Page 33 of The Texas Sterling Collection
“Is he one of the Sterling Ranch Sterlings?”
“Yes, but his community position has no bearing on Alfonso’s false accusation. Wyl has not been on campus for two weeks.” I kept eye contact with Janice, watching for any sign of mistrust.
“And you indicated Alfonso started this rumor. Do you have any idea why? Could he have seen Wyl kissing someone else in the courtyard?”
I bristled at the ridiculousness of Wyl kissing anyone in the courtyard. “Janice, the students make Wyl uneasy. One, he’s uneasy about the age difference. Two, he is military and knows better than to put himself in a compromising situation. Three, you assume he would want to kiss a man.”
Elbows on her desk, Janice tented her fingers, pondering my response. “Valid points, Rod. But the unanswered question is why Alfonso would start such a rumor. What is his motive?”
“Why are you asking me? You need answers from Alfonso. You won’t find answers by hesitating to deal with the situation and grilling me for information.”
“I understand your point, but why would Alfonso target you? You hold your orientation quite close to your vest.”
I leaped from my seat. I had had enough. “Janice, how should I know his motives?” I jabbed the point of my index finger on her desk. “Let me tell you something… I’m tired of always having to be on the defensive. I am not the perpetrator here; I am the victim. I’m prepared to file harassment charges against Alfonso, which will no doubt drag you into the spotlight as well. Spreading false rumors of a sexual nature is inexcusable. The rumor compromises a student, and my position on campus is also weakened. The school is the ultimate victim. The Sterlings have the wherewithal to bring a hefty lawsuit against this college for slander. Alfonso’s actions are unacceptable and a fireable offense. If this rumor isn’t stopped today, I will take whatever steps are necessary to protect Mr. Sterling, myself, and this college.” I glared at Janice to reinforce my seriousness.
“When did this alleged offense occur?”
“As I said, my information came from Stella.” I pointed a trembling finger in the general direction of my office across campus. “According to what Stella shared, Alfonso claims the kiss occurred within the past two weeks. Wyl hasn’t been on campus for two weeks.”
Janice nodded. “I’ll check with my other faculty members about the rumor. And I’ll deal with Alfonso.”
“I’m more concerned about the impact on one of our students than on me, but I won’t stand for lies being spread about Wyl Sterling or myself. I’ll say again, this must be handled today. If it isn’t, I’ll have no choice but to involve Human Resources and Dr. Waverly.”
“I understand the urgency, Rod. I’ll do what I can.”
“Doing what you can is not good enough, Janice.” I pulled open the door. “If this isn’t handled today, I’ll share the story with Dr. Waverly and include your hesitation to cooperate.”
I slammed the door closed behind me. Nobody raised an issue with my preference in ten years with the college. Now more than ever, I needed someone to tell me things would be okay. I thought that person might be Wyl, but his absence said everything about his feelings. I realized Wyl would likely never be back in school.
Chapter Twenty
ROD
Mid-afternoon, the phone on my desk rang. “Dr. Bonner.”
“Rod, this is Walt Sterling.”
My heart hammered. The unsteadiness in Walt’s voice alarmed me. Something happened. “Walt. I can tell by your voice that something’s wrong. Is Wyl okay?”
“No. I’ve never seen my brother so depressed.”
“What’s happening?” Wait, what if it’s not me he's upset over? “Is he upset over Stella?” I spat out Stella’s name.
Walt paused. “Stella? Who is Stella? Wyl hasn’t mentioned anyone named Stella.”
Well, shit. Wyl would have told Walt about Stella if there had been anything to tell. “Um…”
“All he talks about is you. He told me about what happened between you two. Something about the situation scared him. He also told me he is gay and did something to damage your friendship irreparably. I’m not sure what's going on, but he needs you right now. Can you come to the ranch?”
“I can’t, Walt. I’m dealing with campus rumors of a relationship between Wyl and me, so I must steer clear of actions that might complicate things.”
“Campus rumors? What rumors?”
“I can’t talk about it. An internal investigation is underway.” Okay, so that was a stretch, but there will be if Janice doesn’t do her job.
“Is this something I need to worry about?”
I shook my head even though Walt couldn’t see me. “No. I’m on top of it, Walt. Besides, Wyl hasn’t come to class in two weeks. It’s obvious he isn’t interested in me or his education.”
