The Revere Cafe Prologue

The Beacon Café was located next to the front entrance. William peered into the main cafeteria adjacent the Beacon Café. A few students sat quietly at tables reading. Two students in the back of the cafeteria played chess. William walked into the smaller room that housed the Beacon Café, and took a seat at one of the tables along the interior wall. A student walked up to him. “Good morning, Mr. Blake. How do you fare?” The student asked. “Hale and hearty, hearty and hale, Anna,” William said. “Did you finish your essay last night?” “Yes, sir. I emailed it to you this morning. I think I nailed it; third time is always a charm,” Anna said. “Excellent. I’ll look forward to reading it tonight. I’ll post my notes in Schoology sometime tomorrow,” William said. “Can I get you something to eat?”

Blake,” Anna said excitedly. William poured the cream into his coffee and stirred in a spoonful of sugar. He sipped the freshly roasted and ground coffee, enjoying the rich overtones. He took a bite of the bagel, savoring the smooth texture of the salmon that mixed with perfect hints of onion, garlic and capers that were hydroponically and organically grown in the Beacon Academy greenhouses. As usual, the food was five-star quality. William placed the bagel on the dish and used a linen napkin to wipe his mouth. He looked up and saw Jason Brigham crossing the café in his direction. “Hey, there you are,” Jason said. “Uh-oh, Mr. Brigham,” William said. “You’re not supposed to be in here. You didn’t make this week’s list.” Jason looked over his shoulder quickly to make sure no one saw him enter the café. Faculty and students found in the café who were not on the list would be subject to community scorn at the monthly performance review meetings. “I know, I know. I just saw you sitting in here. I’m leaving,” Jason said. “Can you meet with me and Tabitha in the conference room in an hour? One of those inspectors from Hartford wants to talk to us.”