Three Cheers for Molly Sullivan

by John H. Dromey

About the Author: John H. Dromey was born in Northeast Missouri. He enjoys reading—mysteries in particular—and writing in a variety of genres. He’s had short fiction published in Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine, Crimson Streets, Flame Tree Fiction Newsletter, Gumshoe Review, Mystery Weekly Magazine, Thriller Magazine, Woman’s World, and elsewhere.

Excerpt

“Welcome to the halls of academe, Mrs. Sullivan. A word to the wise. While you’re on campus, be careful not to let your guard down for even a split second. Above all else, don’t show any sign of weakness or you’ll be pedestrianized.”

“I’ll what?”

“The short-term residents in your dormitory are—by and large—both physically fit and academically gifted young women. Otherwise, they wouldn’t be here. Unfortunately, many of them are also strong-willed, highly-competitive, and accustomed to having their own way. Fair warning. Unless you project an air of authority in their presence, they’ll walk all over you. Please don’t shoot the messenger. I’m simply telling you the way it is, but that’s neither here nor there. I’ll get you a roster with names, room numbers, and photos. You’ve got the job.”

“I’m not sure I want it. Sounds to me like you need a drill sergeant more than you do a housemother.”

“You think so? We have a couple of retired military personnel on our teaching staff already. They earned their stripes and both received honorable discharges. Indeed, those two are capable of handling almost any challenge you can imagine related to physical training in general and to the disciplined activities associated with cheerleading at an elite level in particular. On the other hand, despite offers of extra pay, neither one could be persuaded to interact with our students outside of scheduled classes.”

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