Read Online Finding Tom by Simeon Harrar - Free Book Online Page B

out the rest. Finally, he took the stage, gripping the podium with long bony hands. Tall and sinewy, he looked down upon us and smiled uncomfortably in a sly sort of way. This was not a man prone to belly laughter or good humor. His appearance was almost sickly with his black, greasy hair combed back onto his head as he stared at us with watery yellow eyes. He licked his thin ribbon lips and began to speak in a nasally voice, and for some reason I imagined that he smelled of sour onions.
    “Students, we welcome you to Locklear University. You are all embarking upon a great adventure. Each one of you has been given the opportunity to succeed, should you take it. But the choice is up to you. If you wish to rise above, then listen carefully. Discipline, gentlemen, is the key to success. Be disciplined in your studies. Be disciplined in attending your classes. Be disciplined in getting to bed at a decent hour. Be disciplined in all things and you will not go wrong. Discipline, gentlemen, is the key to success.
    “But for those of you who find discipline too demanding, know that rule-breaking will not be tolerated. Disrespect, tardiness, cheating, gambling, drinking, skipped classes, practical jokes on your fellow students or professors, and other non-academic nonsense will not be tolerated.” At this point, he stopped to again lick his lips and stare at us with his stern gaze, as if trying to steal the life from within us. He tried to come across as a man not to be trifled with. “If any of you have further questions, you may consult the student handbook. Good day, gentlemen, and good luck.”
    With that, we were dismissed. “He’s a real wringer, huh?” Charles said, nudging me. “Dr. Groves, the dean of students, the little black storm cloud who just showered the room with his misery—he’s a dinosaur. Been here for over forty years. You’d best hope that you never get called to his office. That is the kiss of death.”
    “Yes, he’s not exactly a charmer,” I agreed. “Hey, I’ve got to run, Charles. I’ll catch you later.” It was time for my meeting with Dr. Emory.
    Mr. Calhoun met me at the door in his awkward, bumbling way and led me through the house to Dr. Emory’s study. When I entered, Dr. Emory turned around in his chair. “Aha, you have arrived. I can see by the look on your face that you have recently been in the presence of Dr. Groves. He has the ability to sour everything he comes into contact with. Let me guess that he gave you his ageless speech, ‘Discipline, gentlemen, is the key to success!’” He raised his right index finger into the air, waving it about to imitate the ancient dean. “But of course our dear Dr. Groves would never have done something so undignified as to raise his voice as I just did. God forbid he be seen to have emotions. I tell you Tom, that man is a machine. I sometimes wonder if he is human. I have heard that same speech for thirty years without even the slightest change. He is an anomaly. You can see, I will assume, why the two of us were never the best of friends.”
    “Yes, sir. Not too difficult to see that. I can imagine that you probably gave each other fits.”
    “Oh yes, we certainly did. But enough about miserable old Groves. What do you think so far of Locklear?”
    “Well, my roommate’s not half bad: he’s Charles Montgomery.”
    “Pardon my interruption, but is he from THE Montgomery family?”
    “I believe so, sir. His father is the head of the board.”
    “My, my. That is rather interesting. I do believe that Dr. Groves might have set you up. He and Mr. Montgomery are in bed together (excuse the expression). What sort of a chap is Charles?”
    “He seems like a decent fellow, but not overly bright, and he has a tendency to get into trouble. From what I gather, he’s quite the opposite of his brothers.”
    “Yes, well, that would be the case. They both lived by Grove’s rule of discipline. Those two lads had about as much personality as a