Negotiating Peace

Dean Whitaker stared down Rosa like the old pro he was. Matt was impressed by his technique with fingers tented, lips pursed, and the glasses slipped far enough down his nose that he could look over the rim. He'd also put away the Rubik's cube. 

"So, Ms. Mendez, I hear you're upset with Mr. Smith's hiring process."

"Wouldn't you be if you lost to someone who didn't even apply for the job?"

"And how do you know Ms. Qaid didn't apply for the job."

Rosa at least managed to look chagrin. "A girl's gotta know stuff to get by in this world."

"I can appreciate that, but as dean of this institution, I need to know stuff too like who told you confidential information."

"I can't tell you that."

"Well then, I have no choice but to assume you are either telling tales out of turn, or you've broken into school property and stolen the information. The first offense is subject to possible suspension. The second leads to immediate expulsion."