Dead Politician Society by Robin Spano Page A

think.”
    â€œYou should get back to class,” Kumar said, looking at his watch. “It doesn’t look good if you’re longer than the rest.”
    â€œOkay.” Clare got up. “I’m, um . . .” She was about to say she was sorry for her outburst, but thought it was better to leave on a positive note. “I’ll do my best to get into the society.”
    â€œGood luck.” Kumar tossed her a skeptical smile.

TWENTY~FOUR
JONATHAN

    Jonathan loved the way the sun felt on his head. It was the first pleasant feeling he’d had all day. It had been a late night at work again, and when he’d finally fallen asleep he’d had nightmares.
    â€œAre you dating Jessica Dunne?” A shrill voice came up from behind.
    â€œGo away, Diane.”
    â€œI have something you might like to know about her.”
    â€œI’d like to know everything there is to know about Jessica,” Jonathan said. “But I want to learn it from her.”
    â€œWe’re being targeted, you know.”
    â€œWe?” Jonathan walked faster.
    â€œThe society. This year’s society, to be specific. You have to wonder who wants us in the spotlight.”
    â€œWe’re not in the spotlight. We’re being interviewed by the police because of some card they found.”
    â€œThe card looks just like ours. Right down to the off-center letters from that discount printer we used.”
    â€œI know what our cards look like.”
    Jonathan turned abruptly at the corner of a building, and Diane kept perfect pace with him, though it meant some scrambling on her part.
    â€œWhat’s your beef with me?” she said.
    â€œWhere should I start?” Jonathan threw his hands in the air. “I hate what you did to Dr. Easton in your first year. Your ideas for the society are small-minded and not nearly radical enough to be considered anything other than mainstream. I could go on, but why be cruel?”
    â€œYou don’t think taking over the campus radio to get our message across is a cool idea?”
    Jonathan wondered if it was a coincidence that the sun had gone behind a cloud as soon as Diane had approached him. “It’s juvenile. Plus none of the rest of us agree with you that Jesus is the Way.”
    â€œYou must agree that getting kids back into religion — making it hip and fun — is a better alternative than letting them run wild with gang violence.”
    â€œMust I?” Jon shifted his oversized knapsack. “Then you must agree that churches should take some of that money they extort from their congregations, and put up their fair share of property taxes.”
    â€œHmm.” Diane put a finger to her chin. “We’ll agree to disagree. Are you willing to discuss the Tree-Huggers’ support of Susannah Steinberg’s Commies?”
    â€œHave you considered changing your major to political journalism?”
    â€œHow did you know?”
    â€œYou’d make a better rabid dog than electable member.”
    â€œYou’re so sweet. Has Brian Haas approached you yet?”
    â€œAbout supporting the Commies? Would you give it up already?”
    â€œHe wants into the society.”
    â€œHow does he know who the members are?” Jonathan looked at Diane accusingly.
    â€œHe’s approaching everyone. Even Dr. Easton.”
    â€œThat’s a little weird.” Jonathan slowed his pace.
    â€œHe’s desperate. Something to do with his father and some manifesto.”
    â€œWhat did you tell him?”
    â€œNothing. Obviously. Nor will anyone. He’s not getting an invite, and that’s final.”
    â€œFinal according to you?” Jonathan made up his mind to help Brian.
    â€œFinal according to everyone. Brian has an agenda he wants us to follow. Plus, he’s annoying.”
    â€œHow is that different from you?”
    Diane rolled her eyes. “Well, thanks for your time, Jon. You’ve