I sat back in my chair and looked at the Dean as if he were my equal. Never let your opponent sense weakness—another rule I’d lived by in sports, and it seemed to fit here too. “These rumors flying around campus,” I said, gesturing in a nondescript manner, “about me and Bella. None of them are true.”
Howard studied me for a moment, appearing irritated by my cocky demeanor, before chuckling. “Well, I would certainly hope not, Mr. Livingston. That would be quite . . . disturbing if they were,” he said with a frown.
“Well, something should be done about it,” I said. “People shouldn't be allowed to go around spreading those rumors about something that never happened. I have a valuable reputation as a star athlete. Ultimately, this thing could follow me long after I’m gone from NSU. And while pro lacrosse isn’t exactly the same as pro football, it could hurt my potential future earnings . . . something that the university could be liable for.”
If it were up to me, I’d get people to stop talking by the way of physical intimidation. But of course, that would only make matters worse. I felt like an idiot for trying to use some half-baked Law & Order bullshit lawyer speak with the dean.
Howard folded his hands in front him and sat back in his chair. “I wouldn’t be concerned from the university’s perspective, Mr. Livingston. After all, several witnesses say it did happen, and I already spoke with the school’s legal team on the law on slander, so your threat is just hot air. But back to the witnesses. So you're saying they're all lying?”
I nodded. “That’s exactly what they're doing. There are a lot of guys out there who are jealous of my All-Star athlete status, and just as many girls are jealous of Bella.”
An amused grin broke out on Howard’s chubby face, and I must admit, it made me want to slug him in his gut. “Whatever the source of these rumors, and whatever the veracity of these claims, it’s not exactly you or your sister who is being investigated here, Mr. Livingston. Rather, it’s the Alpha fraternity and the Kappa sorority as a whole. You see, I know all about the wild traditions that you young kids indulge in. As much as some of the things you kids do is frowned upon, I can totally relate. Believe it or not, I was young once too. But there is a limit to what we can allow.”
He continued on, not noticing my expression of derision. “But, when things get out of hand and disturbing rumors can damage the school’s reputation, my office demands that I take action. If the panel finds any evidence, both Kappa and Alpha will be disbanded. Some students may even be expelled.” He stared directly into my eyes to drive his point home.
I leaned forward in my chair, challenging Howard’s gaze. “I really don’t think you will find anything, sir. In fact, I think it would be best for you to call off your little investigation. I mean, think about it for a minute: There's no solid proof that either institution broke any school laws with traditions that have been going on practically since the school was founded. I would think a scandal of this magnitude being revealed would hurt the school’s image.”
Howard chuckled. “Well, that’s exactly why you’re not Dean of this school, my boy. Such logic is not only corrupt, but weak as well.” He shifted in his seat. “But let’s say I indulge your idea for a moment. Why would I want to just sweep this whole thing under the rug, despite all the things we’ve heard from the students around campus?”
I checked the urge to lean across the table and grab Howard by the collar. That was one bad thing about myself I wish I could fix—my temper. Sometimes, I let people get under my skin far too easily. I’d like to think that some of it was because I was a young, competitive athlete who had too much testosterone raging through his blood. “Because, Sir, Alpha Gamma is one of the most talked about fraternities in the whole state. Shutting it down will not only tarnish its name, but it’ll weaken the school’s popularity.”
Howard let out a pig-like snort. “You obviously don’t keep up with the news too well. After Baylor, Harvard, and a bunch of others, choosing to ignore this could have far worse ramifications if it turned out to be true.” He glared at me. “Don’t you see what position I am in, Mr. Livingston? What would that say about my character and leadership if I turn a blind eye to the . . . immoral actions that are happening beneath my nose?”
Howard sucked in a deep breath, closing his eyes. He opened them a second later, not allowing me to respond, and said quietly, “I think we have just about exhausted the possibilities of this conversation, Mr. Livingston, and I think I’ve wasted enough of my valuable time on this issue. The investigation will continue, and if the rumors are verified, all guilty parties shall be dealt with.” He nodded at the door. “That is all.”