Page 89 of Hockey 101

Which is only what I’ve been saying all along! I’m the new president of the Jaz Nelson Fan Club.

The professor puts his elbows on the table and rubs his temples. So, the issue we had last month with the controversial op-ed piece would not have occurred if Ms. Robson had been granted her original position?

I asked her to resume the role of opinions editor for the good of the Messenger, but she refused, Bryce says. He’s getting nervous. The blinking is his tell.

Professor Pullman huffs. Mr. Myrtle, it seems to me that if you had not interfered in the editorial staffing, twice, and in both instances without solid rationale, I wouldn’t have had to intervene in any newspaper issues. And at a time when I’m trying to wrap up the final edits on my upcoming book.

This is the biggest crime for our hands-off faculty advisor: wasting his time. He’s like a parent who says, Kids, don’t bother me unless there’s blood. He gazes off into the distance as we await his Solomonic wisdom.

Fine. After consideration of the issues, here is my decision. He turns to Bryce. You are relieved of your duties as editor-in-chief, effective immediately. Thank you for your service to the Messenger.

The blood drains from Bryce’s face. But Professor Pullman, my future employment depends on my being editor-in-chief! This apparent surge of support for the sports editor is all smoke and mirrors.

The professor scowls. In the words of Lord Acton, ‘Absolute power corrupts absolutely.’ In your case, Mr. Myrtle, it seems you have used your power to settle personal grievances. I will now admit I questioned your competence when the op-ed problems arose in the first place, but I gave you the benefit of the doubt. But having heard all the staffing shenanigans that have occurred under your leadership, I am appalled at the way Ms. Robson has been treated. And I haven’t even mentioned the other complaints I’ve received from newspaper staff members concerning your autocratic behaviour.

Bryce sits in shocked silence, his mouth open and his body slack. Having rendered his verdict, Professor Pullman makes a shooing motion with his hand.

You may go now, Mr. Myrtle. And while I acknowledge your right to appeal my decision, I will caution you that in that event, this entire file will become part of your permanent record.

As much as I despise Bryce, I can’t help but feel a bit sorry for him. His whole life revolves around the Messenger. He literally spends hours each day there, on top of his class schedule. And will Heidi even want to keep dating him once they don’t have the newspaper in common?

Bryce rises shakily to his feet and slowly leaves the room. Once the door closes behind him, Professor Pullman turns to us.

Now, Ms. Nelson, are you prepared to assume the role of editor-in-chief?

I am, she says, with such confidence that I wonder if this was her endgame all along.

He lowers his glasses and peers at her. Fine. As I understand it, you were scheduled to take the position next year anyway. We are merely accelerating your promotion. May I reiterate that I’ve already had more issues this year than in the three previous ones combined? I look forward to working uninterrupted on my book.

Understood, sir.

And what are your plans around the sports editorship? he asks.

Jaz turns to me. Andy, we would welcome you back, if you still want the position.

What about Joey Vincent? Not that I care about the feelings of the rat who deserted me on day one, but Professor Pullman just said he didn’t want any more controversy.

She shrugs. He was informed when he took the position that it was on a trial basis. Based on the feedback we’ve had, he’ll understand why we need to make a change. She motions towards the letters of support for me.

If I come back, I have one condition, I say.

Professor Pullman’s sigh echoes through the small space. Of course you do, Miss Difficult. He may be feeling sympathy for Bryce after all.

Jaz’s jaw clenches. And what would that be?

I would like C.J. Baker reinstated as the deputy sports editor. She’s been loyal to me, and I want to return the favour.

Fine. Jaz nods and turns to Professor Pullman. Andy and I will work out the details of the transition. Thank you for your guidance on this matter.

Excellent. Glad that we could come to a resolution. I look forward to the smooth running of the Messenger. With those parting words, he sweeps out of the room.

Jaz is all business as we discuss my return and whether I’ll be able to get my reporters back. I don’t mention that each of them, except Jacob, messaged me with sympathetic notes and wishes for my return. Getting the team back together should be easy-peasy.

I plan to write a short announcement on your return based on reader feedback, as well as our commitment to the inclusivity that C.J. mentioned in her letter. I’ll put that out on Monday, along with examples of the reader feedback. Joey’s gone to some tournament this weekend, so I’ll wait until he’s back to inform him, Jaz says as we wrap up.

Thank you very much. And don’t worry, I’m not into drama normally.

I’ll insist on that. Then she gives me a crooked little smile. When Bryce made you sports editor, I didn’t think you’d last a month. And that first game story cemented my convictions. But you persevered and succeeded. Congratulations.

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