The Third in the Men of Smithfield Series
Available Now from Aspen Mountain Press

“I intend to lay down some very specific rules in this dormitory.”

“Max. We have rules. They’re clear and are in place to protect us all.”

”They’re slack. And given your history of questionable judgment—”

“What do you mean questionable judgment?” It had been one time in his office!

“—and your obvious impulsiveness, I think you can understand that to ensure Hemmi’s safety, things need to change.”

I sputtered, “This isn’t the Marines: it’s a high school.”

“Your legal history isn’t exactly a clean slate either, Michael.”

“Excuse me?”

He folded his arms across his chest, his jacket straining across his biceps. “You had a run-in with the law eight years ago, right here in town.”

I colored. “That’s off the record. That was expunged.”

“Not really. It shows poor judgment and a lack of control. You vandalized personal property.”

“He was married and I was pissed. I spray painted a dick on his car. So what? I was nineteen, Max. Didn’t you ever lose your temper when you were a kid?”

Max wasn’t interested in excuses. “No. You’re ruled by emotion and permissive. I don’t see that you’ve change all that much. You could accidentally cause more harm than good.”

“You’re out of your fucking mind, Max.” I said, reining in my hurt. How could he think I was a danger to the students because I was…what? Fair minded and kind?

I stormed into my tiny kitchen and threw the refrigerator door open looking for a Sprite. I popped the top on my soda and it let out the hiss I was trying to hold in. Naturally, it sprayed across the front of my turtleneck and into my crotch.

“Shit.” I