Familiar with the routine and the office, but not the occupant, Link examined the new staff member. He was presented with a short and round man who looked fairly comfortable in a dress shirt and tie. ‘Councilor Vaughan’ by the nameplate. “Lincoln Kieran?” The man inquired shortly.

Link replied noncommittally, “More or less.”

“‘Yes’ or ‘no’,” Mr. Vaughan corrected with a scowl that looked out of place on a face etched with laugh lines.

“Yes,” Link acquiesced then quirked a brow as he watched ‘difficult’ jotted, upside down, on the councilor’s notepad.

“I don’t know what you’ve heard of me, Lincoln, since you’ve been conspicuously absent from classes this last week, but I felt that we should first become acquainted on a good note.”

“A good note,” Link repeated with wry humor. “Of course.”

A considerably overstuffed folder was hefted onto the cluttered desk. “I’ve familiarized myself with your file, but I’d like to add some kind of notation. Suggestions?”

“‘Don’t believe everything you read’?”

“Point,” Mr. Vaughan conceded, less than convinced, “Nor everything you’re told… Do we understand each other?”

“Indeed.”

“Then that’ll be all. I’ll write you a note and you may leave. For class.”

Link snorted, amused.