Page 52 of The Texas Sterling Collection
2:55 - the calendar alert popped up, reminding me of the meeting. I arrived at Dr. Waverly’s office at 3:00 on the dot.
“Come in, Rod,” Dr. Waverly invited me in and closed the door. “Take a seat.”
I waited for her to sit before I took one of the leather chairs in front of her desk. Leaning forward, I laced my fingers together.
Clasping her hands on her blotter, she leaned as well, looking me in the face. “I’ll come straight to the point. You spent your autumn break with a male student.”
My muscles tensed, and a wave of acid poured into my stomach. I swallowed before answering. “Yes, ma’am. Did someone raise an issue?”
“Rosemary received an email over the weekend and a confirmation this morning.” Dr. Waverly shifted back in her chair as she continued, “I thought perhaps Rosemary misunderstood, but she assured me the information came from a valid source. Your preference is not in question, but you are forty-five, and students here are in their late teens, a difference of more than twenty-five years. The situation borders on pedophilia and, combined with the recent rumors from the science department, leaves me concerned. I hope you understand my position and the need to protect this institution.” She made direct eye contact with me to emphasize her point.
As if the rumor Alfonso started didn't stir up enough trouble. Trouble that Janice failed to handle, or Dr. Waverly would be aware. And now it has become clear why Stella hurried to answer her office phone this morning. She somehow learned Wyl went with me to Kerrville over autumn break and reported it to Rosemary. “Dr. Waverly, the student I spent the autumn break with is forty years old. He’s Wyl Sterling, his parents are dead, and the relationship is consensual. I’m surprised Rosemary didn’t check her facts before involving your office.”
“Wyl Sterling? Is he one of the Sterling Ranch Sterlings?”
“Yes. He and his brother Walt own and manage the Sterling Ranch, west of town.”
Dr. Waverly leaned back in her chair. “Obviously, the information given to me included many assumptions.”
“Dr. Waverly, may I ask where Rosemary got her information?”
“An employee stopped by her office this morning.”
“Stella?”
“I’m not sure, Rod.” Her brow furrowed.
I cleared my throat, encouraged by the turnaround in the situation and the frown of uncertainty on Dr. Waverly’s face. “Stella got a phone call this morning from Rosemary. The timing is more than coincidental, and Stella is always eager to gossip. As for these rumors from the science department, what Alfonso Ortega claims is false and without evidence. Wyl missed classes for two weeks, and I believe Alfonso’s allegation places the event during those two weeks.” I sat back in the chair. “Honestly, Dr. Waverly, I am more than upset by these rumors and having to defend myself. I’ve worked for this college for ten years and have done nothing to bring shame to this campus.”
“How did you handle the situation involving Alfonso?”
“I approached Janice the moment I learned about the rumor and assured her I would file sexual harassment charges against Alfonso if the rumors continued.” I held her gaze to emphasizemypoint. “She said she wanted to talk with other faculty to confirm the accusation. I gave Janice one day to respond with the outcome. I’ve had no further word.”
“When did your conversation with Janice occur?”
“Mid-September. The rumor died down, so I assumed the situation was handled. You mentioned the rumor, Dr. Waverly, so my assumption was incorrect.”
“I understand your position, Rod. I will speak with Janice about this issue. Be aware that others may need to be involved in an investigation.”
“Nothing would please me more. An investigation can only lead to the truth. The process will emphasize the danger of spreading false rumors. It’s one thing to smear a member of the college staff. But when a student is falsely accused by a faculty member and the accusation is not thoroughly investigated, we set a dangerous precedent.”
“You make a valid point, Rod.”
“Dr. Waverly, the Sterlings are generous contributors. Do you know how much they donate to the college each year?”
Her eyes widened a bit at the mention of a financial connection. “Why yes. The Sterlings are quite generous. Why do you ask?”
“How do you think they would react if they learned false rumors and accusations of a sexual nature included the Sterling name? Not to mention their wherewithal to file a lawsuit against the college for defamation of character. I encourage you to handle this matter right away. That it continued this long violates everything we learned in sexual harassment training.”
Dr. Waverly frowned. “Explaining the loss of the Sterling endowment to the board of directors would be quite uncomfortable, but a lawsuit against the college would be devastating.”
“Walt and Wyl Sterling are salts of the earth. Wyl and I are close friends. As long as this witch hunt is stopped and stopped now, I can guarantee nothing will happen to endanger the college or the Sterling endowment.”
Dr. Waverly took a deep breath. “Thank you for your honesty, Rod. Obviously, I didn’t have the facts. I will deal with Rosemary and Janice and personally handle the incident with Alfonso.” The pen scratched across the paper as she finished scribbling the notes from our conversation. “You are an exemplary faculty member and a role model for other division chairs. This morning's news surprised me because it is so out of character for Rod Bonner. I’m relieved to learn the details. I’ll make sure your fine reputation remains intact, and the Sterling name is cleared.”
“Thank you, Dr. Waverly. I appreciate your time.” The outcome of the meeting satisfied me, and I stood to leave, offering my hand. Dr. Waverly stood, smiled at me as she shook my hand, and showed me out.
With each step toward the Fine Arts building, my anger increased. The information came from Stella. The more I thought about the situation, the more my face heated and my fists tightened.
