The Shikari Box Set

by Dora Blume

  “I’ll wait.” He sat on the bed to watch her. He enjoyed watching her pull the brush through her long strands of hair. When the brush reached the end, her hair bounced back into curls that wouldn’t be tamed. It reminded him so much of who she was. When she was finished, he held out his hand to her before heading downstairs.

  Caroline was in her office with Sloane and Mike planning for the meeting.

  “So, it looks like we’ll be on the sidelines for this one bro,” Sloane fluttered her lashes at him.

  “Oh yeah?” he smiled. Sloane hated being on the sidelines of anything.

  “We’ll be parked here,” she pointed to the map. “Mike and Caroline will be going into the school for the meeting. We’ll be outside the school getting intel on the students and whatever you can hear from those around the school. We need as much information as possible about how deep this goes.”

  “So, not really the sidelines then,” he smirked.

  “Well, we are outside. So, still kinda the sidelines,” she shrugged.

  “Will Jess be with us?” he looked over to her and met her eyes.

  “Yes, Mike and Caroline will be posing as a couple interested in having their daughter attend school there.”

  “Caroline, don’t you have friends there? Won’t they know?” Jess asked.

  “My friend knows I’m divorced. I’m going to introduce him as my current boyfriend,” Caroline said.

  “Okay,” Jess responded.

  “So, what time are we leaving?” Erik asked.

  “We have about ten minutes before we need to leave for the school” Caroline shifted the gold watch around her wrist.

  “Awesome, where are the weapons?” Sloane asked.

  “In the next room, here I’ll show you our cache.” Caroline stopped in front of a thick door, adjacent to the study and typed in a code. In the room there was floor to ceiling weapons hung against the walls, each having their own individual place.

  “Nice,” Sloane whispered as she appraised the walls.

  “You can take whatever you like,” Caroline swept her hand toward the room. “I have all that I need for the meeting. I will meet you upstairs when you’re done.”

  She moved toward the door and touched Mike’s arm before she exited. He followed behind her. Sloane took a few things off the wall and placed them in her backpack.

  “You know this is just recon, right?” Erik asked as she continued to scan the wall.

  “Yeah, recon. You never know what could happen, though. I like to be prepared for all options.”

  “You tend to make those things happen, but yes it’s probably good that you’re prepared for anything.” Erik looked knowingly over to Jessie.

  Erik reached up to grab a 9mm down and stuck it in the back of his belt, pulling his shirt over it. Jess smiled and shook her head.

  “What?” he asked.

  “Nothing, just seems a bit cliché.” She shrugged

  “Oh, well I like having quick access to a weapon.”

  “I just think you like having a large gun in your pants.” She walked up and brushed herself against his back as she went to grab a few of her own guns to take on the mission.

  “Well, you’re not wrong,” he smirked.

  “Are you two ready to go, or do you need a few minutes in the gun room?” she winked at Erik.

  “We’re ready” Jessie said and walked back out the door.

  She shook her head and patted Erik on the shoulder, “Awe, poor Erik.”

  “I think I’ll be fine,” he said. “We need to be on our way.”

  Sloane reached the landing to meet Mike at the door. “Hey, babe,” seeing the look on his face she asked. “What’s up?”

  “I have to go meet, Bryant. There’s a situation developing in the city, and I offered my tracking ability to help. Caroline will need to go to the meeting, alone.” His eyes stared down into hers.

  Erik stepped around the two. “What’s going on in the city?”

  “I didn’t get all the details, but Bryant says it’s an emergency. Caroline has offered to let me use one of her cars, so I can head there now.” He looked down to Sloane, “I’m not sure when I’ll be back, but I’ll keep you updated.”

  “Okay.” She reached up to kiss him, wrapping her arms around his neck.

  Erik reached back to take Jessie’s hand. He walked passed them and into the kitchen to meet Caroline. “So, are you okay to go in by yourself?” Erik asked.

  “Yeah, I’ll be good.” She smiled. “We should be going.” She reached for her keys and purse. Erik turned to Jess. “Alright, let’s do this.” He bent to plant a light kiss on Jessie’s lips before following Caroline out the door.

  Chapter 8

  “It’s great to meet you, Mr. Hall,” Caroline said and took the headmaster’s outstretched hand.

  “I’m so pleased to meet you, Mrs. Robinson. I’ve heard so much about you; I hear you’ve done some amazing things in our line of work.” He smiled wide at her shaking her hand three times and releasing it.

  “Oh, thank you,” Caroline feigned a wide, appreciative smile.

  “So, let’s get down to it, shall we? I hear you’re interested in having your daughter, Nicole attend our fine school. I’ve looked over the records you sent, and she looks like a prime candidate for admittance. Would you like a tour of the school before we begin?” He folded his hands in front of him.

  “I would love that,” She gripped her purse in front of her.

  “Okay, Jeanie would you mind giving Caroline a tour of the school?” he turned toward the door.

  “Oh, you won’t be giving the tour?” she looked to Mr. Hall.

  “Jeanie usually gives the tours. She’s been here the longest out of everyone here,”

  Jeanie reached the door, her smile wide. “Mrs. Robinson, I would be delighted to take you around the school.” Her eyes brightened.

  “Sounds great,” she smiled.

  “I’ll be here when you get back to talk specifics and to answer any questions you may have for us.” He waited, glancing back toward his desk.

  “Thank you.” she smiled and turned toward Jeanie, “Shall we?”

  “Absolutely,” Jeanie turned on her heel and walked out of the room. Caroline turned and followed her out of the office and down the stairs.

  “We’ll start at the main building and work our way to the dorms. This school has been in operation since 1922 and has an amazing campus.” She turned her head back to Caroline as she spoke.

  “So, does Mr. Hall always send women to do the work, while he stays up in his castle office?”

  Jeanie laughed, “Yes, he doesn’t do much actual work.”

  “I bet you do. though.” Caroline knew this was the ticket to get information.

  “Oh yeah, but I’ve been here for years, I can tell you all there is to know about this school.”

  “That’s great; I bet this place has changed over the years.”

  “Oh yes, I remember when this place was the most prestigious school in the United States. It’s changed over the last few years. They’ve been accepting students from all over without even a thorough application process. I’m surprised they even asked you to come in for a meeting. The last few students didn’t even have their parents here when they moved in. Mr. Hall simply said they were his recruits. We’ve always had the board make decisions about applicants and never had to recruit before. Usually, we have to turn down hundreds of applicants. It’s been strange over the last year, I’m worried about the school’s future, and reputation if this keeps up.” Jeanie put her hand to her mouth, “Oh, I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have spoken, so.”

  “It’s okay. I understand. You sound like you just needed to vent. I understand that, entirely.”

  She lowered her head, shaking it. “Yeah, I’m worried about the school.” Her shoulders sagged.

  “That’s understandable,” Caroline moved her hand to pat her on the back. “You’ve been here a long time. I’m sure you care very m
uch for the school and the students here.”

  “Oh yes, I do. Ever since this, Mr. Hall took over two years ago, so much has changed. There aren’t even regular board meetings, anymore. Mr. Hall said we didn’t need them, now that he was here. The board provided regulations for the school to make sure everything was running as it always had, and as it should according to the order.”

  “No board? How is he getting away with that? Every school has a board, even public schools. I can’t believe he’s able to operate a school without the board's input.” Caroline moved her hand to her chin, thinking.

  “I’m not sure. No one has brought up an issue with him not holding the board meetings. In reality, the board members are too busy to care all that much about the school anymore. Most of them are alumni or were appointed by the order. They have their own lives and jobs and do this on the side. It’s hard to get them invested unless one of them has a student attending. Plus, they all trust Mr. Hall. He is a nice guy. You should meet his daughter. She used to be a hellion, skipping class, swearing at the teachers. Since she began attending here, she’s a regular saint. It shows how capable he is of helping others when his daughter was able to turn around so quickly. It’s rather remarkable.” Jeanie smiled and placed her hand over her heart.

  “Mr. Hall has a daughter, that’s interesting. Can you tell me about when she made this sudden change?” Caroline tapped her finger against her lips in contemplation.

  “It was shortly after Mr. Hall took over running the school. His daughter attended for the last five years or so. No one could get a handle on her, and she was facing possible expulsion. Mr. Hall talked with the board and the leaders in the area and asked if he could take over for Mr. Glaspell. He was so exhausted running the school that Mr. Hall’s offer was more than welcome at the time. As soon as he took over, so many students that had misbehaved before turned right around. It was remarkable, any student who was sent to the office, came out changed. I’ve had no office visits since after his first month here. I don’t know what he does, but he is a miracle worker with these kids.” Jeanie beamed.

  Caroline shifted back on her heel and contemplated all Jeanie said. She looked over to Jeanie, studying her. “Should we get back to the tour? I’d love to get a lay of the land, so to speak.”

  “Of course, I’ve jabbered on, again haven’t I? Oh, I let my passion for the school get the better of me, sometimes. I’ll take you straight-away.”

  Caroline looked around at the four large brownstone buildings which made up the campus. Between the buildings, the grass was split by walkways running from each entrance. Several students sat at picnic tables spread under the trees scattered throughout the campus lawn.

  Jeanie led the way to the first building. “This is where many of the classes are held,” she announced. She opened the door to the first classroom on the right.

  Caroline noticed the musty smell in the air but brushed it off to the age of the buildings. When she walked into the classroom, it felt cozy immediately. The walls were lined with famous quotes from various authors. In the far back corner, there was a reading nook with bean bag chairs and three large bookcases filled to the brim with books. The shag rug on the floor added to the cozy feel. There were tables in the middle of the room, pushed together in groups of two, and pictures of books hung from strings attached to the ceiling with paper clips. Caroline walked around to see the different books the students were reading.

  Jeanie noticed her fascination, “The students are in different book club groups, right now for English. They got to choose from various books during a book tasting. It’s always so fun to see what they pick each semester. I love the diversity of the books around the coming of age theme.”

  Caroline reached her hand up to study a book cover, Rooftops of Tehran. She nodded, then moved onto the next, The Hate You Give. She smiled at the selection. “These are some great choices. The students got to pick these out?”

  “Oh yes, Mrs. Olson insists on it. She is firm on students getting to choose to read what they want, and they love her for it.” Jeanie walked over to stand beside Caroline who had just reached up to look at the Mexican Whiteboy cover. “I will have to admit; Girl in Translation is one of my favorites that they pick every year.”

  Caroline turned to face Jeanie, “Although I could spend all day in this room, we should probably move on. Mr. Hall will wonder what is taking so long.”

  “Why yes, of course. Mr. Hall knows how garrulous I can be. I’m sure you want to see the dorms. Your daughter will be staying with us, I presume?”

  “Despite my desire to keep her at home forever, I do believe it will be good for her to stay in the dorms, while she attends school. I’m only a short drive away if she needs anything, but she can also establish her independence, which as you well know, all teenagers need.”

  “Oh yes, they do. Follow me.” Jeanie stood, holding the door for Caroline. She locked the door as soon as they were in the hallway. “We’ll head to the dorms, and back to the offices, so you can get all the paperwork squared away with Mr. Hall. Do you have any questions for me about academics or Shikari specializations?”

  Caroline narrowed her eyes, “Shikari specializations? Is that the field they will go into when they finish school? Do they get to choose or do you choose for them?”

  “They choose their specializations, but we administer various testing scenarios to help them see what each student’s skills match regarding their specialization. It’s what we’re so well known for. No student has ever regretted their decision after out rigorous testing procedures. We want to make sure students have the best fit for their future. As you well know, it benefits us all to have happy members, doing what they enjoy. Our society doesn’t have to be all about duty but loving what you can be a big part of our lives. We make sure our students are in the best possible positions to love what they do, while also fulfilling their born duty as Shikari members.”

  “Sounds great. I want my daughter to be happy.”

  Jeanie opened the door for Caroline to enter the dorms. “I will show you a dorm room. You have different options for the size and amenities based on your budget. We have three different dorm options. Considering how close you live, you may not need all the amenities available. Some students move across the country to attend our illustrious school, and parents often choose to have more amenities because the student is so far from home.” Jeanie opens the door. “This is our medium-sized dorm room.” She stepped into the room and moved to the wall so that Caroline could step into the room.

  “This is quite the dorm room. It’s certainly larger than any I’d seen when touring colleges for myself, all those years ago.” The dorm had a full-size bed and dresser as she expected, but it also had a futon with a mini-fridge and television making a cozy sitting area. Behind the door, was a desk with a high-back leather chair and just to the left was a spacious closet.

  “As I said, many students come here from all over, and we want to make sure they are as comfortable as possible here.”

  “If this is the mid-sized dorm, I can only imagine what the large dorm room looks like.” Caroline was wide-eyed, as she studied the detail in the room. There was even a Monet painting hung above the futon. A toaster oven sat atop the mini-fridge. She knew her daughter would be quite happy in a dorm this size.

  “Oh yes, the larger rooms have two separate rooms, one for the bedroom, and one for the living space. Would you like to take a look?” Jeanie waited at the door.

  “No, I think my daughter would be happy in a room this size. Anything bigger could make her jittery. She spends a lot of time in her room because open spaces tend to bother her. I think the mid-size is perfect for my baby.” Caroline smiled.

  “Perfect, shall we head back to the office to complete the paperwork, and get her enrolled in classes?”

  “Absolutely,” Caroline followed Jeanie out the building and back to the office. Jeanie knocked on Mr. Hall’s door and peeked her head in when he responded. She opened
the door. Caroline reached to take both Jeanie’s hands in hers. “Thank you for the tour, Jeanie. It was appreciated.” She squeezed her hands lightly.

  “My pleasure, Mrs. Robinson.”

  “Caroline, please.”

  “Caroline.”

  “Mrs. Robinson, do you have any questions for me?” Mr. Hall asked, turning her attention back to him.

  “I would like to know more about the process. How do you deal with problem students who are interrupting others learning? My daughter has issues with that in our public school, which has caused me to look into other more private schools befitting her skills.”

  “Oh, I believe you will find that we have no issues here whatsoever. All students are attending our interested in learning. You will have no problems here.”

  “Oh, would you like to speak more about that? Why don’t you have any issues?” She sat in a chair across from his desk and clasped her hands together in her lap.

  “If any students have misbehaved in class, I have a conference with them. It’s amazing what a caring and concerned discussion can do to help students be more successful in class. I’m sure Jeanie can fill you in about our behavior referral statistics are zilch. I promise you, your daughter will get a fine education here.” He stared directly into her eyes. Caroline shook her head and had to look away after only a few moments.

  “Oh, I’m very glad to hear it. So, what’s the next step of enrollment?” She leaned forward slightly in her chair.

  “Jeanie will give you the rest of the paperwork to fill out, along with choosing a dorm. She will also send you home with a list of available classes we offer. When you have your classes selected, we can get her enrolled at the beginning of the next semester.”

  “Oh,” Caroline put her hand to her chest. “I was hoping to get her in as soon as possible. I heard that you allowed students to begin in the middle of semesters.” She smiled warmly.

  “That’s not our typical practice. It will be a much better transition for your daughter to begin classes at the beginning of the next semester.”