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doesn’t have proof that you lied, just as you don’t have proof that
you’re telling the truth.”   Kristi
always saw things in the best possible light.  
    “He has proof that the original notes are missing and a new note showed
up in its place,” Jan said.   “He has
proof that only I had the envelope between his room and Dogety’s .   He has proof that I was previously
insubordinate.   But most
importantly, he’s a firstie , about to graduate, and
five of his classmates are on the Honor Board.”   The plebe women sat in silence,
contemplating “winning” against these odds.  
    Kristi practically shouted, “Well, don’t go down without a fight.   When I testify, I’m going to tell what
assholes they have been to you.   I’m
going to tell everything they have done to mess you over.   I’m going to insinuate, very subtly of
course, that they schemed this whole thing up just to get rid of you.”   
    “Oh good, because subtlety is your strong suit.”   Jan watched Kristi’s face fall.   “I’m sorry, Kissy.   I just don’t feel very positive right
now.”
    “It’s okay,” Kristi said softly.   “This has to be killing you.”
    “You know, I had to talk myself into not quitting all year and now that I’m in jeopardy of being kicked out, I’m
trying like hell to stay.”   She
paused before adding, “I mean, I could accept failing out or even getting
booted for breaking too may rules or something cool like that.   But getting kicked out for an honor
violation?   That would mean a life
sentence of shame.   I can’t go home
that way.   I could never face my
father again.”  
    Angel, a petite black woman from somewhere in
New York City, chimed in.   “This is a spiritual battle,
Jan.   You have to fight it with
prayer.”   Jan looked at Kristi with
her lips slightly askew.   “Jesus
will give you the strength to fight the demons.”
    Despite Angel’s religiosity, Jan felt deeply grateful for two roommates
who still believed in her.   Other
classmates had already started distancing themselves.   She could feel their avoidance and their
abhorrence—a common reaction to anyone undergoing an Honor Board.   Most would never know what really
happened, but simply being “charged with honor” caused most everyone to back
away.   An honor charge at West Point
gave you social leprosy.
    “Gee Angel, I knew Jackson and Dogety were
jerks, but I didn’t realize they were demons,” she smiled and winked at
Kristi.  

 
    The plebe women rushed outside to dinner formation.   As soon as Jan fell in her squad line, Dogety marched up and stood directly in front of her.   Barely above a whisper, he asked, “What’s
happening at the Honor Board, Miss Wishart ?”
    “Sir, I cannot talk about it.”   She kept her eyes straight ahead, focusing on his chin.  
    “I know you can’t tell me specifics, but how’s it going in general?”   His voice quivered slightly.
    “It’s an Honor Board, Sir.   It’s going.”   She refused to
give him one ounce of information, especially because he refused to make a
statement.    “But, Sir, I would
feel more hopeful if you would submit a statement.”
    He paused.   Breathed in, then
out.   “I wish I could do that, Miss Wishart , but I can’t.”  
    Why? Because you’re a
coward? Or because you want me gone?
    “Well, Sir, I will cross examine everyone who testifies.”   He would have to answer her questions in
person if not in writing.
    “I know, Wishart .   I know,” Dogety said softly before walking away.  

 
    After dinner, Jan brushed her teeth while standing over the sink in her
room.   As she rinsed the toothpaste
from her mouth, a folded piece of paper flew under the door.   She turned off the water, grabbed a
towel, and dried her hands before stooping down to pick up the paper.   It said “Jan” on one side in familiar
handwriting.   She flung open the
door and looked up and down the hallway.   The