Read an Excerpt
Dirty Laundry
Chapter One
Draft of Headmaster Ezra Stanton's official statement regarding the disappearance of Darcy Novak from the Winchester School of the Arts, as discovered later
Good morning. As all of you know, I am Ezra Stanton, headmaster of the Winchester School of the Arts. I assume you also know why we've gathered in the quad this morning, and why the local authorities are present.
For eight months of the year, our beautiful campus, this oasis of creativity perched on the rugged coast of Massachusetts, is our shared home. [Pause for a sentimental breath] In a sense, we become family. A disruption of that family life affects us all. So I'd like to make a few remarks about the events that took place yesterday. After that, I'll add some thoughts. I'd prefer not to speculate. My remarks will concern what I know. My thoughts, however, will concern the institution I've proudly and humbly served for over twenty years. [Somber audience eye contact]
I'd also like to mention that these proceedings are being broad-cast by our own student-run radio station, WWWW. While I initially objected, and still have some reservations, I laud WWWW's commitment to openness and transparency. Together, we stand united in concern for one of our own.
I implore anyone listening to help if you have any pertinent information.
Darcy Novak, a senior of ours, is missing. Darcy is the only child of Dr. Mitchell and Judy Novak of Westport, Connecticut. She is seventeen, five feet seven inches tall, and one hundred thirty pounds. Her hair is long and naturally blond; her eyes, blue. The Novaks asked me to mention that Darcy is a brilliant actress, and that she has a lovely singing voice. I think all of us who know her would vouch personally for that description.
[Sad sigh] As head counselor for Bishop House, a seniors-only girls' dormitory, Darcy is responsible for ensuring that her housemates are in their rooms and accounted for by ten p.m. She has never been anything but reliable. Her outstanding academic record, her commitment to Winchester, her genuine love of others...as well as impersonating others, myself included [melancholy laugh]...has made her a natural leader. When she requested the privilege to serve as Bishop House head counselor last year, she was unanimously confirmed. So when Darcy wasn't present to check in her dorm-mates on the first official night of school, alarm bells sounded.
For the record: Darcy Novak was last seen by a fellow student, Hilton James, at approximately three p.m. yesterday. According to Hilton, she was en route to the school's laundry facility. Hilton confessed to me late last night that he and Darcy had an argument. I've since learned that he and Darcy had an intimate relationship last spring.
Now for my thoughts: I'm aware Winchester has its critics. I could address the unfortunate moniker that has been snobbishly foisted upon us: that we're the "laundromat" of preparatory schools, that we're the last refuge for cast-offs, troublemakers, and miscreants . . . how high society's dirty laundry somehow always finds its way to our doorstep. I could even address the bitter irony of this bad joke with regard to the present situation. [Long pause] I won't. Darcy deserves better.
I'm not here to talk reputation or controversy. Nor am I here to shill, fund-raise, or burnish the school's image.
I'm here for Darcy Novak.
Thank you for your attention. I'm happy to take a few questions now.
Dirty Laundry. Copyright © by Daniel Ehrenhaft. Reprinted by permission of HarperCollins Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved. Available now wherever books are sold.
