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

“So she knows a lot of celebrity musicians?”

Georgia laughed, “That’s exactly what Wes asked when I told him where my mom worked. He was asking ‘like, have you met Springsteen? Or Yo-Yo Ma? Or Cyndi Lauper? I gotta say…Wes has pretty eclectic tastes in music.”

“That he does. So, have you met them?”

Georgia laughed again. “No, but…a year ago when I was meeting Mom for lunch I did meet Alicia Keys and Jamie Foxx—both of them were visiting the suite of offices where she’s located. Another time I was there after work, and I met Nicki Minaj.”

“Wes must love this…he likes music so much.”

“Yes, I think that’s why he asked to partner with me…just kidding.”

“Did you ever think of going in to that line of work?”

“Without pushing it too hard, Mom offered to help me get ‘in’ if that’s something I wanted. I minored in Com at UCLA, and she thought that’d be a solid background.”

“Wow…Com is pretty big at ASU. What was it like at UCLA? And I think having a mom in the music business would help.”

“Well, given that it’s Hollywood, Com has a great department at UCLA…no surprise. And yeah, it would help to have a mom who’s in the business, but, like I said, that forensic accounting course…it just grabbed me. Somehow, I just seems RIGHT to go after these players who think they are so above it all…but in the end they’re just thieves. You know what I mean?”

“Absolutely.”

“Well, whatever…I’m glad you’re here, Georgia.” After they toasted, Jillian said, “OK, so one last personal question. Are you parents originally from LA?”

“Un huh…why?”

“Your name. I’d made up this mental backstory that maybe your parents were from Atlanta and named you Georgia because they missed living there.”

“That’s sweet, but no,” she laughed again. “Actually, the real explanation is just as nice. Mom really liked the old song, Georgia on My Mind, and Dad loved Rainy Night in Georgia. So, here I am.”

“For real?”

“For real.”

They talked for another 15 or 20 minutes…and the conversation shifted to more about Jillian, her family, and her time at ASU. Georgia said she was interested in an MBA from ASU. She thought that would look good on her application to the FBI…later.

Given what she’d said about corporate criminals, Jillian almost suggested that she take a grad seminar from Professor Naremore, but decided against it…at least for now…given…everything. Jillian did describe what graduate work was like at ASU, although cautioned that probably an MBA would be a very different story than her experience.

They discussed some of Jillian’s cases while at Tempe PD, her new job at ASU PD, and her role on the Sexual Assault Task Force. She shared suggestions about where to eat, where to go for live music, and tips about making it as a Tempe PD detective. What Georgia really wanted to know when the weather would be cooling off.

After she said goodbye, Jillian concluded that she really liked Georgia. She’d even told her about her judo class—Wes had told Georgia the story about Clay Neely—and Georgia all-but promised that she’d start attending. Jillian was supposed to text with the details.

She wondered if there was some way that she and Wes could work Georgia into the into the Siemens investigation. She’d discuss it with him. She did admit that she was a little jealous that Georgia would be Wes’ partner. She missed those days and envied Georgia.

Almost immediately after Georgia left, Jillian asked and was told it was fine to hold the table because a friend was joining her for dinner. She requested menus and a glass of water for Sarah. She did change positions so she could keep an eye on the front door.

Jillian waved when Sarah entered the front door and rose as she approached the table. They hugged.

“Long time, no see,” Sarah laughed. “Been waiting long?”

“No, I actually I was having a drink and getting to know a new Tempe PD detective. Her name is Georgia Ronson, and she just stated. They let me hold the table.”

”A new detective, huh? Maybe we should recruit her to ASU…you guys can be partners.”

“She did seem sharp, and she’ll be partners with Wes Webb, my former partner. He’s the best.”

“Yes, you’ve talked about him before. I’m starved,” she said and picked-up the menu. “And thanks for the water.”

Their server came—a guy who remained standing—and they placed their orders.

Jillian said, “I’m going to do the Select Two: a mixed green salad and the Tuscan Tuna sandwich.”

Sarah scanned the menu quickly, then said, “The bruschetta—salmon and pesto—and a small mixed green salad for me, too.”

“Anything to drink besides waters?” he asked.

“Iced green tea for me,” Sarah said.

“Same for me.” When the server left, Jillian looked at Sarah, her head turned sideways.

“What?”

“Green tea…this from a lawyer who loves reds…what did you tell me that time, ‘I only drink zins that are so intense they’ll stain your teeth.’ So, what’s up with…” Jillian stopped mid-sentence. She smiled a very big smile and said, “Unless…”

“I guess this is what comes from having a friend who’s a detective. And yes, I’m pregnant.”

“Get up and get hugged,” Jillian said. Then, “Congratulations…how long have you known?”

“Not long…a couple of weeks…I just wanted to tell you in person…and in private, not at the Task Force meeting the other day.”

“But, you’re not showing…”

“Oh, I’m far enough along that I have a little ‘baby bump,’ but I’ve been wearing looser clothes.” She stepped off the riser, turned in profile, and pressed her jacket and blouse in. “See?”

“I do now, but honestly, I didn’t notice…guess I’m not much of a detective.” She smiled and said, “I know people always say this, but you really do have a kind of glow.”

“Or it could just be sweat. It’s not much of a walk over here—it’s just around the corner—but that was enough.” Sarah dabbed her face and neck with a napkin.

“Boy or girl? Do you know?”

“We do…just found out…but, we’re keeping that a secret.

“You look great, Sarah. Are you healthy…when are you