Down Among the Dead Men Read Free Page B

white shirt and tie that made him look like a bank clerk, apart from the long hair.
    â€œI have an announcement,” the head said, although no one was looking at her. “Through circumstances beyond my control, your art teacher, Miss Gibbon, has taken an extended break from teaching and left the school. However, Mr. Standforth will be taking over. He is an accomplished artist and an experienced teacher who will guide you ably through this critical last year of your A level and I have assured him he will have your total co-operation. Because Miss Gibbon left at short notice, I am not entirely sure how much of the syllabus she covered with you. I am confident you girls will be only too pleased to inform Mr. Standforth, so that he can effect a smooth transition.”
    That was it. A swish of the gown and they had Dreamboat to themselves. The hush was total.
    â€œForget the ‘Mr. Standforth’ stuff. It’s Tom,” he said, revealing a set of gleaming teeth. “Sorry about the late start. I was here in good time, but stupidly I misjudged the dress code, so I had to nip home and change. Can’t say I’m too comfortable in a suit. If nobody minds, I’ll take off the jacket.”
    Take off whatever you want, the dumbstruck class was thinking. Not one of us will object.
    His shirt was short-sleeved, revealing muscular forearms and tattoos. He loosened the tie as well and undid the top buttons of his shirt. Thrills in plenty.
    â€œIt will help to know your names,” he said, perching his breathtakingly cute bum on the front desk. “Can’t promise to remember them all right away, but let’s make a start. Who are you, for instance?”
    His brown eyes were on Ella. She managed to speak her name in a strangled voice.
    â€œAnd is there any topic that excites you, Ella?”
    Now she could only blink like a patient with locked-in syndrome.
    â€œAny topic in art.”
    Her mind had gone blank. “The golden mean.”
    The rest of them spluttered.
    â€œWell, that’s an answer I didn’t expect.”
    â€œGolden section, then.”
    â€œStill surprising to me. I’m impressed. Can’t say I know a huge amount about either, but no doubt you’ll all be able to tell me.” He raised his hand. “Not now. Who are you, next to Ella?”
    â€œMelanie, sir.”
    â€œLeave out the ‘sir.’ I’ll let you know when I get my knighthood. What have you been doing with Miss Gibbon, Melanie, or should I call you Mel?”
    Jem muttered, “The smell,” and there were sniggers.
    â€œWhat was that?”
    â€œI said she’s Mel,” Jem said.
    â€œI expect she can speak for herself. I asked you a question, Mel.”
    â€œWe did exercises in composition. Lots.”
    â€œComposition. Right.” He didn’t sound thrilled. “The young lady who just spoke, what’s your name?”
    â€œJemima. Everyone calls me Jem.”
    â€œSo will I, then. I take it you, too, are well up on composition and the golden mean. Has it helped you creatively, Jem?”
    â€œLike in my photography?”
    â€œYou’re a photographer?”
    â€œI wouldn’t say that. I take pictures.”
    â€œYou don’t have to be modest about it. You have a camera, you take pictures, you’re a photographer. Jem the shutterbug.”
    Smiles all round, except for Jem, who wasn’t too sure if it was a compliment.
    â€œI expect the rest of you do some snapping with your smartphones, don’t you, all in the name of art? I’m joking, but your phone can be a useful aid. You’ve all got one, I’m sure.”
    â€œWe’re not allowed to get them out in class,” Ella said.
    â€œSchool rule, is it? Well, I’m not going to report anyone I see using hers as a camera. For one thing, you should all keep a record of your work as it develops, and for another you should always be on the lookout for