Charles’s jaw tightened and heat rose in his face. He clamped his teeth together. There was no way he could talk to Jeremiah yet.
Finally, he swallowed and took a deep breath. “Meet me in the science room in one hour.”
The boy’s eyes flashed. “Yes, sir!”
Charles spun on his heel and stalked into the house. He had to get his anger under control. He’d never been one to lose his temper, but the sight of Jeremiah with the cigar had made him see red.
“Mr. Charles, you okay?”
He waved and nodded at Virgie as he passed her in the foyer, then climbed the stairs to the third floor.
The science room was hot and oppressive. You’d think the second week in October would be a little cooler. He sighed. Sinking into his chair behind the desk, he leaned back and closed his eyes. Jeremiah had been doing so well. Charles had worked carefully with the boy, guiding him along. And he’d shown so much promise. Now this.
Is that why you’re angry? Because you took pride in Jeremiah’s new outlook and attitudes?
The thought hit him hard. Was that it? Did he feel Jeremiah had let him, Charles, down? But then, that didn’t say much for his concern for the boy, did it?
Father, forgive me. And please give me wisdom in handling this new situation.
Peace washed over him as the anger drained away. Okay. Obviously Jeremiah needed discipline for smoking. It was not only against the rules, but also a fire hazard. But Charles needed to handle the situation with firmness and love.
By the time Jeremiah tapped on the door, Charles was ready. He hoped. He’d simply have to trust God to lead him.
The boy slipped in, walked board-straight to the front of the desk and stood looking straight into Charles’s eyes. It was almost as if he dared him to do something. What in the world did he expect him to do? Throw him in a dungeon or something?
“I’m sure it’s not necessary for me to say how disappointed I am, Jeremiah.” He paused, but when the boy didn’t respond, he went on. “Smoking is against the rules for several reasons. First of all, it’s not a healthy choice for a lad your age. Second, it is a fire hazard. But even if these things weren’t true, you’ve broken a school rule.”
“So beat me and get it over with.”
Charles looked at him in surprise. “Beat you? I would think by now you would know we don’t discipline that way.”
Something moved in the boy’s eyes. Relief? Disbelief?
“We do, however, take rule-breaking seriously. I’ve decided you will be confined to your room except for school, church and meals for one week. At church, you will remain next to me, as you will at mealtime.”
Something like panic clouded the boy’s eyes. “Horseback riding? That’s school, right?”
Sympathy slid over Charles. He knew how much the horses meant to Jeremiah. “Sorry. No horses until the week is over.”
“That’s not fair! It’s a school lesson.”
“Jeremiah, it’s not a regular school course. It’s a privilege. You know that. So don’t argue, please.”
Thunder raged in the boy’s eyes. “May I go now?”
“Yes, you’re dismissed. Please go straight to your room.”
Jeremiah spun around and stalked out of the science room. His footsteps resounded as he stomped down the hall to the stairs.
Charles took a deep breath and stepped over to the window. Some of the trees were beginning to turn color. The sight of them usually gave him peace. There was something about a touch of autumn that sent joy surging through him. But not today. His heart raged with pain. Oh, Jeremiah would eventually get over this. But the anger in Jeremiah’s eyes surely wasn’t just from being deprived of horseback riding for a week.
He left the room and walked down the stairs. When he reached the second floor, he turned left to go check out Jeremiah and make sure he was in his room. Standing outside the door, he could hear something hitting the wall inside the room. Charles stood still. It sounded as if someone was throwing things all over the place. When there was no pause in the sounds inside, he turned the doorknob and entered.
Books lay scattered all over the floor. Jeremiah, shirt ripped off, was in the process of throwing a glass-framed picture against the wall. Apparently, he’d already broken at least one because shattered glass crackled beneath Charles’s boots.
When Jeremiah saw Charles, he glared and turned to grab another book.
Charles gasped. Welts and scars crisscrossed Jeremiah’s back and shoulders.
Jeremiah whirled and grabbed a shirt. Shame filled his eyes as he put it on and buttoned it up.
“Spy! Why are you spying on me?” he lashed out with a pain-filled voice.