"I don't want to risk being overheard at all… "

“What makes you think the dean's office isn't soundproofed?" he asked.

She leaned forward, and he, smiling to himself, accommodated her by leaning down as she whispered in his ear, "Marilyn Kase."

He looked startled for a moment, but instantly regained his composure. Nodding, he asked, "What class do you have this period, Jo Ann?"

“It's my lunch period," she told him. "Have you ever eaten lunch at the restaurant on the other side of the park?"

“No," she admitted.

"A lot of kids eat there, and so do a lot of the faculty. I was on my way there just now, and I was wondering if you'd like me to drop you off there."

“I can't afford… "

"I'll loan you a few dollars," he said, somewhat grandly. "You can pay it back when you get it."

“All right," she nodded.

"Come along," he said, and she followed him as he went to the dean's office. Poking his head in, he called to his secretary, "Miss Carroll, I'm going to The Pub for lunch. Can I get you anything?"

“No, sir," Jo Ann heard the secretary reply. "I should be back in a half hour," he said, then shut the door, and with Jo Ann walking beside him, he walked out of the building, smiling at students and faculty alike. Not even the senior girls thought anything of it, because those who had enjoyed an evening of pleasure with Dr. Joseph knew how careful he was. He would never fool around with jailbait, and so it figured that he was simply heading in the same direction as the young honey-blonde, and was therefore giving her a lift.

They got into the man's car, a late model Chevy Citation, and he began driving slowly. Instead of heading directly to the restaurant, he drove toward Main Street. The car's windows were up, and he had music softly playing on his FM stereo radio.

"Now," he said, "what's this all about?"

"I'll be direct and to the point, Dr. Joseph," Jo Ann said, her heart hammering wildly. "I want to make sure I pass English this year."