“We don’t know. They’re anonymous letters.”

Buck gave her a condescending smile. “I know you reporters are always after a juicy story, but don’t you think you should be ashamed of yourself? I mean, anonymous letters?”

“The sender might have been afraid of repercussions.”

“Now, that’s just ridiculous. If one of my players has a problem, I expect him to come to me and we’ll solve it together. That’s how my team operates. Teamwork. And that’s what we’re going to be doing in the guidance department, too. We’re going to develop teams that give the kids an opportunity to discuss issues like bullying, peer pressure, even drugs and alcohol. Open forums where the kids can discuss these things in a supportive atmosphere and learn how they can get help if they need it.”

Lucy was scribbling busily, trying to get it all down. “Are these programs that you’re importing from Lawrence? Were they successful there?”

“I think you could say that. Very successful, but I don’t want to blow my own horn.”

“And where did you work before Lawrence? And where did you go to college?”

“Boston University. A great sports school. I mean, I always loved football but when I got to BU I learned to love football.”

“Did you play?”

“Sadly, no. Just pick-up games with guys from the dorm.”

“I’m not clear on this. Don’t coaches need some sort of certification?”

“Not really. It’s the kind of thing you learn to do by doing. I started out helping out…oh, that was years ago. I’ve been coaching football for twenty years or more.” He looked at his watch. “Oops, sorry, but I’ve got a meeting with the principal and I’m late.”

Lucy got to her feet. “I don’t want you to get in trouble, not when you’re just starting a new job.” She extended her hand. “Thanks for your time.”

“No problem,” he said. “It was a pleasure. Let me see you out.”

Lucy still had a million questions to ask, but there was no opportunity in the short walk from the guidance office to the front hall. All she really had time for was a quick request that he remember her to Bonnie before they parted at the main office. She hurried back to the Pennysaver office, wondering if Ted was still mellow from the brownies.

He wasn’t. “Lucy, I’ve got a hole on page one and I need that story.”

“I’m right on it,” said Lucy, tapping her head. “It’s all up here. I just have to type it up.”