He tapped the silver pen against the desk blotter.

“Letting unvetted, walk-on competitors bypass the regional qualifiers creates an appearance of impropriety.”

Arthur put his glasses back on.

“You’re protecting a wealthy donor,” Arthur said.

He leaned his knuckles on the edge of the mahogany desk.

“You’re penalizing two brilliant thirteen-year-old boys just to secure your annual funding,” Arthur said.

Dr.

Harrison stood up and buttoned his navy suit jacket.