Death of the Ayn Rand Scholar by Gray Cavender (classic literature list txt) 📕

Dean’s office, but that has been rescinded. We wondered if there was any connection between their affair and that personnel decision.”

Davidos didn’t answer at first. He stared at Jillian for a few seconds. She thought that he must have been expecting them to give him information, not to ask him questions.

Finally, he responded, “Actually, the promotion was to Associate Dean, which had not been approved, so it was not rescinded.”

Jillian again, “And we learned that Professor Keefer is also ‘out’ as the Chair of the English Department.” She ended with a declarative sentence but her demeanor was asking a question?”

“Detective Sergeant, I’m not in the habit of having to justify my decisions.”

Wes, who rarely took notes during interviews—he had once told Jillian that not taking notes was better for the flow of the interview and for observing expressions and gestures—made a point of taking a pen from his shirt pocket and opening his notebook. When he finished, he looked up at President Davidos and gave a slight nod, but remained silent, his pen poised.

Davidos filled-in the silence. “Very well. Let’s just say that it was a team decision not to promote Professor Keefer to Associate Dean…and, that he not should continue as the Chair of ASU’s English Department. This was a Prime decision. Prime is my closest advisory group, consisting of The Provost, two senior deans, the University CFO, and ASU’s General Counsel. Prime is advisory, but more often than not we are on the same page…as we were in this case.” He looked at them again, and, perhaps because she’d asked the questions, his look lingered on Jillian.

When he continued, his look shifted back to Wes. “Once the affair was known, and in light of the murder, we deemed it not in ASU’s best interest that Professor Keefer serve in a highly visible administrative capacity. That is simply not an image that we want out there…it is not consistent with ASU’s brand.” Although Davidos said this in a matter of fact tone, he seemed irked to Jillian.

“My question to you, to both of you…are you suggesting that Professor Keefer…I believe the way you put it…is a person of interest?”

Jillian answered, “At this stage, President Davidos, we are interested in anyone who was linked into Professor Siemens…and if there are any possible motives for any of these people.”

“And you think that losing a promotion might be a motive. How?”

“An affair with someone who’s been murdered is a relevant connection, as is a lost promotion. These are interesting coincidences, and we are doing everything possible to gather more details.”

“I see.”

Jillian dreaded the next part, but forged ahead. “Because this is a murder investigation, we did have a proper search warrant for all of Professor Siemens’ possessions…car…home…both campus offices…and, of course her electronic devices. We saw that she had had an exchange with you after the two of you attended a conference in Charlotte, North Carolina. You flew back to Phoenix on the same flight and in adjacent seats.”

“That’s no secret, and surely it’s not a crime, either.”

“What is interesting,” she continued, “is that Professor Siemens changed flights at the last minute and also obtained an upgrade from coach to first class.”

“I assume that changing a flight and upgrading to first isn’t a crime, either.” He paused, then continued, “And how did you obtain this information?“

“Through our investigation,” Jillian answered being as vague as possible.

“And why was this aspect of the investigation necessary?” He looked first at Wes, then settled his gaze again on Jillian.

“We were following a communication thread that started with Professor Siemens’ change of flight from Charlotte, and then continued through emails and texts with you.”

“I see,” he nodded. “Well, since you asked, Professor Siemens and I started a ‘thread of conversation’ that began at the conference in Charlotte, and continued through our return flight. She had a promising idea for an upcoming conference on Ayn Rand. She wanted to invite business leaders in the Valley to the conference. I though the idea had merit and wanted to vet it further.”

He seemed about to stop, but after a couple of seconds, continued. “As for the expense, my time is valuable. My schedule is always fully committed, and having her change flights and sit in adjoining seats was…efficient. The follow-up emails and texts were just that: follow-up. I certainly cannot remember them, but cannot imagine that they were suspicious in any way.”

Wes spoke. “Apologies for the personal nature of this next question, President Davidos. We know that the affair between Professor Siemens and Professor Keefer started at a conference. We also know that you and Professor Siemens were at a conference together…and then flew back together. So…”

Davidos interrupted him, “If you are implying…”

Wes interrupted him, “We are not implying, President Davidos. We’re asking…a simple yes or no.”

“Then no. And if, as you say, you’ve read my messages to her, then you know most assuredly that there was no questionable communication on my part…full stop.”

Wes said, “Yes, although her comments could be taken as more suggestive.”

“Mine, however, could not be so construed. Even though I do not recall all of them, I know that they were appropriate. As for Professor Siemens’ sense of this…well, she is beyond asking. I will only say that ASU continues to be a place where we do not tolerate sexually problematic behavior…at any level.“

He turned toward Jillian and said, “Perhaps you can speak to this, Detective Sergeant Warne since you are on our Sexual Assault Task Force. By the way, what is the status of that report? “

Jillian recognized that he was trying to volley the ball back to her court, and she was prepared. “Our meetings have gone well…the team is a strong one and we’re working well together. I expect a draft soon, although of course, the team’s recommendations will have to be vetted by Chief McCaslin and Chief Rosas before they come to you…and your team.”

“Yes, I’ll be in contact with both your chiefs on these matters…rest assured,” he said and looked at