Sam was so relieved when the incredulous look on the principal’s face morphed to one of gentle understanding. She believed him! This was fantastic! He could get this straightened out and get out of here! His elation was short lived.
“You’re right, Sam, there really has been a mistake, but this is far worse than you understand.” said Dr Makhov, even injecting a little sigh.
“But… you can just let me go, right? I’m not going to cause trouble, I just want to get back home and forget about this!” he replied, a new tone of panic creeping into his voice.
Dr Makhov fixed him with a cool stare.
“It’s just not that simple, Sam. You see, you’re an adult male who has snuck into a school on false pretences and under a false name – “
Makhov paused to raise a hand to Sam’s rising protests.
“Now, look Sam. I know that’s not the case, but who’s going to believe this crazy story? In truth I’m actually obliged to call that police officer back in here and have him arrest you pending an investigation. There’s all sorts of decency laws and statues in place to protect the children that you have violated today, even if by mistake.”
Sam’s face was priceless. He looked a picture of terror. Already he was seeing an investigation, headlines, branding as a pervert – maybe even prison time! Makhov’s hand moved to her intercom, no doubt to summon the officer.
“I’m sorry!” blurted Sam, apologising for not having even done a thing! “I didn’t men anything! This is all a mistake! You can’t do this, please! You’ll ruin my life! Please Ms.-“
“_Doctor_ Makhov,” she firmly corrected, allowing her hand to pause. She waited several heart beats, as if pondering. “Well, maybe we can come to an arrangement. I would hate to see you suffer for a silly mistake, and I worry how well you’d survive in prison,”
Makhov let the last words settle in and watched the androgynous guy shudder visibly.
“I have an idea! It’s a long shot, but it might save you. That police officer is undoubtedly calling right now to assign a social worker to your case. This means you’ll be under observation for a little while whilst we help fix your apparent truancy problem. During that time, we’ll have to convince them you really are Samantha Johnson. It’s the only way you’ll avoid an investigation and prison.”
Sam was aghast.
“I… I can’t!” he almost wailed.
“Look Sam, it’s that or prison.” replied Makhov, now implying prison was less a remote possibility and more a certainty if he didn’t comply. “We’ll have to work hard at this. You’ll need to out-girl most girls in order to avoid suspicion. But it will only be for a short while until social services close their case on you. What do you say?”
Sam looked ill. “I don’t know! This is all going so fas-“
Makhov started reaching for the intercom again. “Then I’m sorry I can’t help you. I’ll have to call the officer myself. I have to be seen to be protecting my school from people like y-“
“Wait!” started Sam, desperately “I’ll do it!” It would only be for a short time, he rationalised in his fear-paralysed mind.
Makhov allowed herself a thin smile.
“Excellent. You’ve made a sensible choice. We’ll get started now then, making sure you’re above suspicion. We’ll need to start with your clothes. I’ll see what we have in the lost property and confiscated box.”
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