Page 60 of Disciplining Dana

What have you got to lose?

“I owe you,” he murmured, and before she could protest, he began heading toward Mr. Hawkins’ office. As he crossed the lobby, the door to Erika’s office was open, and he changed direction toward it. Coming up to the threshold, he found her sitting at her desk.

She looked up. “Ah, Mr. Ellery.”

“Is Mr. Hawkins in?”

“He is. Would you like me to see if he’s available?”

“Please.”

After a brief phone conversation, she pointed to the door to Derek Hawkins’ office.

“He said to come on in.”

“Thank you,” Kurt replied quietly before going to Mr. Hawkins office.

“Afternoon,” the man said, standing as Kurt entered.

“Thank you for taking the time to see me.”

Mr. Hawkins indicated a chair. “My pleasure. I was actually wondering when you were going to get around to coming.”

Kurt looked askance at him. “I beg your pardon?”

“I told you the other evening I felt like we might have some things in common. And that it couldn’t hurt to have a sympathetic ear from someone who may have traveled the same road as you before.”

A flash of recollection reminded Kurt of the conversation. “And here I was about to blame Luna for telling tales out of school.”

Mr. Hawkins chuckled. “Now mind you, normally I wouldn’t put it past her, but this time…” He leaned back in his chair, folding his hands behind his head. “So… are you here to talk about what I suspect?”

“If what you suspect is Dana Aziz, then… yes.”

“I figured as much,” he replied evenly. “So, how can I help you?”

“Well, Mr. Hawkins, that’s where I’m not exactly sure.”

Mr. Hawkins brought his hands down, then held one up. “I’m going to stop you right there. Considering everything we’ve been through, and what we’re about to discuss, I’d appreciate you doing me the courtesy of calling me Derek, if you don’t mind.”

Kurt grinned. “Kurt.”

“Alright. So, Kurt, you were saying you’re not exactly sure how I can help?”

“Honestly, I’m not sure anyone can help because I don’t have a goddamn clue what I should be doing. All I know for certain is I have to do something, or…”

Derek rubbed his chin for a long moment. “You care about her, don’t you?”

“I think I told you the other evening I did.”

“Yes,” Derek conceded, “but I’m not blind. You really care for that young woman. More than you seem willing to admit.”

“We’ve both made it clear what we want from our relationship. I’m not about to jeopardize that by assuming there’s more to it than what we’ve agreed to.”

“And that tells me all I need to know,” Derek replied with conviction. “So, in terms of where you’re at currently in your relationship with Ms. Aziz—assuming you want more than simply having it continue—what is it you want to accomplish?”

“I wish I knew exactly. Honestly, it was Luna who suggested I might want to discuss the matter with you. She said you’ve had some… experience in a situation like this.”

“Some of the brats here at Rawhide have a pet name for me they like to think is a secret, except it’s the worst-kept one in the world.”

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