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

Jillian had put her phone on vibe before she talked with ZZ so she checked her messages before leaving Wilson Hall. There were several, but only one of immediate interest: a text from Grace Wilson. It was straightforward, “Dr. Naomi del Valle is the new chair.” “So, ZZ was right,” she thought.

She called Grace who said that Dr. del Valle was in, if Jillian would like to come by and say hello, and maybe give her an update on the investigation. Grace thought this was a good idea; Jillian agreed.

Jillian exited through the front doors of Wilson, took a left, and headed toward the main quad near the MU. She smiled as she walked and took a deep, relaxing breath: no protestors, no signs, no TV crews, no circling helicopter…everything seemed so normal, so quiet…

Except, just past the “Walk Only” sign at the fountain, a preacher, already hoarse from yelling his message, was being baited by a small crowd of students, mostly men. They did give the guy some space…about 20 yards. Some of their comments were directed at his exhortations, mostly they just heckled.

The preacher was also having to contend with a band blaring ska music on a stage across from the MU another 40 yards or so away. It was a four-piece band: two men, a white guy on drums and a black one on keyboard; two women, the lead singer, a black woman who had a hand-held percussion instrument, and a bass guitar player, a white woman. The drummer and the lead singer wore dreadlocks.

The demonstrators were long-gone, but a few students listened to the band, some standing directly in front of the stage, and others seated in a fenced-off outdoor area alongside the MU, having an afternoon coffee or an after-lunch snack. Jillian, a protective finger in her left ear and smiled at the continuity of student life at ASU as she walked by.

It was a short(ish) walk to Ross-Blakey Hall, but hot and Jillian found herself wishing for ‘the Batmobile.’

By now, the work-study staff recognized her so she didn’t bother to check-in at the front desk. When she rounded the corner, Grace quickly stood and came toward her. “Let’s pop up to the second floor. I’ll introduce you and Dr. del Valle.”

As they walked up the stairs, Jillian asked, “So, Grace, is Dr. del Valle a good thing for the department…for you?”

“Couldn’t be more pleased. For the English Department and for me,” she said and smiled.

“I’m glad.”

Grace took one turn and then they were at an office; the door was open. Grace stood in the open doorway and announced, “Detective Sergeant Warne is here to see you.”

Jillian heard a “please come in,” and they entered. The office was like the other English Department offices that Jillian had seen over the last couple of days, except, of course, Professor Siemens’ fancier one. As they entered, Grace said, “Dr. del Valle please meet Detective Sergeant Jillian Warne. Detective Sergeant, Dr. Naomi del Valle.” She then smiled and said to Jillian, “Please stop and say goodbye before you leave us.” She nodded and left.

Dr. del Valle had stood—her desk was on the right and faced the opposite wall; the door was to her left. She was a tall woman, in her mid-40s, Jillian estimated. She stood erect and with poise. Her black hair was pulled back in a ponytail. She wore horned rimmed glasses, a tan blouse and green and brown plaid pants. Her shoes were stylish, but also looked comfortable. Jillian was sure that she wasn’t one of the people who had been standing in the hallway in the corridor waiting near Professor Siemens’ office.

“So glad to meet you, Dr. del Valle, and congratulations on being the chair.” She displayed her ID as she spoke.

“I think you could just as well mean condolences,” she smiled. “I guess which it is remains to be seen. Please,” she said, gestured to a chair in front of her desk, and returned to her desk chair. “I was hoping that you could bring me up to speed on your investigation. I know that the business of the English Department must go on, but still…this is horrible. Everyone is…” she shook her head. “This is new terrain for all of us.”

As Professor del Valle spoke, Jillian eyed the room. Posters adorned every wall. They all looked theatrical, maybe related to Shakespeare, she thought. In one, a woman wore a toga. In another, a black actor, addressing a companion, held a skull…both men wore swords. There were two other posters, but she didn’t recognize either of them, and didn’t want to stare.

There was a slight pause in the conversation, which Jillian filled by giving a succinct overview of the facts and of where they were in their investigation. Dr. del Valle sat quietly, still erect, although a time or two she looked away, especially as Jillian described the murder scene.

When Jillian finished, Professor del Valle was quiet for several seconds. Then she said, “I’m the new chair of English, but at the end of the day, I’m still a professor and cannot imagine how I could possibly help you, but if there is anything I can do…anything…just ask.”

Jillian detected a slight southern accent. It was different from Professor Gilroy...actually, she sounded more like Grace Wilson.

Jillian asked the usual questions about Professor Siemens and received what was becoming the usual response, including that she, Dr. del Valle, had thought that the turmoil surrounding the hiring had calmed down.

Jillian jotted down a few notes, then said, “So, we know about Professor Keefer not being promoted to associate dean and obviously being out as chair,” she gestured toward Professor del Valle. “I do have to ask if you knew that he and Professor Siemens were having an affair?”

Still sitting erect, she shook her head no. “I’ve been a professor for long enough that it’s difficult to surprise me anymore. Still, I had absolutely no idea…” she paused and shook her