Page 23 of Innocence

“Professor Jordan?” called a man down the hall. Mary turned, almost rolling her eyes at the man. He’d been attempting to speak with her privately for a few days.

“Professor Gordon. How can I help you?” He smiled at her as he continued to walk toward her. He could not have been more different than Angel. He was short, not more than an inch taller than she was. Heavy around the middle, balding with an odor that made it smell like he’d been eating onion sandwiches.

“Professor Jordan, I’ve been asking you repeatedly if you’d like to do a tour of the campus with me, perhaps have a coffee,” he grinned.

“Professor Gordon, all due respect, but I’m a married woman. In fact, I’m married to another professor here at the university.”

“Oh,” he said, looking disappointed. “Well. It’s just friends having coffee.”

“Then you won’t mind if I come along,” said Angel, walking up to them. Gordon stared at the man, then back at Mary.

“He’s your husband?”

“Surprised?” smirked Mary. “I’m not sure if I should be offended by that or not.”

“A math nerd is your husband?”

“He’s much more than a math nerd, professor. He’s so much more,” she said as Angel wrapped his arms around her shoulders.

“Of course,” he nodded, frowning at the woman. “As I said, I was only trying to be friendly.”

“And yet you didn’t bother to invite me or the other new professors,” said Angel. “I find that rather disturbing. Even a math nerd can read between the lines.”

Gordon walked away, and Angel looked down at Mary.

“I almost feel sorry for him,” said Mary. “I think he’s incredibly lonely and possibly even desperate.”

“Desperate enough to kill a young woman?”

“I don’t know. He teaches behavioral psychology which could definitely fit in with what happened and the class where our victim was attending.”

“Was she in his class as well?” asked Angel.

“I don’t know. But I think we need to find out.”

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Rafe and Baptiste sat on a low stone wall eating their lunch, watching as students walked by them.

“When did it become fashion to wear your pajamas in public with ugly fucking plastic shoes?” scowled Baptiste.

“I’m not sure, but I know for a fact Mama would have beaten our asses if we went out looking like that. If they’re not dressed like they’re headed to a sleepover, they’re barely wearing anything. Look at that young girl. Look how short her skirt is. God, please don’t bend over,” he whispered.

“I think we’re just fucking old,” scowled his twin.

“Imagine how I feel,” said Ian, taking a seat beside them. “Christ, I’m old as dirt, and these kids are not exactly giving me great hopes about our future.”

“How is Faith doing?” asked Rafe.

“I think she’s doing alright. Many in her class are in the ROTC programs here and already set to join the military. She says there are some really bright ones. That gives me a glimmer of hope,” he said sarcastically.

“Did anyone get any vibes this week on maybe a group of kids that we should follow?” asked Baptiste.

“Not really,” said Ian. “I’m not sure this is the best way, or if it is, we’re doing it all wrong. Maybe we need to visit the professor that Ghost and Trak spoke with. He might know of someone we should be watching.”

“Well, I’ve got time before my next class,” said Rafe.

“I’ve got a class in twenty minutes,” said Baptiste. “You guys go ahead.”

---