Chapter 5: The Mississippi Shuffle
I put down my fork and hurried outside.
Under the blazing D.C. sun, humidity thick enough to ruin a good suit, Mr. Reynolds was sweating through his suit, standing at the West Wing entrance with his head bowed.
His face was beet red from the heat, sweat pouring off him.
When he saw me, Mr. Reynolds was overcome with emotion. He trembled as he tried to stand straighter and salute.
I hurried over and helped him up.
Mr. Reynolds gripped my hand tightly, tears streaming down his wrinkled face:
"The SATs are crucial for the future of our nation and can’t be neglected! Please, Madam President, put the country first…"
Before he could finish, he collapsed into my arms.
Thankfully, Linda was quick and had someone bring water.
When Mr. Reynolds slowly came to, I was deeply moved and immediately issued an order.
This loyal Mr. Reynolds would be transferred out of D.C. to a post as superintendent in rural Mississippi.
"Thank you, Madam President, for… wait, you’re sending me to Mississippi?"
The Secretary of Education blinked, as if he couldn’t believe his ears.
"Transferred… to Mississippi… as a school superintendent…"
I nodded and patted his shoulder heavily:
"Someone like you should be making a real difference in small-town schools."
Mr. Reynolds’s face went pale, like he wanted to protest.
I waved my hand dismissively and told Linda to show him out.
The Secret Service agents nearby exchanged looks, but nobody dared question the order. I watched as Mr. Reynolds shuffled away, the weight of bureaucracy heavy on his shoulders.