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sank into his chair, staring at the door.
    Kennedy rolled his eyes again, slouching back into his seat. “I meant that in a good way, man. I did. In fact, you sort of turned me on when you had your shirt off. All tingly down under.” He laughed, and just then Carter walked in, shutting the door behind him.
    He held a file and whistled a nameless tune as he walked over. “Hello, brothers.” Nods and handshakes, then Carter took his seat in the center of the row, beside me. “Business on the agenda today, men. An interview for the last spot in the Youth Leadership Group, but we’ve a decision to make before this interview takes place.” He crossed his ankle over his knee and fiddled with his shoelace. “As you all know, the Lambert school elections will be held in two weeks for the general-populationstudent council.…” He waved it off. “I know they’re lame duck, but we can’t allow the wrong people to take positions, particularly the student-body president, vice president, and treasurer. Of the six positions, we need at least four to own a majority vote on policy, particularly budget. I’ve already spoken to three Leadership Group members who will run, and of course we’ll win, but as for the president, we need a member of the five in power to have absolute assurances. One of us.” He looked at Steven. “You will be running for president.”
    Kennedy laughed. “What? The guy can’t even tie his shoes without a maid, and you want him to be student-body president?”
    Steven slumped further in his chair.
    Carter nodded. “Steven will be perfect for the position, Kennedy.” He looked over at him. “Would you prefer to run?”
    Kennedy shrugged. “Well, yeah. At least, we’d have—”
    Carter interrupted. “The Chamber can exert its will at this school, Kennedy, but only to a certain extent. I’m afraid you are too much of an asshole to win. Everybody hates you. Even with the Group backing you, we’d have to resort to violence, which I hate. Steven will be running.”
    I shook my head. “I thought you said we had to make the decision, Carter.”
    He smiled. “We did.”
    “No, you did. And not that I agree with Kennedy, but Steven doesn’t exactly have the charisma needed.” I looked at Steven. “Not bagging on you, Steve, but you don’t seem too excited.”
    He shrugged. I was beginning to wonder if an intelligent conversation with the guy would consist of more than two words.
    Carter smiled. “I’ll take that as an affirmative shrug. Congratulations, Steven.” He looked at the file on his lap. “Now, on to the interview.”
    I wouldn’t back down. “What about Woodsie? He’s a natural for it.”
    Carter frowned. “Steven will do an excellent job because he understands our mission.”
    I rolled my eyes. “In other words, he’ll do what you tell him.”
    Carter raised his eyebrows, cocking an eye at me. “Very good, Jason. You’re already getting the hang of things. Now, on to our guest.” He took a file from a folder. “Mr. Presley.” He looked up at me. “You happen to be friends with this student?”
    I nodded. “He’s got a chance at a prestigious program, and scholarship, if he makes it in. It’s important.”
    Kennedy groaned. “An inbred Elvis impersonator.”
    Carter winked at me, tapping the file. “Actually, a very impressive record, and an absolute asset to the scientific community. Brilliant in math, right, Jason?”
    “Yes.”
    Carter nodded at the file. “You recommended him, correct?”
    “Yes.”
    A moment passed as we waited. He leaned toward me. “So have you thought about your assignment, Jason?”
    “Still thinking.”
    His voice slid through the room smooth and easy. Comforting. “Very good. Some things need deliberation. I thought this interview would be appropriate to show you how the Chamber can work with you in the same way that you work with us.”
    I relaxed a bit, but I knew that with Carter, the first mistakewas to let your guard down.