My Father the God

by D. Allen Henry

  Chapter 9

  Mid-Life Crisis

  Boston - 1959

  Sloan sat within his office, browsing through the stack of mail perched on his desk. Noticing a particular piece that seemed to stand out, he reached forward and, tugging it from the stack, he drew it towards him. Scrutinizing the writing on the envelope, he realized it was a piece of campus mail, addressed simply to Dr. Sloan Stewart, Chemistry Department, and it was marked CONFIDENTIAL in boldface letters.

  Tearing it open, he found a single page within which read as follows:

  April 10, 1959

  Dear Dr. Stewart:

  In accordance with University Policy, it is my responsibility in my capacity as Dean of Faculty to investigate complaints lodged against faculty members. As a formal complaint has been made against you, I must therefore ask you to report to me at your earliest convenience.

  Sincerely,

  Barbara Wilson, Ph.D.

  Dean of Faculty

  That Afternoon

  Sloan opened the door to the office and approached the desk within, offering, “Good morning, Dean Wilson. What seems to be the problem?”

  “Thank you for agreeing to meet with me on short notice, Dr. Stewart,” she responded and, rising from her seat, she commanded concisely, “Please, sit down.”

  “Yes, of course,” he responded politely.

  “Would you like a cup of coffee?” she inquired.

  “No, thanks. I’m sorry, I’ve a quite busy day. Could we get on with it? What’s the problem?”

  “Dr. Stewart, a very serious charge has been made against you. When you have heard the nature of it, I believe that you shall find it necessary to make time for the purpose of addressing it immediately.”

  Paling at this, Sloan inquired in confusion, “What? What on earth are you talking about, Dean Wilson?”

  “Dr. Stewart, we have reason to believe that you may have violated the university’s moral turpitude policy.”

  Rising halfway from his seat, he exclaimed, “What! You’re not serious!”

  “I’m afraid that I am entirely serious, sir,” she responded matter-of-factly.

  “Please, tell me then, what is the nature of the charge?”

  “We have received photographic evidence indicating that you have visited at least one pornographic facility, and while therein, you appear to have engaged in indecent exposure and public lewdness. You also appear to have engaged in illegal solicitation, all of which are misdemeanor crimes. You have therefore been charged by the University Committee of Faculty Affairs with moral turpitude.”

  “You must be joking!” he blurted in abject denial, “I’ve never done such a thing in my life.”

  “Dr. Stewart, there is no point in denying the charge,” she responded placidly, “We have irrefutable photographic evidence.”

  “What evidence? I must be allowed to see this evidence!”

  “I’m afraid that I cannot do that, Dr. Stewart,” she announced officiously, “My role in this sordid affair is to simply inform you of the charge. The evidence came to this office, and in accordance with university policy, it has been turned over to the local authorities. Detective Marcus Peterson is at this moment waiting outside my office, and he shall immediately take you into custody. At such time that the authorities have completed their investigation of this matter, the university will follow up with a judgment regarding the charge of moral turpitude.”

  Now completely at a loss, Sloan responded, “What on earth is going on, Dean Wilson? Am I being dismissed from the university?”

  “Not at this time, Dr. Stewart. However, if these charges prove to be correct, I’m afraid that is indeed a possibility. I must therefore advise you to proceed with great caution.”

  At this, Sloan rose and rejoined, “Thank you, Dean Wilson. I assure you, I shall get to the bottom of this. These charges are entirely baseless.”

  “I certainly hope so, Dr. Stewart. Now, I must wish you a good day,” and saying this, she rose from her chair and shook his hand, thereby signaling an end to the meeting.

  Once outside her office, Sloan was met by a rather surly man and, introducing himself as Detective Peterson, he announced brusquely, “Dr. Stewart, please turn away from me so that I may cuff your hands.”

  “Is that really necessary, sir?” Sloan queried in dismay.

  “I’m afraid so. It’s the law,” and at this, Sloan turned about, accepting this indignity without rancor.

  “So, where are we off to, Detective?” he inquired disconsolately.

  “We have to go to the downtown precinct. You will be booked into jail there, and the charges will be detailed for you. At that point, you will likely be remanded to your lawyer’s custody.”

  “Lawyer? I don’t have a lawyer!” Sloan exclaimed, realization as to his predicament flooding over him.

  “Well, then, better get one, and soon,” Peterson responded indifferently, “Otherwise you’ll be spending time in the County Jail.”

  At this point Detective Peterson led Sloan forward, and once outside, he drew him down the steps of the Academic Building, where a student with a camera rushed up, surreptitiously taking a photo of him. The pair continued toward Detective Peterson’s vehicle, and the student chasing along beside them inquired pointedly, “Dr. Stewart, do you have a statement regarding the charges made against you?”

  “No,” Sloan responded dejectedly, “This is all a mistake. The charges are completely baseless.”

  An Hour Later

  Sloan slumped diffidently within the interrogation room, awaiting the arrival of Detective Peterson, all the while wondering fretfully what in heaven’s name was going on. Eventually, the detective entered the room, saying, “Sorry to take so long, Dr. Stewart. I was detained. Now, the purpose of this meeting is to inform you of evidence that we have obtained regarding the charges against you.”

  “Charges? What charges?”

  “Of course, there are no charges as yet, but I expect that you will be charged with illegal solicitation, indecent exposure and public lewdness.”

  “May I be apprised of the evidence, sir?”

  “Yes, of course,” Detective Peterson responded, and so saying, he placed a large envelope on the table and proceeded to remove several photos from it. He then shoved the stack towards him, suggesting, “Here, take a gander at these pictures.”

  Sloan leaned forward, examining the pictures and, recognizing them immediately, he shoved them back towards Detective Peterson, exclaiming, “This is ridiculous! I can explain this!”

  “By all means, please do so, Dr. Stewart,” Detective Peterson responded placidly.

  “I went to a Peep Show, just that one time. That’s all. There’s nothing illegal about that.”

  “Take a closer look at the photos, sir. The first two show you soliciting a prostitute. In the first photo you are seen grinning wolfishly at a known hooker. In the second photo you are clearly passing money to a second streetwalker. Then there is a photo showing you in a packed room watching an exotic dancer. And finally, the piece de resistance, a photo in a small room, and not only is there a scantily clad woman dancing before you, you are seen to be masturbating, as are the other two men within the room. There is a clear pattern of wanton behavior on your part, and there is sufficient evidence to charge you with three crimes.”

  At this accusation, Sloan drew the photos back towards himself, this time examining them more closely. After several moments, he shook his head in confusion, murmuring, “Well, it certainly appears that way, but I can assure you, no such events ever occurred.”

  “Please explain, Dr. Stewart.”

  “I went there in search of a friend.”

  “Where exactly were these photos taken, sir?”

  “I went to a Peep Show, on Simmons. Before that, I was simply talking to some hookers on the street. It must have been…five years ago.”

  “Exactly where on Simmons?”

  “I don�
��t know the address, but I can show you where, if you really want to know.”

  “How do you explain the photo showing you passing money to a prostitute?”

  “It wasn’t money. I was just showing her a piece of paper with an address on it. I was asking for directions.”

  “And what about this photo within the peep show. Do you claim that you were not masturbating, sir?”

  “No! I mean – yes! I was definitely NOT masturbating!”

  “Then how do you explain these photos?”

  “They must have been doctored…”

  “Oh, come now, sir. And you claim that you were searching for a friend?”

  “Yes.”

  “And who might this friend be, sir?”

  “I’d rather not say.”

  “So you claim to have been searching for a friend, in one of the seedier parts of town, and you refuse to identify this friend,” Inspector Peterson responded doubtfully, “Is that correct?”

  Suddenly aware that he was in deep trouble, Sloan muttered forlornly, “I’m afraid so.” Contemplating his situation, he realized that if he divulged what had actually occurred, Sabrina’s goings-on would necessarily come to light. “Look here, someone is trying to frame me, detective!”

  “Frame you! Frame you? I assure you, Dr. Stewart, people are framed every day, for murder, for embezzlement, indeed, for all manner of heinous crimes, but I assure you, people are not framed for indecent exposure!”

  The Following Day

  Sloan picked up his office phone on the second ring, saying, “Professor Stewart here.”

  “Sloan, it’s James,” the voice said, “Have you seen The Harvard Hound this morning?”

  “No, why would I read the student newspaper?”

  “Under normal circumstances, I would agree with you, but I’m afraid you’d better have a look. There’s a picture of you on the front page, handcuffed and being dragged off by a person identified as a Boston police detective, and it’s accompanied by an article accusing you of some quite disgusting behavior.”

  “What!” Sloan replied. “You’re not serious!”

  “I most certainly am, I’m afraid. Best get a copy right away.”

  “Alright, thanks James. Listen, I seem to have gotten myself into a bit of a mess. Can you help me?”

  “Of course,” James replied candidly, “Can you meet me for lunch at the Faculty Club at noon?”

  “Yes, that would be great. Thanks James,” and at this he rang off.

  The Harvard Faculty Club –Noon

  Sloan came forward, uttering, “Hello, James. Thanks for meeting me. And before you say anything further – yes, I saw the photo. It’s pretty damning, if you ask me. It seems I’m already tried and convicted.”

  “What on earth is going on, Sloan?”

  “I’ve no idea,” Sloan blurted in confusion, “It appears that someone is out to get me.”

  “Surely not!” James responded hesitantly, “What makes you say that?”

  “The police have some photos that show me masturbating at some peep show. I’ve no idea how they got them, but they are most certainly fakes.”

  “My, that is quite disconcerting. Surely photos such as that cannot be forged.”

  “Well, these were, but I have no idea how they could have been.”

  “So where do they claim the event took place?” James queried suspiciously.

  “It was where Sabrina was dancing, you remember, five years ago, when you told me you saw her in Boston going into a club.”

  “Ah, yes, I do recall, now that you mention it,” James put in, “The two of you were divorced shortly thereafter.”

  “Yes, that’s correct.”

  “You never told me,” James inquired with apparent interest, “Just exactly what transpired between the two of you.”

  “Nothing much, to tell you the truth,” Sloan replied, “I went there looking for her, and sure enough, she was dancing in some peepshow. I waited outside for her, and when she came out, she told me she was getting even with me.”

  “Even with you, for what?”

  “I’ve no earthly idea. Anyway, she started divorce proceedings against me shortly thereafter. I’ve only seen her a few times since, on the occasions when I went to see Elise in Pittsburgh.”

  “So where exactly did these photographs originate, Sloan?”

  “No idea, but someone took them while I was inside the club, searching for Sabrina. I certainly wasn’t masturbating, but the pictures do in fact make it appear so.”

  “My, this is all too much,” James responded and, shaking his head in confusion, he posited, “It appears you have a serious problem.”

  “You’re telling me! Can you help me?”

  “As your department head, I’m afraid not, as I am required to remain neutral as long as there is a university case pending,” James announced somberly, “However, as an old friend, I will see what can be done. Give me a few days to look into it, and I’ll get back to you.”

  “Thanks, James. Now, I’m quite sorry, but I have to run. I’m meeting with my lawyer to discuss options,” and with that Sloan rose to leave.

  “One thing,” James said, grabbing his sleeve, “Please keep Isolde out of this, okay?”

  “Certainly. She’s not involved, and besides, I wouldn’t dream of dragging her into it in anyway,” and with that he made his way to the door.

  Two Weeks Later

  “Thanks for meeting me,” Sloan said morosely.

  “No problem,” James replied, “Anything for an old friend.”

  “So, what have you been able to find out?” he queried with obvious dejection.

  “I’m not going to lie to you, Sloan. It doesn’t look good,” James volunteered solemnly, “I’m told the evidence is pretty damning.”

  “Yes, I know. I’ve seen it.”

  “What on earth were you thinking of, Sloan? Masturbating in public like that!”

  “I did no such thing!” Sloan denied, exclaiming, “It’s been fabricated!”

  “You’re kidding! How does one fake such a scenario, I ask you?”

  “I’ve no idea, James, but I assure you, I’ve never exposed myself like that. I think I’m being framed.”

  “Framed?” James inquired doubtfully, “By whom?”

  “I don’t know. I suppose all of us in academia have enemies.”

  “I doubt it was someone within the institution. What about elsewhere, outside the university?”

  “Honestly, I’ve no idea, James, no idea at all.”

  “What about Sabrina? Might she be at the root of it? After all, it seems she was dancing at the selfsame place that the photos were taken. Might she be taking revenge on you for past indiscretions.”

  “I know, I’ve considered that possibility, but it doesn’t make sense.”

  “Why?”

  “Well, for one thing, there’ve been no indiscretions. For another, she isn’t getting on too well financially since the divorce.”

  “What has that got to do with anything?”

  “I’m paying her child support for Elise. If I lose my job, she could well lose her child support. So it doesn’t seem like she could be the source.”

  “I see,” James responded pensively, “Well then, what about Anson Turner?”

  “Yes, I considered that possibility as well. He’s certainly capable of such underhandedness and, given that I voted against his tenure application, he has motive as well.”

  “Ample motive, I’d say,” James put in decisively, “Your vote was the deciding factor.”

  “Yes, well, I’ll have to think about it further,” Sloan responded morosely.

  “Don’t wait too long, the committee findings are due next week!”

  “Oh, I hadn’t realized it would be that quick,” Sloan muttered, “Well, thanks for your time, James. I’d better get along. I’ve got to sort this thing out.”

  “Best of luck, Sloan, and let me know if
there is anything I can do to help.”

  “Thanks, James, you’ve already helped a great deal. See you,” and with that Sloan made his way from the restaurant.

  Two Weeks Later

  May 17, 1959

  Channel 3 News – 6 P.M.

  “Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, I’m Mark Henderson, and this is the Channel 3 Evening News. First, today’s headlines. President Eisenhower announced today from Camp David that the nation’s Interstate Highway System is now nearly fifty percent complete. Sources tell us that the interstate system is expected to be completed by June of 1963.”

  Turning to a person off-camera, he now accepted a piece of paper and, turning back towards the camera, he announced, “This just in. Sources tell us that Dr. Sloan Stewart, a tenured faculty member in the College of Science at Harvard University, has been dismissed from the university, effective immediately. Dr. Stewart was found guilty of moral turpitude by the Faculty Affairs Committee earlier today, and a short time ago the chancellor of the university announced the finding, along with Dr. Stewart’s dismissal from the university. Having completed all of his studies at Harvard, Dr. Stewart had been a faculty member at the institution since 1951.

  For those among our viewing audience who are not familiar with the term ‘moral turpitude’, it is a catch-all phrase for a wide range of social behaviors considered improper by faculty members, these types of behaviors having been lain down in the University Handbook. At this time, we have no further information regarding the exact nature of Dr. Stewart’s actions that led to his dismissal from Harvard. Stay tuned for further developments on this breaking story.

  The Following Day

  Sloan picked up the phone on the third ring, saying, “Yes, who is calling, please?”

  “So, they finally caught your perverted ass,” the voice on the other end said matter-of-factly.

  Recognizing her voice, he responded glibly, “Sabrina,” and adding sarcastically, “I assume you’ve heard the news. So good to hear from you, despite the circumstances.”

  “Right,” she replied cynically, “So, how did they manage to catch you?”

  “Someone sent them photos of me masturbating in the Peep Show you used to work at in Downtown Boston,” he responded in his typically direct way.

  “What! You’re even more perverted than I thought! What the hell were you thinking of?”

  “I wasn’t thinking of anything, because I didn’t do it!” he exclaimed in denial.

  “Oh, come now, Sloan, we both know that you are capable of any disgusting thing you put your mind to.”

  “Look, I don’t expect you to believe me, but someone has framed me.”

  “Oh, that’s a good one!” she responded doubtfully.

  Seeing that there was no point in continuing this line, he murmured, “Whatever…”

  After a moment’s hesitation, she queried, “Sooo, what happens now?”

  “What do you mean – what happens now? I no longer work at a university – that’s what happens now, Sabrina!”

  “I know that, you idiot!” she exclaimed. “But what are you going to do?”

  “I don’t know. I’ll think of something.”

  “What about your child support payments?”

  “What about them?”

  “Are you going to keep paying them?”

  “Oh God, I knew there was a reason you called, but somehow, I just thought you wanted to gloat. So it’s child support, is it? Don’t worry, Sabrina, I intend to keep my part of the bargain. I have enough money saved to keep paying for the time being. In the meantime, I’ll find some other means of employment.”

  “Right,” she replied doubtfully, “You could always become a pimp, you pervert!”

  “I am hurt by that remark,” he replied in obvious misery.

  “Ha! You! Hurt! That’s a crock!” she screamed into the phone.

  There was a pause, he then saying solemnly, “Listen, you’re well enough away from it, so consider yourself lucky. In the meantime, the checks will keep coming, and I shall continue visiting Elise in accordance with the terms of the divorce decree.”

  “Actually, I’m not sure I want a convicted pervert seeing my daughter,” she blurted.

  “You wouldn’t do that!” he exclaimed.

  “Oh, wouldn’t I?”

  “Listen, I’ve not been convicted of a crime, and given that, it’s doubtful the court would consider a petition to that effect. In the meantime, I would like to see Elise as agreed. After all, she is my daughter, too.”

  “What? You weren’t convicted of a crime?”

  “No, James interceded on my behalf with the District Attorney. So, although I’ve been dismissed from the university, it could in fact have been worse.”

  “Well, that’s a surprise,” she answered in apparent shock.

  “Listen, Sabrina, I did none of this. I have been maligned, and now I am in a fix. I beg of you, please don’t take the one remaining bright spot in my life from me. You know I’ve been a good father to Elise. And I promise, if you will so allow it, I shall continue to do so.”

  “Would you be willing to have your visits with her supervised?”

  “I wouldn’t like it, but if that is what it will take for your consent, then yes.”

  “Well said, Sloan. Under the circumstances, I believe that I will allow things to continue as they are, so long as you continue the child support payments.”

  “Yes, of course. Count on it.”

  Her disposition altering audibly, she announced in conciliation, “Listen, I know I’ve been a real bitch today, but I do want to say how sorry I am for the situation you find yourself in.”

  “Thank you, Sabrina, I shall see you next month at the regular time,” he replied, and so saying, he hung up.

  Boston – April, 1961

  World Press International

  January 16, 1961

  Boston, Massachusetts – Sources tell us that Dr. James Moorehead, a distinguished faculty member and Dean of the College of Science, has been named Chancellor of Harvard University. Having completed all of his studies at Harvard, Dr. Moorehead has been a faculty member at the institution since 1945. Stay tuned for further word regarding this welcome development at one of the world’s finest institutions of higher education.