Thursday morning. I get to the school early, before the first bell, and go straight to Paul's office. Paul is already there, jacket off, sleeves rolled, sorting papers at his desk. He looks up and smiles when he sees me.
"Ben. You're early."
"Thought I'd check in before the day gets going," I say. "How's Mary?"
Paul's face softens. "Good. Really good. We had coffee Tuesday. She's... she's easy to talk to. I like her a lot."
"Good. Keep it steady. Take your time with her." I let the talk of Mary settle, then nod toward the outer office, where Higgins sits typing at her desk. "The new school is going to need a good secretary. Someone who can run an office." I can see the back of her head through the open door, graying hair in a loose bun, shoulders straight. "How's Higgins?"
Paul follows my glance. "Mrs. Higgins? She's been here forever. Solid as they come. Runs the whole place, really."
"Just thinking. You trust her?"
"Yes, I do," Paul says.
