Elaine often stayed later than the rest of the staff -- and certainly later than the students. She liked the quiet; it afforded her the chance to work without the constant interruption of the school day. Therefore, when Francis had asked for a meeting, she had been surprised at his interest in the boy, but she certainly was not put out by the request.
The knock on the door signaled his arrival. "Yes?" she called. When he opened the door, she rose and stepped forward with her hand extended, as she would greet any colleague. He was prompt; she appreciated that.
"Good afternoon, Francis. Take a seat." Here, she gestured to the chair on the opposite side of her desk, one normally reserved for squirming students. Gracefully, she returned to her own seat, where she made herself busy with the paperwork on her desk. The piles were shifted around until they satisfied her. From one, she produced the Student Handbook, which she presented to Francis.
"Page 37," she directed crisply, "Outlines vandalism and the consequences." A second, much smaller packet appeared. This, too, Francis might recognize as the document outlining the process of investigating and punishing a student for an offense. "Vandalism is on page 3," she clarified. This packet already had Dietre's name and information typed neatly into its boxes. Further examination would reveal a copy of Francis' e-mails and photographs taken of the lockers and their damaged contents.
If there was anything Elaine Bennett was renowned for, it was dotting the I's and crossing the T's.
With the formalities out of the way, she folded her hands together neatly and posed, "Where would you like to begin?"