Chapter Thirteen

Mr. Sfinkter wasn’t as jovial with the students as he’d been with the teachers. He was already in his seat when we arrived. He stared at Chill when he came in, his eyes following him to his seat.

After the bell, Mr. Sfinkter said nothing while the class sat in silence. He looked each one of us over.

“As I’m sure you’ve all heard,” he began, “there was a bit of a misunderstanding last night. A local station, run by complete incompetents apparently—something that is reflected in their on-air personalities—ran a composite sketch of a man that looked a lot like me. It was an error.” His eyes settled on Chill when he said this. Chill didn’t flinch. “And they’ll be apologizing for it,” he told us.

“A lesser man than myself,” he continued, “would hold a grudge and even sue the station and make sure that the employees in any way responsible would be fired.” He again looked at Chill. This time Chill flinched. I knew it was the thought of his mom losing her job that did it.

“But I am not a lesser man. Children who are allowed to daydream become adults with sloppy work habits, and that station seems to be full of them. These people are to be pitied. For that reason, I’m going to forget about the whole thing and advise each of you to do the same.”

And that was the last that was said about it, by anyone. Until we were out of class, of course.

When the bell rang, I approached Mr. Sfinkter’s desk.

“Sir,” I said, “I was wondering if you had a chance to look at my book.”

“What?”

“My book.”

“I was a little busy last night, Mr. Fitzsimmons. When I read it, I will let you know. In the meantime, don’t pester me or I’ll toss it without a glance.”

“Yes, sir,” I said. Turning, I saw Chill at the back of the class, helping Sara with her books. I looked at Sara. She was smiling at Chill as if she was sharing in a private joke and promising not to tell.

I doubt that Chill told her about doing the picture. I doubt he told anyone. But word spread faster than poison ivy at summer camp, and this time without my help. Nothing could be proven because the sketch had mysteriously disappeared after airing. It seemed Chill couldn’t really get into trouble, but among the students his popularity grew.