I hated that my parents bet on what I’d do. Clearly, I was too predictable. Besides, that particular line hadn’t worked since I was ten.
“Ms. Dixon called me, and she has some interesting news from Mr. Morris,” Dad said.
Internally, I cringed. What did the NCAA need now?
“Stewart Chadwick resigned yesterday,” Dad shared.
That put a smile on my face. He shouldn’t have pushed so hard to get me to try to get the goods on Southwest Central State. Everyone could see he’d crossed the line when he tried to interfere in my eligibility. I expected his goose was cooked as soon as the FBI agent showed up at the NCAA meeting with us.
“But that’s not why we need to talk to you,” Mom said to steal the joy I’d just experienced.
“What did I do?” I asked as I flopped down in my chair with my best put-out teen persona.
“Lighten up, Francis! We have a report from Scarlet about the problems with your house,” Dad said.
“Oh,” I said, sitting up straight.
“The two grad students spent over three grand on unauthorized miscellaneous items, including a big-assed fish to mount on the wall,” Mom explained.
“Cool. I like the ones that sing,” I said.
My parents ignored me. I was sure that just confirmed why I wasn’t in charge of decorating the house.
“When Jack visited the site, he did a random audit of expenses and discovered it. What’s disturbing is the bank statements showed some of the money had been spent on items from a spy shop. Fritz and his team are going through the property to look for hidden cameras and other recording devices. They’ve already found one camera in the air duct in the master bedroom,” Dad said.
“Dean Lloyd called me and basically fell on his sword, taking full responsibility. They’re going through the books to make sure no other discrepancies have occurred. They did find food and alcohol charges, and he plans to figure out who did what,” Mom said.
“Fritz suggested that the food and drink were simply broke college kids letting off some steam. I tend to agree with him, and those charges weren’t for any more money than I’m sure you would have authorized if they’d asked.
“The spy gear is another story. Fritz suggested that you take a hard line on that and let him press charges on your behalf. He wants it known that you take this sort of thing seriously. He said it would make his job easier down the road if you did,” Dad said.
“What do you two think?” I asked.
“Jack Mass said it would be cheaper to kick them out and let him manage the project. Your Uncle John, on the other hand, said that you’d made a commitment to Cindy and Ohio State and should see it through. Your mom and I are on the fence,” Dad said.
“Do you think they did it on their own, or someone put them up to it?” I asked.
“Good point,” Mom said. “If a paparazzo or gossip rag paid them, I say we definitely go after them.”
“Do you want me to just use my best judgment, or do you want something specific?” Dad asked.
I stopped to think for a minute. Looking at it one way, they’d been caught before anything bad happened, so no harm, no foul. But looking at it another way, it was a big deal. The two grad students, at least, I’d never be able to trust again, and I certainly didn’t want them continuing on the project.
“Final question. Do you think Dean Lloyd was aware or was involved?” I asked.
“No. He sounded thoroughly upset about the whole affair when I phoned him about it. This was supposed to be a big deal for them with the hope of doing some of your other properties if you need it. Getting kicked off the job won’t look good for him or the university, especially if the reason for their getting booted off leaks out,” Mom pointed out.
That made it easier.
“Okay, here’s what I think. First, the two grad students need to go. I can’t trust them around my property. As long as they’re gone, and if there’s a bit more faculty supervision, I’ll be fine with Ohio State continuing on the project,” I said.
I had to smile over at my dad.
“I also remember what you always tell me,” I said to him.
“There will always be mistakes. What matters is how they’re handled,” he said, reciting it back to me.
We shared a grin now.
“If I haven’t said it in a while, I love you both. Every time I turn around, you’re there to help me, and I just want to tell you both that I am eternally grateful,” I said.
“It goes both ways. Without you around, our lives wouldn’t be as interesting, and I mean that in the best possible way,” Dad said.
“I just have one thing to say,” Mom said.
She waited a beat for effect.
“Wolf and Tim are right. You need to go out tonight and just be a kid.”
That was what Cassidy had narked about. She’d been hanging around and had listened in when Wolf, Tim, and I had been talking after the meeting at the field house.
“Okay, I give up,” I said, holding my hands up.
Suddenly, I had an idea.
“Would you be willing to watch the kids tonight? What if I took Ashley out to dinner and dancing? I heard there’s a good band at Our House tonight,” I said.
