"Of course, it means that you will have to share Fred, our only
other technician, do your own research or get a grant and hire
your own technician."
Most of the people in the room moved uncomfortably in
their chairs looking down at the floor or out the window.
Looking anywhere but at each other or Jimbo.
"It's settled then, we let her go?" Jimbo broke the silence.
"No one opposes? All right then, it's. . .
"I don't know too much about these things," came a hesitant
voice from the back of the group. Everyone turned around to look
at the young graduate student, Holly Preston, who had spoken.
In a voice getting stronger all the time, she continued,
"As I say, I don't know much about this, but I thought when
someone was fired that there had to be cause. That is, that they
were not doing their job properly or whatever.
"Since I've been in the department, I have been impressed
with Diana Trenchant's hard work and knowledge. I've gone
to her often for help. What reason will you give for firing her,
Dr. Jones?"
A taut silence descended upon the room like a malignant fog.
Then, an angry, red-faced Jimbo Jones glared at Holly, declared the
action tabled and adjourned the meeting.
Pages:
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34