" Dr. Trenchant laughed scornfully and sat back in her
chair scanning the evaluation forms. "You claim I wrote these five
which are derogatory toward them and the course. Five! Over two years
and hundreds of feedback forms? How could there be any harm attributed
to these particular forms when you know that both of those instructors
have consistently received derogatory evaluations from the students
since they started teaching the course?" Diana held the offending
papers out in demonstration toward Lyle, indignation rampant in her
gesture. Lyle ignored her question and picked up two other papers from
his desk which he handed to Diana saying accusingly, "Besides those
five, here are copies of two you also wrote concerning the nutrition
course. Together, these constitute repeated acts of dishonesty which
are grounds for termination for cause. However...." Lyle tried for a
kindly expression and failed, "we are prepared to forget these charges
if you resign."

"Oh, that's the game, is it? No way. I'm going to talk to the faculty
ombudsman about this and find out what steps to take," returned Diana,
hotly, rising from her chair and starting toward the door.

"You can't." As Diana turned back to look at him, Lyle continued with
some desperation, "You have no recourse, no appeal. The entire
academic council have met and decided already on this course of action.
If you do not resign on your own, you will be terminated."

"But not without a hearing certainly--according to the faculty
handbook. Or are you suspending those rights along with my access to
the ombudsman?" Grabbing up the copies of the forms, Diana left the
room.

As the door closed behind her, Lyle reached for the phone and dialed
with considerable agitation. "Henry, she won't resign. She's gone to
see Jonathan and intends to make a public mess of it," he babbled
hysterically.

"Calm yourself, Lyle. I've already spoken to Jonathan and if it comes
to a hearing, well--don't forget, I select the hearing panel and chair
it. Her public mess be damned, all our hearings are closed to the
public. Get a grip and stop blubbering."

GIVE THE DEVIL HER DUE

Chapter 1

It was going to be a perfect June day. Already a cloudless, azure sky,
promising no hint of rain, arched over a shimmering campus. All shades
of green were represented and so was every color in the flowers that
lined the walks and burst forth from the beds. In perfect complim