Alex waited
patiently as the vice president of the college finished the introduction. The
veep was pedantic and boring, and it was all Alex could do to stay awake, even
though the introduction was nothing but flattery for the guest of honor: Alex.
“She has
published twelve books that have all hit the New York Times’ bestseller list,”
the veep droned. “A remarkable feat for any author, much less a history
professor.” A few chuckles from the audience on that. “Join me in welcoming our
visiting professor for the semester, Dr. Alexandra Conrad.”
The lecture
hall erupted in applause, though some of it clearly was not enthusiastic as
much as it was obligatory as a forced social custom. Alex stood, taking the
hand of the veep, who pumped her arm a little too much.
Alex
switched on her earpiece mike instead of taking the podium. “Thank you, Vice
President Hallsey,” Alex forced a pleasant smile. “It’s an honor to be here.
I’m looking forward to my classes this semester and this special advanced
lecture today here at DeGradi University. Go Trappers!”
The team
got more cheers than she did, but that was almost always the case. It was only
the third year in a row she had ben farmed out to other universities, but never
so far from home before.
Paul has a lot to answer for on this one,
but I don’t have the leverage to stop him. It was a damn fine loophole he found
to get me out of his hair since he doesn’t have cause to fire me.
“Well, now.
I suppose I could go into my books, my teaching methodology, or how successful
I’ve been as a professor to my students, but I think I’d rather get to the
heart of this special lecture: Gettysburg.”