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

stare. She was always impressed that he could do that…smile while decidedly not smiling.

President Davidos continued to look at Jillian even as he responded to Wes, “Yes, we are of course glad to have Ms. Warne back with us. We’re always proud when our alums distinguish themselves, as you did with the Tempe Police.”

Jillian smiled, but said nothing. Wes said, “I think that’s all we have for you today, President Davidos. And we appreciate your helping to fill-in our picture of Professor Siemens. The more we know…the more we know.”

It seemed to Jillian that one of the reasons President Davidos was irked is that he didn’t like not being in charge. And, while Wes hadn’t done anything to demonstrably take over, he had taken over. In this case, being a detective trumped being a university president.

President Davidos was smart, though, Jillian would give him that, and knew when to fold his hand. “Again, detectives, my office will be of any assistance that you need. And…” he looked first at Wes and then at Jillian…”I want updates as your investigation progresses. I have made myself familiar with your records and know that you will both devote your total energies to this case.”

Even as Wes and Jillian stood near the door to President Davidos’ office and shook hands with them, he added one last wrinkle. “Obviously, following our own protocol, we’ve closed and then re-opened the university…all with input from both of your chiefs. I’ve now requested that they now hold a joint news conference to update the public on your investigation. I want the community, including faculty and students…and especially ASU parents…to know what’s being done to protect them. I trust that you’ll convey the information about forensics reports, and such, to your respective chiefs. The news conference is being scheduled for later this afternoon.” His accent had become minimal again.

On their way out, President Davidos introduced them to John Hawley, who was apparently something akin to his Chief of Staff. Hawley was to be the person through whom Wes and Jillian would stay in contact, seek any assistance, and update the president. They exchange business cards with him.

At first during their walk back to HQ—her second in a matter of hours—Jillian said nothing. She wanted to see what Wes would say about their meeting, especially that last part about the upcoming news conference that President Davidos had sprung on them. Waiting Wes out didn’t work because as soon as they’d turned right onto College Avenue, he asked, “So, what’d you make of our meeting with Number One?”

She laughed, “I was hoping you’d tell me. Before we talk about the obvious—the news conference—I want to know…do you think he’d…investigated us?”

“Well, being a university president…he’s a powerful guy, so…apparently, yeah. He seemed especially interested in you.”

“You noticed? It icked-me-out...like that comment about me transferring over to ASU. I guess he’s technically my boss…although I tend to think of Al as The Chief. You think that was some sort of ‘chain of command’ thing?”

“Well, first of all, you’re absolutely right…Al Rosas is your boss. And second, I think he was just trying to rattle your chain…I wouldn’t worry about it, Jilly.”

“He seems like the kind of guy who’s used to giving orders and having them obeyed….’yes sir,’” she said, and gave a smart salute. “I think he was seriously surprised when you asked him a few questions.”

“Yeah…reminded me of the scene in Get Shorty when Travolta tells Gene Hackman, ‘look at me, I’m the one telling you how it is.’ I think President Davidos is uncomfortable if he is NOT the ‘one telling you like it is.’ Marilyn and I just streamed it last week…she loves that movie…she’s a big Travolta fan…and I love the soundtrack.” Wes started humming Booker T’s Green Onions.

Jillian smiled, then asked, “So, a news conference?”

“Apparently…although that was the first I’d heard about it. You?”

“Me, too. I guess it’s what we were just saying…he wants to be in control.”

“That, and he’s probably worried about all the media attention to a murder on his campus.”

“I think you’re right. A guy who’s on our Task Force works in ASU’s PR Department, and he said the news media are all over this…and of course we saw that crew on campus earlier, and then out front…”

They’d just crossed 5th and, even as she spoke, they could see a news crew leaving a large white van with a TV station logo on its side, and heading to the main entrance to their building. Wes and Jillian veered left and entered through the employees’ gate.

As they entered the building, Wes said, “This is no surprise. A murder isn’t necessarily a big story, but it is if it’s on the ASU campus…AND of a professor. I don’t know if you saw The Republic this morning…but we’re still front page.”

She nodded and added, “The story was on NPR this morning, too…and a national story, not just KJZZ, although it was a KJZZ reporter who did it.”

“I guess Davidos’ news conference is a way for him to try to get out front on this. And pushing our chiefs into holding it makes sense…shows everyone that the police are on the case. But, it also takes some of the pressure off ASU.”

‘So, what do we do?”

“That’s easy, when we get to our office…I text my chief…you text yours…and see what they need from us.”

She nodded, then asked, “And, why later today…that’s really short notice, don’t you think?”

“I imagine the Prez is trying to have the conference done and ready for the six o’clock news…lead story…and all that.”

“OK…” she paused, collecting her thoughts. “But, I did want to bring-up something else…this goes back to our interview…did it seem to you that President Davidos had an almost personal reaction to Professor Siemens’ murder? At a couple of points it seemed like he did.”

Wes paused, too, thinking, then, “Yeah, I thought so…especially when I was going over the results from Forensics. Of course, he did say they were friendly.”

When Jillian was quiet,