Page 32 of Smuggler's Cove
“We will manage. But first, you and your brother need to get settled. Sidney told me Lincoln was going to move in with Tyler, finish out his year at Pace, and then transfer to Baruch.”
“Yes. We have a plan.” Madison was doodling on the pad again.
“Okay, honey. I must get going. They are boarding my flight now.”
Madison thought her mother was at an airport, and now she confirmed it. Madison made out the announcement.Morocco?Interesting choice. Then she remembered that Morocco did not have an extradition treaty with the U.S. She knew this tidbit from the news she watched earlier. They explained the reason her father was remanded as a flight risk, and they named a few of the countries that would not extradite him to the U.S. The plot was as thick as any episode ofLaw & OrderorFBI: International.
“I love you, sweetheart. Give my love to Lincoln. Stay safe. Stay optimistic.” She ended the call.
Madison stared down at the floor. There was much to grasp. Her mother’s honesty about her feelings toward her father; her mother going on the lam; Madison and her brother finding new housing. And she had to transfer. If it had not been so utterly overwhelming, she could cry. But there wasn’t anything left. She grabbed Mr. Jinx and gave him a huge hug.
PART II
Chapter Six
Moving On
As she suspected, a half dozen reporters were hanging around the entrance to FIT. Two school security guards stood at the top of the steps. Madison glanced up at one of them, who gave her a subtle nod, indicating she should walk to the side entrance. She looked in the direction of her security guard, who motioned for her to follow him. They managed to circumvent the throng of gawkers, cameras, and microphones. Madison’s security detail hustled her into the building without being accosted by any of the rubberneckers. He escorted her to the dean’s office, where she was rushed in, and the doors were closed behind her.
She was unusually calm. It was the comfort in having someone watching her back. Front. And side.
The associate dean and a counselor flanked the dean. “Good morning, Madison. Please take a seat.” He motioned to the chairs in front of his desk.
“Thank you.” Madison had total composure. “I understand our family attorney, Sidney Rothberg, was in touch with you late yesterday afternoon.”
“Yes. Incredibly sad news.”
“Sad? I thinkdisturbingwould be more apt,” Madison replied. “It is not necessary to rehash your conversation with Sidney. Mr. Rothberg. At his urging, I must transfer to RISD.”
“Madison, I want you to know that we, the administration, and the faculty are working to get your records sent to them as quickly as possible. I spoke to the dean at RISD last night and explained the situation. And I gave him a glowing recommendation.”
Madison interrupted, “Thank you very much. I appreciate it.” She paused. “If anyone had been watching the news last night, they would have a clear idea of the situation. Not all of it, but an overview.”
“Correct. We printed out your file and faxed it last night and made a copy for you. They asked if you could report to the administrator on Monday.”
“I plan to go to Connecticut on Friday. There should be no problem getting there. My grandparents live about thirty minutes away from the school.”
“You have a very promising career ahead of you, Madison. I know you will do quite well. We shall miss you, of course.”
Madison thought she might tear up but bit the inside of her lip to maintain her equanimity. “I shall miss everyone, as well.”
“Mrs. Fischer boxed up your things. We can ship them to your grandmother’s if you wish.”
“That would be extremely helpful. Thank you.” Madison wrote down the address.
“I am sure you’ll want to say your goodbyes to some of your professors?”
“I would like to, yes.” Madison got up from her chair. She held out her hand. “Thank you again for making this a little less painless.” She tucked her file under her arm and shook everyone’s hand while her security detail waited in the hallway.
As they proceeded to the classrooms, several students cast disapproving looks in her direction. Madison’s thought balloons were popping in her head, while she controlled saying them aloud. Most of her classmates were kinder, gave her hugs, and wished her well. When they approached the exit, more paparazzi were waiting. She looked at the agent. “What should we do?”
“Up to you. Want to barge through them?”
“Do you think it’s safe?”
“Ringo and I have you covered.”
“Ringo?” Madison did not recall another agent.
