The school bell rang for the commencement of class in short order.
As all the morning classes scheduled were taught by the characteristically punctual Donovan, his continued absence had the class' students in a state of ardent speculation.
“It's already a dozen minutes past, so what's up with Mr. Baxter? There's no reason why he should be this late, even if he's a newly-wed.”
“I don't think he'd take it that far, surely? Could he be on medical leave?”
They had no idea that Donovan was not actually late at all. Rather, he was at the lead of a collective of lecturers who had stormed up to Marcus' office.
“Mr. Brown!” said Donovan the moment he pushed through the doors. “There's a problem with the grades for this round of exams. Hence, I would like for your help in pulling up the class' surveillance footage so that we may launch an investigation into it!”
Marcus got himself quite a fright and adjusted his hyperopic glasses before he stood up on his feet. “What's going on, Mr. Baxter? Hmm? What brought all of you here as well, Professor Sleight? What's wrong with the results?”
“Mr. Brown.” Arthur took a step forward and regarded him quite grimly. “There's absolutely nothing wrong with the results, but Mr. Baxter insisted that there was and demanded that we come to see you.
That left Marcus even more confounded, but he responded rather cheerfully, “Let's not get too worked up here. Why don't I make us some tea so that we may talk this over calmly.”
“I don't take tea,” Donovan replied humorlessly. “Surely you must know what's at stake for this round of examinations, Mr. Brown. We cannot afford to have things go awry here,
especially not with acts of cheating!” “Cheating?” The stunned Marcus then began to inquire of Arthur in earnest. “You're the more level-headed one here, Professor Sleight. Why don't you explain the situation to me.”
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