Now go hit the floor."