Chapter 6: Good Calls and Bad

Trinity strode into the campus Administration Building Friday morning — the weekend before the abbreviated Winter Term was scheduled to commence. She was called by the Admin Assistant, Bobby Jenkins earlier that morning and requested to attend a special faculty meeting called by her favorite Dean of Admissions, Dr. Emmet Bell. She was more than half convinced that they were going to inform her that her services as Student Aide were no longer needed and, truth be told she didn’t give a fuck either way. She only had to complete three gravy courses — Macro Economics, Advanced U.S. Government, and Poli-Sci, before she would be eligible to graduate with her Bachelor of Arts. She had already earned her Associate Technical degree in Welding and Fabrication and her Master Auto Technician certification.

She lifted an eyebrow in surprise when she found Brian Applegate waiting for her in the Registrar’s Lobby. He was decked out in his riding leathers and had undergone an amazing transformation. She grinned and whistled as she took in his sharp new haircut with blonde highlights weaved in. He now sported a three-day growth on his rugged face and she felt a small twinge of regret that she had lost him forever to Sunny.

“Dayum, son!” she exclaimed. “You are lookin’ good!”

“Hey, Trin, good to see you,” he replied neutrally. Her Spidey senses began tingling as he took her arm and led her aside. “I was hoping for a minute of your time before we head inside.”

‘Ruh roh Relroy,’ she frowned. “What’s this all about Brian?” she asked pointedly. She was starting to feel irritable with all of the morning drama. It was in no small part due to how badly her body ached from their second training session with Dom and Hector, or ‘Casey and Dahmer’ as Lacey referred to them.

“I’m leaving the Welding Program,” he replied bluntly. “I tendered my resignation to Emmit last week, effective immediately.”

“What the...?” she stood frozen as his words sunk in, “Fuck?”

“Sorry I didn’t tell you sooner, I’m taking a sabbatical from teaching, and Sunny and I are going to tour South-East Asia on our bikes.”

“Um...” She was speechless as the ramifications popped into her head. “Well then,” she recovered. “I guess it’s simple then.” She turned towards the door. “Tell them they don’t have to worry about firing me, or however they want to...”

“Trinity, wait!” he called after her. “That’s not what we’re here for.”

She turned back to look at him just as the conference room door opened and Dr. Bell peered out with a dour expression.

“If you two would please care to join us...” he stated with a condescending tone.

With a shrug, Trinity turned and stepped into the room where she found two other assistant Deans, the automotive shop supervisor, and Eddie Wright, the President of the Foundation, all seated at the head of the broad table. A large black man was seated in the middle of the table across from the door. Even seated she could tell he stood an impressive height and his extra-large sweater was stretched tightly over his hard-muscled body. She guessed his age to be the early fifties, based on his weathered features and the salt and pepper edges to his closely cropped hair. His thin black mustache almost made him look like an old version of Billy Dee Williams as a buff (very buff) Lando Calrissian. He gazed back at her with a neutral expression.

“Now that everybody is here, maybe we can begin,” Dr. Bell intoned as he strode over to the head of the table and took his place in the middle.

Brian politely pulled a chair out for Trinity which she accepted, sitting directly across from the curious African-American.

“Welcome Ms. Davis,” the assistant dean of Admissions, Clarice Melbourne, greeted warmly. “Thank you for availing yourself on such short notice.”

‘Isn’t it always the case, with faculty realignments?’ she thought to herself as she nodded back. She never took her eyes off the giant man across from her.

“We called this meeting to cover two pressing items. First off is the sad announcement that Mr. Applegate will no longer be working with us as the Director of the Welding and Fabrication Department.” She sounded genuinely sad as she made the statement. “We will miss him, greatly.”

The was no clapping or congratulations, just a silent acknowledgment from the panel and a return nod by the former Welding instructor.

“On such short notice, we had to reach out to our colleague Mr. Brent Casey, to fill the position.” She smiled brightly at the Dark man seated alone across the table. He nodded briefly and shifted slightly in his chair.

“Trinity,” Dr. Bell interjecte, “Meet your new boss.”

She snorted as she crossed her arms across her chest and turned her intense gaze back to the older man. She then leaned forward and addressed the man across from her. “My apologies Mr. Casey. When it comes to social graces, this Faculty panel is decidedly ... lacking.” The black man raised an eyebrow as the young woman rose from her seat and walked around the table to offer her hand. During her journey, it was lost on nobody, how Emmit bristled and was subsequently stifled by a gesture from the Foundation President.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, sir,” she greeted with a warm smile. “I’m Trinity.”

“A pleasure, miss,” he replied in a deep voice as he took her hand and shook it gently.

“I apologize in advance for their further lack of decorum in assuming that I will be staying on as an Aide in the shop,” she continued turning a blistering gaze toward the Dean of Admissions who glared back at her with a dark expression. “It was a voluntary assignment which I was happy to fill because of my sincere respect for your predecessor. It is Mr. Applegate whom I credit for my success here. Without his guidance, I would’ve washed out or quit long ago.” She turned to smile at the blushing Brian across from her.

There was an awkward pause from the Panel and Mr. Casey took the opportunity to clear his throat and rise to his feet slowly. Trinity gaped at the man as he continued to rise taller and taller until he stood over her by nearly two feet. His eyes were full of humor as he smiled down at her. “I appreciate your candor Ms. Davis and your devotion to your mentor Mr. Applegate. I have nothing but the highest regard for him and wish him a happy life as he sets out on his enviable trek.” The giant man turned and nodded toward the group of administrators. “What our esteemed panel has failed to mention thus far is that I have no intention of retaining you as my student aide in the shop.”

Trinity blinked at his confession and turned a bewildered gaze toward the Foundation President, Eddie Wright. “Huh?” she muttered. He winked back at her.

“Indeed, Ms. Davis,” Clarice smiled back. “We would like to offer you a full-time faculty position as Mr. Casey’s Assistant Instructor.” When Trinity didn’t respond she continued, “Admissions are up for the Welding/Fabrication program and we feel the need for an addition to the faculty staff to keep up with the demand. You would remain on the morning curriculum of course, under Mr. Casey’s supervision.”

She blinked furiously at the unprecedented image of her ‘under’ the man, and then shook it off. ‘Good, because I’d rather drink poison than work with the afternoon group.’ “Um, wow!” she stammered briefly. “This is unexpected.”

“I would greatly appreciate your continued assistance as I familiarize myself with the campus and curriculums,” Mr. Casey stated smoothly. “Because I will also have to oversee the automotive shop, I will be relying on you to ensure that the Welding and Fabrication Program continues to run smoothly.”

The gears began turning in her mind as she considered the opportunities this presented. She could run the program and possibly improve it in many ways. She considered her MMA training and the work schedule she would have to maintain, to fit both obligations.

Everyone in the room watched her as she silently reviewed the offer and what it would mean for her. She had begun bouncing on the balls of her feet subconsciously as she thought. Only the President and Brian Applegate considered it as part of her endearing personality.

“Okay,” she said suddenly, addressing the new program director as well as the panel. “I have two conditions.” Several eyebrows were lifted at her temerity. Emmit Bell looked like he was about to throw a clot.

“I beg your pard...” he began.

“First,” she held up a hand and touched her index finger. “I want my CWI.” Brian was grinning across from her as she made her demand. Certified Welding Inspectors were appointed by the State and worked under the State Board of Industry Standards. Besides having to undergo a grueling examination process (which Trinity had already completed) CWIs were appointed when a position became available. There was a long list of potential inspectors waiting in line for the opportunity to claim such a position. On the other hand, under her new position as a welding instructor — she was essentially obligated to obtain the credential.

“That is unreasonable and costly,” The Assistant Dean replied with a neutral expression. “So long as you work under the umbrella of Mr. Casey’s certification, the College is fully covered.”

“If my name is going on any of the certifications, I insist that you do the right thing and petition me for my CWI,” Trinity shot back. “This is not negotiable.”

“Trinity,” the automotive supervisor, Mike Jessup interjected. “That is not something that is just pulled out of thin air,” he explained. “The College has to appeal to the State...”

“I am familiar with the process,” she interrupted. “If you have issues with the DIS or any butt-hurt candidates, just give my mom a call and I’m sure she can work it out.” She hated pulling that Ace but as far as she was concerned, they were throwing out chaff just to resist her demands.

She sensed her potential boss’s curiosity as he stood beside her.

Eddie Wright sighed and quelled any further objections with a simple nod of his head. “What else do you require, Trinity?” he asked. As a family acquaintance, she was comfortable interacting with him on a first-name basis. This too was not lost on the others in the room.

“I will need another Student Aide to replace me,” she noticed the objections on the faces of all the others on the panel but continued, “I can’t possibly absorb all that work on top of these new responsibilities,” she stated with finality. “And I get to choose them.”

“That is simply out of the question!” Emmit snapped back. “The budget will not support such an added burden!”

Her temper flared as she leaned over and slapped her hand on the table, startling everyone in the room. “Don’t even start with me Dr. Bell!” she snapped back. “That is a bunch of horse shit and you know it. Fuck it! Give them part of my salary — you know I don’t give a shit about the money!” She turned to face the panel with her eyes narrowed. “You have no idea what is expected from a Shop Aide!” she began as she counted off with her fingers. “You expect them to be OSHA Safety certified, a certified forklift operator, field certified in all four welding methods, AND willing to help out for a measly hundred bucks a week when they could be earning $35 an hour in the oil fields! So, spare me your sanctimonious bullshit about how they should be honored to contribute to the campus dream! In fact, I want you to offer them a paid position that starts at $15 an hour!”

The angry Dean of Admission began to stand when the new shop director cleared his throat. Eddie Wright once again quelled further objections and nodded toward the towering black man.

“Far be it from me to interject myself into all this ... turmoil,” he began. His deep voice filled the room. “But I find no fault with Ms. Davis’ conditions. And I might add that it would be unconscionable for me to even consider taking this position if you didn’t give them serious consideration.”

Trinity gasped and turned to regard the man who just threw down the gauntlet. He stood stoically beside her as the panel of administrators gawked back at them.

Eddie Wright stood up and stepped away from the conference table, wearing a bright smile. “Very well then,” he said addressing the three people standing or seated apart from them. “I think we can continue this meeting without taking up any more of your time. I would ask the Administration faculty to remain so that we can discuss a favorable resolution.” He watched as Mr. Casey and Trinity stepped around the table and joined Brian Applegate. “Thank you all so much for coming in on such short notice. And Trinity,” He winked at her as she turned to gaze at him curiously. “Good luck tomorrow.”

Brian led them out and turned to her as the door closed. “Subtle as always.” He laughed as he slapped her on the shoulder. He turned to grin at his replacement. “I warned you about her,” he laughed.

Brent smiled down at them both. “Indeed, you did. I look forward to working with you Ms. Davis.”

“You think they will give in?” she asked.

He nodded easily. “If there is any merit to your reputation and pedigree, I would consider it a done deal.”

“What’s going on tomorrow?” Brian asked her curiously.

“I’m gonna fight one of the champions,” she replied excitedly. Seven girls held belts beside Guttierez. She was to be matched against one of them as she tried to elevate her standings.

“You fight MMA?” the black man asked curiously.

“They call her ‘Serenity’,” Brian laughed. “I understand she’s starting to make a name for herself too.”

“I did a little boxing when I was in the Army,” Mr. Casey admitted.

“No kidding,” Trinity smirked, eying his tree trunk legs and massive biceps. “Who’d a thunk it?”

“I’m out,” Brian said as he started backing towards the faculty parking lot. “Good luck with everything. And don’t get beat up too badly, Trin. You guys have a full class starting Monday.”

They watched him turn and strut over to his big black motorcycle.

“So,” Trinity mumbled, suddenly feeling shy next to the giant man. “Um, can I give you a tour of the shop? Show you around campus or anything?” she glanced timidly up into his calm steel steel-gray eyes.

“I would love that,” he smiled back.

“Cool,” she unconsciously bounced once on her heels. “Would you like a coffee? I could seriously use a coffee. And I can introduce you to our barista, Liz...”

“Silver hair? Short as a pigmy goat? Cute as a button?” he inquired with a chuckle.

“I see you’ve met,” she replied bending her nose. “Lizzy is my roommate.”

“She is adorable,” he agreed. “Please allow me to pay.” He strode beside her as they began walking across the quad toward the Art Deco centerpiece.

She patted her backside realizing she left her bag in the green machine. ‘Hey, I get to park in the faculty lot now!’ “Um, yeah I didn’t bring any money, so I’ll let ya,” she replied, knowing she could get it for free regardless. “So, you were Army, eh?”

“Twelve years in the Engineer Corps,” he replied. “That’s where I got my start as a welder.”

“Cool,” she studied him as he walked beside her. “Do you do any shooting?”

He looked back down at her curiously. “I keep my skills up,” he responded firmly. “Interesting question.” He had heard rumors of her involvement in the infamous government shakedown several months ago.

She took a breath, “Campus security and Dean Douche-bag, think I’m just crying wolf...” she began. By the time they reached the opposite side of the courtyard, she had shared her concerns and relayed her suspicions toward the three malcontents she suspected of planning something. “I have friends in the State Patrol who will be present in civvies to help keep an eye out.”

He nodded with a somber look as they stepped up to the Coffee bar where Lizzy was arranging her bottles of flavors and flattening empty boxes. She brightened as she recognized the giant black man. “Brent!” she squealed excitedly. “You loved your coffee so much you’re back already?”

“I think I’m gonna like it here,” he replied with a dashing display of teeth. “Might I detract you from your work for another? And whatever my colleague usually prefers as well.”

“Colleague?” she blinked as she stared at her roommate.

“Yeah, ‘colleague’,” Trinity retorted as she stared back. ‘He’s mine, dyke!’ she communicated with her eyes. “I’m about to join the faculty,” she said smugly.

“Oooh,” the platinum blonde mimed, condescendingly. “That’s all we need is another thing to make your pretty little head swell.” Then she giggled as she began preparing her funnels. “At least we won’t have to walk so far when it rains.”

“Where’s my banana muffins?”

“The bakery won’t deliver til Monday, chicka. How about a roasted almond biscotti?” she suggested.

“How about six of them?” Trinity grumbled back, relaxing against the black vinyl seat of her cream-colored Vespa.

She spent the next two hours providing her new boss with a detailed tour of the welding and fabrication shops and discussing how they served the community by providing affordable certification examinations to nonstudents. She then took him down the hill to the automotive shop where they toured the bays and met with several of the instructors. They wound up back in the Office that she had shared with Brian. Brent stepped behind the old worn desk and sat in the rickety chair, nearly collapsing it with his weight.