Chapter Three

   The last bell had rung, and John Merlin hurried down the hall, swept along on the tide of students toward the main doors. As he passed the principal's office, a figure emerged directly in his path.
   "Oh, Ms. Sanchez," Merlin said, nearly stumbling into her, "I'm leaving a bit early. I'm not feeling well, and I have an appointment --"
   "Yes. With me. Three hours ago." Selena Sanchez waved a permission slip in front of his face, "Field trips require one of these -- from each student -- signed by a parent or guardian."
   "Oh, I'm sorry, I forgot -- it was just a spur of the moment outing -- we didn't go far."
   Ms. Sanchez spoke through clenched teeth, "All of your 'outings' are on the spur of the moment. You must learn to plan, Mr. Merlin, plan. It is the key to success in life and in your career as a teacher, do I make myself clear?"
   "Yes Ma'am. Uh, thank you," Merlin winced and looked toward the door.
   "Honestly," thought Ms. Sanchez, "some teachers were worse than students."
   Merlin nodded a quick farewell and hurried down the hall and out of the building.
   Ms. Sanchez watched him, wondering if he was planning to call in sick tomorrow; he did look a little pale, and he was perspiring.

   Morgan Le Fay was "dressed-to-kill" in a tight-fitting red dress. She'd had no trouble trading Bonny her luxurious robe for the dress, a matching shawl, and a large purse. She looked at her reflection in a store window, pleased. These fashions suited her -- anyone meeting her would simply see a beautiful woman with long black hair in a stunning red dress. Morgan draped the leather bag over her shoulder; it now held the contents of her robe's many pockets -- and the money Bonny had hastily added to the deal when it had looked like Morgan might change her mind.
   The money had fascinated Morgan. She was familiar with coins, but the unusual substance of the "bills" (as Bonny had called them) intrigued her. The odd texture of the thin white sack Bonny had offered her was equally unfamiliar.