Murder in the Dorm

by C. G. Prado

  That night Charlie’s last waking thought was that his sleuthing career was over with one win, one loss.

  Chapter 22

  The Fourth Weekend

  Saturday morning was cold and bleak and Charlie’s mood matched the weather. He’d finished his second cup of coffee and was sitting staring out a window when Kate meandered into the kitchen. Halfway through her first cup of coffee she watched Charlie for a couple of minutes before speaking.

  “You’re down in the mouth about the case, aren’t you?”

  “Well, what bothers me most is that it seems so obviously unfinished and yet nothing more is going to be done and I can’t begin to think of anything I might do.”

  “Drop it, Charlie. It’s done if the cops say it’s done. Even if you did come up with something now, you’d have a hard time convincing them to take it seriously. I’m sure DeVries appreciated your efforts, and she owes you, but she’s not going to do anything more. I’ll bet that even if you came up with something solid she and her partner would find a way around it. They’re no doubt swamped with cases and as far as they’re concerned, this one is over.”

  “You’re right. I have a paper to finish and classes to do. I’ve also let my reading slide for speculating about the case. No, you’re definitely right. I’m putting this out of my mind. I’ll get dressed and when you’re ready we’ll go have another look at that car and then a good lunch, okay?”

  “If you want to tromp around a car lot in this weather, fine. I’ll wait in the car with the heat on. But I’m with you on the lunch part.”

  Charlie’s visit to the car dealer didn’t last long. When he actually sat in the car he’d been thinking about, he realized that the driver’s visibility was seriously hampered by the car’s design. Clearly the stylists had again won out over the engineers. He wrote it off. Lunch was at the Casa Santini and was excellent. Kate and Charlie lingered over their wine, though he only took sips of one glass because he was driving. The rest of the afternoon passed quietly while they both read. It was eight o’clock when the ringing of the phone disturbed things. It was Sommers.

  “Charlie. I have some news, though it’s not good. Are you busy tomorrow? I was thinking about lunch.”

  “What sort of news?”

  “Well, I had a long talk with Kim Berger this afternoon. It was at her instigation. I’ll tell you about it tomorrow if we can meet.”

  “Sure. How about the Eggnest again? I like their all-day brunch. And I’ll bring Kate.”

  “Good; I’ll meet you both there at noon or a little after.”

  Charlie explained to Kate what was up and she showed willingness to go to lunch and interest in hearing what Sommers had to say.

  The rest of the evening was quiet and before falling asleep Charlie admitted that even though Sommers had said the news wasn’t good, his hopes were up.

  Sunday was cold, too, but the sun was out. After breakfast Charlie spent a good while dealing with email before getting dressed but he and Kate were looking for a parking spot near the Eggnest by noon. Finding nothing, Charlie dropped Kate at the restaurant to get a table while he looked for a place a little further off. When he reached the Eggnest after a three-block walk Charlie found Sommers just inside the door, clearly having just arrived. He greeted her and both went to a window table Kate had snagged. Sommers took a seat opposite Kate and Charlie sat next to Kate. Some small talk ensued, then they diagnosed the menu, and eventually gave their orders to a server who came to the table and poured them all coffee. When the server left Charlie got right to it.

  “Okay, Janice, tell all.”

  “Well, I gave some thought to how to approach Kim and it turned out to be unnecessary. She called me and asked me to go for coffee. We met and I knew right away that something was wrong. Her mother died on Thursday. It was unexpected; a heart attack. Now that Kim doesn’t have to continue supporting her mother, she’s going to go for her Ph.D. What she wanted from me was reassurance that I’d still back her application. Her mother didn’t leave her anything, other than release from supporting her, and she had no insurance, but Kim said that she’ll move to a small apartment and stay at Raymond, Teller till classes start. Then she’ll attend Meredith full time, but only if she gets a scholarship or fellowship that will cover the fees. She has some money, but the funeral and burial-plot will cost. She used to wait tables and if she doesn’t get funding she’s sure she can find some evening work that won’t interfere with her classes. I pointed out that with her experience she might be able to carry a heavier course-load and get much of the course work done in the first year. She also asked me if I thought you’d still write for her. That’s how you came into the discussion, and again at her instigation. I told her that you no doubt would write for her. I threw in that you were still working on the Kelsey, McDermott killings but she didn’t take the bait. She just said something about admiring your persistence and got back to her own plans. That’s why I said it wasn’t good news. Not only her mother’s death, but how nothing of interest to you came out of our meeting. Admittedly she was distracted, but she seemed uninterested in the case.”

  “Did her mother die at home?”

  “What’s that got to do with…? Charlie! You’re hopeless, genuinely hopeless. And no, she died in the hospital. She was taken in on Wednesday night and died early Thursday morning.”

  The three were silent for several minutes. Sommers and Kate finished their omelets and talked a little about the weather while Charlie sipped at his coffee. He couldn’t think of what to say next and was a little relieved when Sommers looked at her watch and said she’d better get going because she had a lot to do that afternoon. Charlie thanked her for the news and insisted on buying her lunch. Kate expressed hope they’d meet again soon and Sommers left. Kate and Charlie finished their coffees while the server prepared their bill. Charlie paid the bill and they strolled the three blocks to where he’d parked the car.

  Back at home, Charlie sat and brooded. Kate left him alone, knowing better than to try to get him to forget about the case. For his part, Charlie was trying to face what seemed to be the hard truth that his part in investigating the killings was well and truly over and that Kim Berger continued to elude being connected to the case. After a while he admitted to himself that other than the likely innocent coincidence that she worked at Raymond, Teller and McDermott had a trading account there, plus what he’d construed as a suspicious interest in the case on her part, there really was nothing to tie Berger to Kelsey and McDermott. His thoughts then turned to Giacomo and he wondered if it would be possible to talk to the man. But no, that wasn’t likely to happen. Even if it did, it probably would prove unproductive. Charlie had no reason to think he’d get any more out of Giacomo than DeVries and Matson had. No; Kate was right; he really did have to let go of this affair. With that thought, and feeling some internal resolve, Charlie went for a glass of wine, picked up the book he’d been reading, and consigned Kelsey and McDermott to his mental rubbish bin. It would be nearly ten weeks before he’d have occasion to root them out again.

  Chapter 23

  The Thirteenth Monday

  With the Winter term and classes over, and his new paper accepted for publication, Charlie was in a good mood. Over coffee he wondered about going car-shopping again. He still couldn’t decide whether to get a new car or keep his present one another year. It was only three years old and wasn’t giving any trouble. The thing was, he found the styling dated, though he’d never admit it. He decided to skip the car shopping and go into his office and the Club for lunch. Despite there being no classes, there’d be people at the Club table.

  The department was quite when Charlie arrived a little after ten. Jodie was in her office but Phoebe’s door was closed and there didn’t seem to be anyone else there. As Charlie passed her office door, Jodie called out to him.

  “Professor Douglas? Dean Foxe called and asked that you go to his office as soon as you can.”

  “Thanks, Jodie; I’ll go no
w.”

  On his way to the administration building Charlie wondered what Foxe wanted. They’d not had occasion to speak for several months. Their last conversation had been uncomfortable, with Foxe wanting Charlie to endorse someone for membership in a learned society and Charlie demurring. Habakkuk Foxe, burdened by his parents with the name of an ancient Jewish prophet, saw Charlie as soon as he got to the Dean’s office.

  “Charlie, how are you keeping?”

  “Fine, Dean Foxe. The department secretary said you wanted to see me.”

  “Yes. There’s a small problem. Do you recall a former student named Cassidy Emmons?”

  “Cassidy? Yes, I remember her; bright woman. She did a couple of courses with me four or five years ago and Kate and I see her occasionally when we lunch at Oliver’s, the bistro where she works part-time.”

  “She did three courses with you, and it was six years ago. She’s completed her doctorate since then, but you’ve just stated the problem. It’s about Ms. Emmons’ job. She applied for a position in the Women’s Studies department and came out at the top of the list of applicants. Her appointment was a done deal until last night. The chair of Women’s Studies, Angela Sutherland, doesn’t like the idea of hiring a bartender. She was at that bistro the other night and saw Emmons tending bar.”

  “Cassidy was always thorough in her work. I’d hire her, if it were my call. I really don’t see what tending bar has to do with anything. We hire people who have had all sorts of part-time jobs while finishing their degrees or paying off student loans. What about the competition? Are there other suitable applicants?”

  “The next two persons on the list are both male, considerably more senior, and would cost us substantially more to hire. The committee is concerned about parity. I’m concerned about salary levels.”

  “Well, aside from endorsing Cassidy, what might I do to help matters?”

  “Could you talk to Angela? One reason I called you is that two of the marks you gave Emmons were the best two she received.”

  “I don’t know Sutherland very well. I’m not sure she’d listen to me.”

  “My other reason for calling you, Charlie, is that I recall Angela speaking very highly of one of your books. I’m hoping that might count. Would you try?”

  Charlie agreed and left the Dean’s office wondering how to approach Sutherland. Back in his office he called Sutherland and arranged to see her that afternoon at two-thirty. What he had no idea about was what he’d learn at that meeting.

  Charlie worked through the inevitable emails, read a couple of letters from students wanting recommendations, and went to lunch.

  The Club table had only three attendees and conversation was lackluster. Charlie asked if anyone knew Angela Sutherland but the others knew her only as the chair of Women’s Studies and to nod to in hallways. Charlie finished his lunch and returned to his office. He read a bit, and then set out for Women’s Studies, which was pretty much on the other side of the campus.

  “Dr. Douglas, hello. Please come in.”

  “Dr. Sutherland. Thank you for seeing me on such short notice.”

  “I suspect I know what this is about. You’ve spoken with Dean Foxe?”

  “Yes. This morning. I had Cassidy Emmons as a student and speak with her occasionally and he thought I might be able to set your mind at ease about her employment.”

  “I thought so. Let me make myself clear. I’m very impressed with her and she was my first choice for the position, as she was for others on the committee. What put me off was seeing her serving drinks. I couldn’t help wondering how much drinking she does herself. I was at that place she works with some friends, having dinner. I don’t drink, and for reasons I needn’t go into, I neither like nor trust heavy drinkers.”

  Charlie wondered what Sutherland would think of his fondness for wine.

  “Dr. Sutherland, let me assure you that Cassidy is not a heavy drinker. In fact, you may not know this, but establishments that have bars make sure that those who tend their bars are safe bets regarding alcohol. They can’t afford to have someone serving drinks who drinks to excess, on or off the job.”

  “I didn’t know that, and you say you know her from outside the university?”

  “Yes. My wife, Kate, and I always chat with Cassidy when we eat at Oliver’s. I’ve never had a hint of a drinking problem. She’s very bright and has a good sense of humor. I’d have no reservations about hiring her. In any case, there’s a term or two for assessment, isn’t there?”

  “Umm. Yes; yes, there is. Perhaps I overreacted. I value your personal endorsement of Ms. Emmons. As a matter of fact, I want to hire her. We’re not doing that well on the parity issue. We lost two women this past term. Both Sue Milligan in English and Janice Sommers in Computing Science left.”

  “Janice left Meredith?”

  “Yes. Do you know her?”

  “I do, but had no idea she’d quit. When did she leave?”

  “Right at the end of term. She’d spoken to her dean and her department head earlier, and as soon as classes and exams were over, she was gone. Not only did she leave Meredith, she left Kingsford.”

  “Do you know where she went?”

  “No one seems to know. Apparently she was quite close-mouthed about it all.”

  “I’m very surprised. I would have thought she’d have let me know. Well, if you feel better about Cassidy, I won’t take any more of your time.”

  “Thank you, Dr. Douglas. I intend to call Dean Foxe this same afternoon.”

  As Charlie walked back to his office he didn’t think about Sutherland and Cassidy. What consumed him was that Sommers was gone without a word. Why would she take off like that? They’d had some good conversations and Charlie had begun to consider her a friend. He felt a little betrayed.

  Back at his office Charlie reflected that he hadn’t thought about Kelsey and McDermott for weeks, but this news put a different face on things. Could Sommers’ departure have anything to do with the case? Did Berger know about Sommers? Charlie opened his laptop and sent her an email message asking if they might have coffee.

  That evening Charlie filled Kate in on what he’d learned.

  “That sounds very odd, Charlie. Why would she pick up and take off like that? Academics don’t do that sort of thing.”

  “I’m waiting to hear from Berger. Maybe she knows.”

  Charlie checked his email just before going to bed, but there was no response from Berger.

  Chapter 24

  The Thirteenth Tuesday

  Charlie was at his office early in case Berger called him. He’d still not had an email from her. His phone rang, but it wasn’t Berger. It was a call that when added to the news about Sommers, made the previous weeks of not thinking about the case disappear.

  “Professor Douglas? This is Chuck Dingwall. We talked some time ago about Mr. Giacomo’s arrest?”

  “Yes, yes; of course I remember. Is there something new?”

  “There is; I’m putting together a short retrospective piece prompted by new developments and I wondered if you might have something to say.”

  “What happened?”

  “Giacomo still hasn’t had his hearing, but his lawyer quit. However Leighton was being paid, the money stopped. On top of that, Giacomo’s sons are returning to Kingsford. Their fees weren’t paid for the coming term. Obviously something’s gone wrong. Giacomo is making noises about cutting a new deal with the prosecutor.”

  “Could we have lunch today or tomorrow?”

  “I can’t today. Tomorrow’s good. Same place as last time at one-thirty?”

  “See you then.”

  Charlie put the phone down and started thinking about what was going on when the phone rang again. It was Berger.

  “Professor Douglas, Charlie, sorry to be late getting back to you. I had a killer day yesterday and left my email for this morning.”

  “Could meet for coffee? There’s something I’d like to discuss with you.”

 
“Oookay… What about four-forty-five? That’ll give me time to finish things here. Should I meet you at the Club like last time?”

  “That would be fine.”

  Charlie wondered how he was going to kill the hours before meeting Berger. He couldn’t think of anything to do, and with no classes, he was at loose ends.

  Lunch at the Club was a little better than the day before; there were more people at the Club table. Charlie was distracted for a time, but back in his office he was again frustrated. He did some reading, but found himself rereading entire paragraphs. Finally it was four-thirty and Charlie walked to the Club. Berger didn’t get there until five and he was irritated by having to wait more. He got coffee and pastries for both and they sat in one of the alcoves.

  “I’m going to skip the small talk: did you know Janice Sommers left Meredith and Kingsford?”

  “Omigod, no, I didn’t. That explains why I’ve not heard from her. We had an open arrangement to have lunch. When did she leave? More important, why?”

  “Apparently as soon as term ended. As to why, I don’t know. I thought you might know something.”

  “Complete surprise to me. We never talked about what she was up to. I can’t believe she just took off. Where did she go?”

  “No one seems to know. Not only did she leave abruptly, she kept quiet about it. What I’d very much like to know is why. Did you ever get any hint that she wasn’t happy here or had plans to go somewhere?”

  “She seemed happy enough and I don’t recall a single thing she said about any such plans.”

  Berger suddenly sat up straight, looked hard at Charlie, and spoke in an alarmed tone.

  “Are you thinking she might have had something to do with the case?”

  “Well, there’s a very odd coincidence. Janice’s departure coincides with Giacomo’s funds for his lawyer and his two sons suddenly drying up.”

  “Giacomo? Oh, yes, the man who shot McDermott. You think there might be a connection?”