Second Thoughts Read Online Free Page B

reasons.”
    â€œThat’s another thing I’m worried about.”
    â€œThe Perceptum, you mean,” she said and I nodded. I was glad I didn’t have to explain for her to understand. I worried about the Perceptum and, specifically, its Council—the unofficial but very real and very serious governing body of all Sententia—often, almost as often as the man who headed it. For the other Sententia students, it was basically a given that they’d become members after graduation. But for me, it was different. As the last known Hangman, or
Carnifex
in the oldLatin, it was my talent they wanted most. “We don’t choose our gifts, Lainey,” Dr. Stewart continued. “Only how to use them.”
    â€œThat’s just it. What I’d have to do…” I trailed off, unsure exactly how to finish. It was a lot of things, most of which I was sure I couldn’t stomach. The Perceptum Council protected the most important and pretty much only code Sententia followed: to be discreet with our abilities. Occasionally the Council determined a person, and their abilities, were too big a threat to do anything but “eliminate” them. Or in other words,
kill them.
That’s where I’d come in. “Don’t you think there’s another way?”
    Dr. Stewart shook her head. “No, I don’t. Elimination is not a whim; it’s a last resort, for the most egregious abusers and most dangerous. It’s justice, and protection. If there’s another way, we haven’t found it yet.”
    And that was the problem.
    Before I could say anything more, ask another question for which there was no good answer, Dr. Stewart moved from her chair to stand before two of her wide windows. She glanced back at me, and I joined her, surprised by the view. I could see my dorm, the ponds, most of campus. Between two of the newer buildings, I could even see the gates, and all the way across the street to Penrose Books. The sun had risen enough now to light the tops of the buildings and trees a glowing orange.
    â€œI’d like you to do something, Elaine,” Dr. Stewart said, “that I think will help you understand.”
    â€œWhat is it?”
    â€œI’d like you to join the Honor Board. Ms. Kim has already nominated you. If she hadn’t, I’d have submitted your name myself.”
    Wow. Honor Board
was
an honor, and a serious commitment. It reviewed and determined disciplinary actions for student infractions, things like cheating and other rule-breaking. It was also, now that Icompared them, pretty similar to the Perceptum Council. Just without the secrecy and the killing.
    â€œBut I’m only a second year!”
    Dr. Stewart shrugged, actually
shrugged.
If I hadn’t been so shocked by the Honor Board nomination, I wouldn’t have believed my eyes. Maybe she’d been spending too much time with me. A hint of a smile before she spoke told me she’d done it on purpose. “That’s all that’s required. That, and a stellar academic and participation record, and a disposition the faculty deems worthy.”
    â€œThank you,” I said. “Of course I’ll do it. I promise to do my best.”
    â€œBah.” Dr. Stewart waved one of her slender hands. “It’s not about ‘your best.’ You’ll do admirably because it’s what the position demands and you’re suited to it. Honor Board is a challenge. You’ll succeed.”
    I nodded, unsure what else to say. We stood there, at the windows, and I wondered if the headmaster simply enjoyed the view. A few moments later, I realized she was waiting for something, when Carter appeared, nearly sprinting down the main hill. He slammed to a stop at the gates before checking his watch and pacing back and forth to cool down.
    â€œIs that…?” I asked, though who else would it be? Even from here, I could recognize the rise and fall of his strong