Chapter One

“Please turn in your papers on my desk before leaving.”

Gathering of papers and groaning grew louder as the students turned in their latest essay.

Spencer gathered all her students’ essays and placed them in her briefcase alongside her other materials.

She sighed and began rubbing her temples to ease the pain that had developed over the course of the day. “What a long day…”

“Excuse me, Dr. Carlin?” the voice of her young TA broke through the quiet of the room.

“Yes, Ms. Daniels. How can I help you?”

“I’m sorry to bother you right when you are leaving. I just received this from President Michaels’ office asking if you could meet with him as soon as you got out of your class.” Lauren handed over the memo to Spencer, who glared at it for about a minute before speaking.

“Thank you, Ms. Daniels. I will meet you tomorrow morning to go over those projects we discussed earlier.” Lauren nodded her head and said a soft goodbye before ducking out of the classroom.

‘What on earth would he have to see me about? I hope this is not about that grant I have been trying to get….just breathe Spencer it can’t be that bad, right?’

Taking one last deep breath, Spencer grabbed her briefcase and headed down the hallway to President Michaels’ office.

****

“Good Afternoon Mrs. Young. How are you?” Spencer politely asked the older woman when she entered the office.

“Very well, Dr. Carlin. President Michaels’ said to let you through as soon as you arrived. So please go right in.”

Spencer wanted to ask what the meeting was supposed to be about but decided against it and entered through the thick wooden doors.

****

Upon entering the room, Spencer heard laughing and a slightly raspy yet very feminine voice along with the deep voice of President Michaels.

“Excuse me President Michaels. I received notice that you wanted to speak with me. I hope I am not interrupting I would be more than happy to wait until you are free.”

“Oh Dr. Carlin, there is no need for you to leave. I wanted to introduce you to our newest addition here at SCU. This is Professor Ashley Davies. She will be overseeing our new music program and hopefully establishing a prestigious reputation that will continue on for a long time hereafter.”