“Thank you! Thank you so much,” Meena repeated over and over. “If rumors were to start around campus about Professor Kingsley and myself, I might lose my position. And my husband would divorce me, and I would fall into dishonor among my family. I don’t know what it is like back in the United States, but rumors can be very dangerous here in India. I have friends and family members who had their lives destroyed by false accusations and outright lies.”
“I understand. Don’t worry, I won’t make my joke to anyone else,” Marlee said, knowing full well she would report everything to Barry and maybe use this bit of information in the future if it helped to uncover the truth about Raj’s death. She understood Meena’s plight if she was having an affair, but Marlee didn’t feel any obligation to keep the secret, especially if it impeded finding out the true story of what happened to Raj.
Meena’s brows knitted together, not knowing if she could trust Marlee or not. “Can I meet with you later to discuss this matter more?”
“I don’t know what’s left to discuss. Unless you want to tell me what you really know about Raj’s death.” Marlee stared at Meena, daring her to flee or tell another lie.
“I do have something to tell you, but I do not want to tell you here on campus. Not in public. Can I meet you in private later?”
“I’ll be at my apartment this afternoon. I’m having dinner with Crispin and Eleanor tonight at 7:00. You can stop by my apartment any time before 6:30,” Marlee reported, unsure that it would make any difference where she was or what time she was there. Maybe Meena would show up to clarify the situation, and maybe she wouldn’t. The more she got to know her, the less she believed her. Marlee’s initial impression of Meena after they were able to chat like colleagues had been positive, but now she was unsure. The secretary definitely had a reason to lie about the relationship with Eleanor and Raj to throw off any suspicion of an affair between herself and Crispin.
“I will stop by around 3:00 this afternoon. I will make you understand that there is nothing inappropriate going on between me and Professor Kingsley. I also have something to share with you about Raj’s death that I could not say in public last night. I had to make it known to the family that I did not have a connection to you. That is why I made such a display when I ran out of the room.” With that bombshell, Meena took off toward her office, her turquoise sari blowing in the breeze.
Meena might be the key to the whole mystery of what happened to Raj. On the other hand, she might be a liar or obstructionist who seeks to spin the story as she sees fit. One thing Marlee knew for sure, she couldn’t trust anyone. Her instincts about people’s character either had faded or didn’t work in other countries. From now on, she needed to view each and every person she encountered in India with a level skepticism, which was not normally part of her character.
Those who make the most threats seldom do anything.
Hindu proverb
Chapter 18
True to her word, Meena showed up at Marlee’s apartment at 3:00 that afternoon. She looked just as frazzled as she had earlier that morning and looked over her shoulder twice before entering the apartment.
“What’s got you so spooked, Meena?” Marlee asked.
“So many bad things could happen if I am seen meeting with you. Many from my husband’s family work on campus and would not hesitate to make trouble for me.”
“What are they worried you might say?”
“In our family, it is the eldest male who is the spokesperson for the family. That would be Raj’s father, in this instance. All information about family matters is to be disseminated through him. The family is concerned that I might say something which is not in keeping with the official family version,” Meena stated. “They think I might talk because I am a modern woman and work outside the home. My father-in-law once told me he was afraid for his son and our children because I placed my employment before them.”
“Oh, no. Is that fairly typical here in India?” Marlee asked and Meena nodded.
“Women are not to have their own opinions when they differ from the male head of household.”
“What do they think you are going to say?” Marlee asked. “You said earlier that you knew something about Raj’s death.”
“Promise me you will not tell anyone else,” Meena pleaded and Marlee nodded her assent.
“I overheard Raj’s parents speaking to their eldest son, Ajay. They asked him directly if he poisoned Raj. He denied it, but there was something in his denial that did not ring true to me.”
“Why would they think Raj was poisoned?” Marlee asked, intrigued by this new branch of the mystery.
“His mother said Raj was feeling better that day once he was moved into his room. He was very, very sore, but did not need help using the toilet or feeding himself. She thought he would be fine to return to work in a few days after the pain from the bruising subsided. But later that day, he seemed delirious. Raj said he was tired and wanted to rest. They all left him alone for a few hours, and when his mother checked on him at meal time, they found him unresponsive.” Meena took a deep breath before continuing. “There was a drinking glass that his mother did not bring to him. It was there when she left him to rest but was gone three hours later when they found Raj unresponsive.”
“Wow, that’s really suspicious. Anyone in the house could’ve brought Raj that glass, and anyone could’ve later removed it from his bedside. Do you know if there were any extra people in the house that day other than Raj, his parents, and his brothers and their wives and kids?”
“Raj’s parents did not mention anyone else. And as far as I know, Ajay was the only person they asked about poisoning him. It is possible, I suppose, that they questioned others when I was not around. They both seemed very adamant when they asked Ajay if he poisoned Raj,” Meena said.
“Did they say what Ajay’s motive would be in poisoning Raj? Was it revenge? Or because he was gay?” Marlee asked.
“No, they did not offer a motive.”
“So, what’s going on with you and Eleanor’s husband? You sure seemed flushed and upset when I came by his office this morning. And your sari was pulled off to one side.”
Meena looked at the floor. “We are not having an affair. Of that I can assure you. But Professor Kingsley tried to hug and kiss me, and I resisted. He is not a nice man. Not to be trusted. I feel sorry for Eleanor because she does not know how he is with other women.”
“That’s terrible! You shouldn’t have to put up with that. Can you report his behavior to his dean?”
“Nothing will be done. They will tell me not to go to his office, as if that solves the problem. Of course, nothing will be done to prevent it from happening to some other female who finds herself alone with him,” Meena said, her voice tinged with bitterness.
“Why were you there? Were you really discussing a campus event like he said?” Marlee asked.
“No, he summoned me to his office on the ruse that he needed help finding a gift for Eleanor for their anniversary. That part of the story I told you earlier is true. When I got there, he made small talk for a few minutes, then he shut the door and lunged at me. That is when you appeared, and I am so thankful that you did.”
“He lured you over to his office with the intent of forcing himself on you. That’s horrible, and I hope he gets what’s coming to him,” Marlee said, thinking up horrible ways to make him suffer.
“Men like him always get their way. I cannot do anything except make sure I do not find myself alone with him again,” Meena said.
“Could you tell Eleanor? Would she believe you, or do you think it would ruin your working relationship with her?”
“Last semester a female student in the engineering department accused Professor Kingsley of unprofessional conduct and sexual harassment. Nothing was done by the administration, and she dropped out of the program. Eleanor talked about it to me and said she thought the student made it all up. I think she has blinders on where her husband is concerned. If I told
her what her husband did, or tried to do to me, she would believe I initiated it.”
“Unfortunately, that same thing happens all too often in my country too. The woman believes her husband’s lies even though the same situation happens over and over again. And if someone tells the wife then she blames them. I can see why you would not want to tell Eleanor what happened or bring it to the attention of Kingsley’s superiors.” Marlee felt bad that Meena and other women in India had little recourse when they were sexually harassed or raped. She knew it happened all too often back in the United States too, but there were fewer resources here for women.
Before Meena left, Marlee had one final question. “I know you already said that Raj was gay, but is it possible that he enjoyed the company of both men and women? I’ve heard a rumor that Raj and Eleanor were having an affair.”
She took a deep breath, deciding how to answer the question. The pause told Marlee everything she needed to know. “It was going on for a few months. I am not sure when it started, but Eleanor seemed like a new woman. She was so happy and upbeat. She never confirmed it to me, but I could tell by the way they looked at each other.”
“So, is Eleanor pregnant with Raj’s baby?” Marlee asked.
“I think so, but I do not know for sure. Eleanor is certainly pregnant because she has changed her eating habits and is gaining weight. She normally would eat candy and crisps throughout the day as she worked, but lately she has been eating vegetables and other healthy snacks. I have not seen her drink anything other than water or ginger ale, whereas before she drank several cans of Coke each day. I think she is trying to eat more healthily because she is carrying a baby.”
Marlee furrowed her brow. “Why did you tell me Raj was gay?”
“For a long time, I thought he was. Then his relationship with Eleanor became obvious. I did not want to spread gossip about Raj since he is my husband’s cousin. I did not know you well enough to tell you the truth when we first spoke about Raj. I was unsure of your motives and wanted to protect Eleanor because I consider her my friend.”
“What do you think Professor Kingsley would do if he thought his wife was carrying Raj’s baby?” Marlee asked.
“He would kill them all.”
Marlee arrived at the Empire Hotel a bit early so she could check out Barry’s room. He told her it was fine, but that left a lot to the imagination. He let her in right away, and she stood in awe of the queen-size bed, large flat-screen television, desk and two chairs, and a beautiful view of the river. His oversized bathroom contained a shower with a bathtub and plenty of room for toiletries.
“Not too shabby! Want to trade places with me while you’re here?” Marlee asked, thinking she could get used to all the extra room.
“No way! Your room would’ve been fine before I saw this one. Now I’ve adjusted to the good life, and I’m not giving it up,” Barry said with a laugh.
She filled him in on her conversation with Eleanor, Crispin Kingsley, and Meena.
“What an asshole!” Barry shouted. “I’d like to get that guy alone for a few minutes and teach him the right way to treat women.”
“I’ll have to try really hard not to come unglued when we’re having supper with them.” Marlee wasn’t sure what strategy she would use to keep the peace that night. Most likely, she would just try to avoid him and maintain conversation with Eleanor. Of course, that left Barry doing most of the interaction with Crispin, which wasn’t a great idea.
They walked downstairs and entered the restaurant just as Eleanor and Crispin were being seated. Even though Marlee knew of the horrible things Crispin did to women, she managed to keep the conversation civil. Barry was having more difficulty and only spoke to Crispin when asked a question.
The meal was a delicious mix of Indian, British, and American cuisines. As they were enjoying their coffee and dessert, Barry went up front to pay the bill. He and Marlee had already discussed it and decided he would pay since they invited Crispin and Eleanor to supper. Barry would pay now, and she would give him her half of the bill later. As Barry left, Eleanor excused herself to use the restroom.
Marlee took the opportunity to have a one-on-one chat with Professor Predator. “Look here, you pig! I know what you did to Meena, and I know you’ve done it to other women too. I’m going to do everything in my power to make sure you’re not harassing women anymore!”
“I’m sure I don’t know what you’re talking about. Unless of course, you’re referring to the misguided student who made false accusations about me last semester. She was shown to be a liar and was removed from the program. And Meena Sharma has had a crush on me since we first met. She always acts in a flirtatious manner toward me, and I have never given in. This morning, she tried to kiss me, and I pushed her away. Her embarrassment led to the lies she told you.” Crispin barely batted an eye as he gave his side of the story.
“I’ve known men like you who get away with doing whatever you want to women and never getting in trouble for it. Mark my words, you’ve met the end!” Marlee hissed, leaning over the table toward him.
Crispin’s demeanor changed from nonchalance to evil in one second. “You’re not in America anymore now, are you? We play by a different set of rules here. No one is going to pay any attention to a visiting professor trying to stir up trouble. You think this is the first time a professor from another country has come to India and tried to be a savior? It happens all the time.” He then settled back into his chair, and his calm demeanor returned.
Barry and Eleanor returned to the table at the same time, smiling and chatting as they sat down. “Darling,” Crispin crooned, “I hate to interrupt our lovely evening, but I’m afraid I’m getting one of my migraines.” He stood up and made a show of smiling politely at Marlee and Barry. “Do forgive our hasty retreat. We will have to do this again soon. Next time it’s our treat.”
“I hate that guy!” Marlee shouted once they were upstairs in Barry’s room. She had related Crispin’s calm justifications of his actions and then his menacing claims that nothing would be done at the university no matter how he conducted himself. “I wanted to rip his face off!”
“Do you really think it was the smartest thing to do to confront him like that? He might try to make trouble for you on campus,” Barry said. “Plus, didn’t Meena tell you that Crispin would likely kill Raj, Eleanor, and the baby if he found out about the affair?”
“I really didn’t think about all of that. There was an opportunity to confront him in a place where he couldn’t leave, and I took it. I wonder if he’ll try to turn Eleanor against me now.”
“Probably. He won’t be able to stand it if he thinks you might say something to Eleanor about his womanizing,” Barry replied, kicking off his shoes.
“Meena said that Eleanor never believed it when the student accused Crispin of sexually harassing her. She stuck by her husband one hundred percent. If she believed him then, I’m sure she will continue to believe him now if Meena’s claims came to light,” Marlee said.
“Well, that’s typical isn’t it?” Barry grumbled.
“You know what else Crispin said to me? That I had a savior complex and wouldn’t be the first nor the last to come to India to try and change things. He’s such a slimy bastard!” Marlee pursed her lips and shook her head. Every time she thought of the things Crispin said to her and his complete disregard for women, it made her blood boil.
“Do you think it’s too soon to go back to Raj’s house and talk to his parents and brothers? I’d like to hear what they have to say about poison,” Barry said, rubbing his stomach as he burped for the third time since they returned to his room.
“Yes, but we need to figure out a way to protect Meena. If they find out she told me, they’ll treat her badly. I don’t know what they’d do exactly. She didn’t get into that but said it would be really awful if her family knew she was talking to me or anyone else outside the family,” Marlee replied.
“But if she overheard the parents confront the el
dest son about the poison, then how would they know it was Meena who said something to you?” Barry asked. “They didn’t see her, right?”
“Hmmm… good detective skills, Officer Stevens. I guess they wouldn’t know for sure, but they would have to suspect someone who was inside the home and doesn’t always follow the traditional ways. Someone who works outside the home, perhaps?” Marlee asked.
“True, but couldn’t it have just as easily been a guest or someone who was there helping serve the food?”
“I don’t know how many extra people were around the home. When we were there they made it sound like everyone was family except for us. I’ll have to check with Meena to see who else was there when she overheard this conversation. Until then, maybe you could mention that you’re with the police department back in the states and hint that maybe you’re helping out the police here. It would give you a lot more credibility with Raj’s family, plus it would explain how you know all about the parents confronting Ajay about poisoning Raj.”
“When are you going to realize that I just can’t go around letting people think I’m working on an official investigation when I’m not? I could get fired if they heard about it back home, and I might get thrown into jail here. There’s no way in hell I’m risking my career and my livelihood to help you on one of your wild goose chases!” Barry barked, still rubbing his stomach.
“Jeez, Mr. Grumpy! What’s gotten into you? I think you’ve overestimated your importance. How is your chief going to find out when you’re here, and he’s thousands of miles and several time zones away?” Marlee chastised.
Barry let loose with a loud belch. “I take my job seriously and believe in acting like a professional, unlike some people I know.”
Marlee made a face at him. Barry was getting on her nerves again, as he always did after being together for a few hours. She smiled sweetly at him and asked, “Is your stomach upset?”
Blood Feud Page 14