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

sure that you’re aware, she did have a joint appointment in English.”

Jillian continued, “Was there any Koch funding in the Rand Center?”

“None,” he answered tersely.

There was some din in the hallway, but Professor Roberts, unperturbed, talked over it. Jillian glanced at her watch and realized that a class period had just ended, and students were leaving the classrooms up and down the hallway. The memory made her smile.

Wes asked, “Professor Roberts, can you suggest anyone else we should speak with about Professor Siemens? As I said, we’re trying to get a picture of her, of her life here on campus. We have had a suggestion that we should interview Miriam Moser over at SkySong. Can you suggest anyone else?”

Roberts was quiet, and then said, “Well, in terms of enemies, obviously Ian Naremore. Although, as I mentioned, there were others who also were very critical of Nelda…unfairly critical, let me emphasize. And, although I can offer no specific individuals in the English Department, I would consider people over there, too. She told me that there were faculty who’d opposed her appointment, and were unfriendly to her. But again, she didn’t name names…that wasn’t Nelda’s style,” he smiled.

Wes asked, “What about anyone outside of ASU?“

“Well, she was in frequent contact with people in the business community, in Tempe and in Phoenix…really, across the Valley. And, as I think about it, let me suggest that you talk with some ASU people who would be positive about Nelda…the Dean of the Carey College, even President Davidos. Nelda was very well-respected. I know you’ve already spoken with Lucas Seay, and I’m sure he told you that her being here enhanced the reputation of the Business College…and the entire university, for that matter.”

He was quiet again, and then said, “And, in that spirit, a spirit of full disclosure, I should tell you that, for a time, Nelda and I were romantically involved.”

“OK…” Wes answered…“thanks for sharing that with us. Were you two still involved?”

“No, that part of our relationship ended…” He thought for a few seconds… “toward the end of last spring semester.”

Wes asked, “Amicably?”

“Absolutely, yes. I almost didn’t even mention it. I mean, it was good, you know, while it lasted,” he shrugged. “But, ultimately, we just had different interests…breaking it off was mutual…and we’ve remained friends. I consider Nelda to be a good friend, and I think that she thought the same of me.”

Jillian asked, “Do you know, if Professor Siemens seeing anyone, currently?”

“Honestly, I’m not sure. As I said, we are friends…but I really don’t know.”

Wes looked thoughtful, then said, “Since you were close…and remained friends, maybe you can tell us a little about Professor Siemens’ personal life, you know, her background, things like that.”

“OK, where to start…so…Nelda’s from LA originally, Orange County to be more specific. She went to the University of Chicago for her MBA and her PhD in English. What else…what else…she’s never been married, although she was engaged back in Chicago…to law student, I think. I take it that this was mostly a grad student kind of thing…because it ended when she took her doctorate and was offered a position at Mount Holyoke.”

He thought for a few seconds, then said, “Nelda’s an only child…her dad’s a professor. I did meet him when he was out to visit Nelda last year. We all had dinner…nice guy. They’re a lot alike…libertarian thinkers. He retired from USC several years ago. Her mom is deceased…this was before Nelda came to ASU…I think five or six years ago. From what Howell said—that’s her dad—Nelda gets her combativeness from her mom…she was an attorney.”

Wes asked, “And what about the nature of her relationship with her dad?”

“Well, he is her dad, and Nelda is her own person…you can be sure of that.”

Roberts seemed to catch himself, and paused with a kind of inquisitive look.

Wes picked-up on it and said, “Professor Roberts, I know these kinds of questions can seem intrusive, so apologies. It’s just that, through experience we know that getting a better picture of Professor Siemens will help us get to the bottom of this. So, apologies again, but thank you, too.”

Roberts was quiet, but nodded that he understood. Finally, he said, “No, again, it’s me who should apologize. I’m just…it feels so strange to be discussing Nelda like this and to know that she’s…” he tapered off.

“We understand, and again, we’re very sorry for your loss.” Wes was quiet for a few seconds, then said, “OK, I think that’s it for now, Professor Roberts. Thanks for your time, and for sharing this information with us. We’ll leave our cards with you and if you think of anything, no matter how minor it might seem, please contact us.”

“Will do. And, just let me say, Nelda is…” He seemed overcome again, but then composed himself. “Nelda was my friend. Please, leave no stone unturned. She didn’t deserve this.”

He saw them out of his office. The hallway was still crowded with students changing classes.

After they left the BAC building and had walked maybe twenty yards beyond the outdoor tables that were crowded with students, some transfixed by their IPADS and some just having a cup of coffee between classes, Wes stopped and looked contemplative. He ran his hand through his hair and said, “I’m undecided about what should be our next move…maybe grab a bite to eat in the student union OR just go directly to arrest Professor Naremore. Is his office nearby, Jilly?”

Jillian laughed, hard. She’d forgotten about Wes’ humor. They could be in the middle of something serious, and then, literally out of the blue, he’d say the craziest things.

Wes continued, serious again. “OK, Jilly, we’ve heard Naremore’s name several times now…and not in a positive way…and from different people. You know him…is he good for this?”

“No, of course not,” she said in a dismissive way, and without skipping a beat. “I will say this…Professor Naremore is as passionate about regulating corporations as Professor Roberts is about de-regulating them. He studies corporate crime and regulation.”

“Is