I set my bag down beside the desk and turn around to face the doorway. Brother Bennett watches me from the hallway. His gaze shifts to the chair facing his desk and back to me again. I take the hint and sit myself down.
Brother Bennett nods approvingly. “I’m gonna walk Miss Joyce down the hall for a minute. When I get back, I expect to find you right where you are. Is that clear, son?” His dark eyes bore into me as he waits for my response.
“Got it,” I mumble, and turn away to face the desk.
“‘Got it’ ain’t the answer I’m looking for, boy!” Brother Bennett’s voice lashes out like a whip, and I jerk back around. He glares at me beneath the rim of his cowboy hat. “It’s either ‘yes, sir’ or ‘no, sir.’ Round here, our boys learn to speak with respect. Do I make myself clear?”
‘Got it’I gli
