1
T
he notice arrived the week before Christmas.After Jane dismissed her scholars for the holiday break, she walkedinto the storefront and found her father frowning at a letter he held in hishand.“Daddy, what’s the matter? Is something wrong?”“I received this today from the government people,” he said,handing her the paper. “They’re questioning the excise tax I’ve paid.”The stiff white document, read in part:
—You, or your representative, must appear in the Boston office within forty-fivedays from the date of this notice—
“I’m certain it’s only a random request, a routine procedure. All of your records are in order. There’ll be no problem.”The concerned look on William’s face remained and the creasedeepened between his brows.“If you prefer, I’ll attend as your representative. I’m sure myscholars will enjoy another break so soon after the holidays. I can givethem an assignment to occupy the time away from their desks.”