Black Cat Weekly #81

Chapter 6

byWhat a homecoming! thought Detective Codie Kessler as she approached the administration building of her alma mater. She wasn’t back on campus for a concert or a football game, but as the lead investigator into the death of the University’s popular president.

alma mater“Over here, Detective,” said a lanky uniformed officer that Codie recognized as Sgt. Mike Jones, who was the first on the scene. “The forensic team just finished their exam.”

“What can you tell me about the situation?” said Codie.

“President Stone’s secretary found the body when she returned to the office after lunch. A single gunshot to the head. From the angle of entry and the absence of stippling, I’m pretty sure we’re not dealing with a suicide.”

After viewing Dr. Marvin Stone’s body as the forensic personnel prepared it for transport, Codie walked toward an obviously shaken woman Sgt. Jones had identified as Mildred Rhodes, Stone’s longtime administrative assistant. “Ms. Rhodes,” Codie said, “I understand you found Dr. Stone’s body.”

“I can’t believe this has happened,” blurted out the diminutive redhead. “He just can’t be gone.”

“Did you see anyone around the office when you left for lunch or when you returned?”

“No,” said Mildred nervously. “Dr. Stone worked all morning alone, and his first scheduled appointment wasn’t until 3:00 this afternoon.”

“Can you think of anyone who might want to harm Dr. Stone?” Codie said calmly.

“Detective,” said Mildred, a hint of defensiveness stealing into her voice, “this is a university. People here don’t do such things.”

“Has the president been involved in any disputes or controversies recently?”

Mildred Rhodes thought for a few seconds, then said, “Well, earlier this week he and J.J. Jackson, the University’s VP of Development, had a rather loud argument behind closed doors. There have been some nasty rumors involving Mr. Jackson’s investment of donations from some of our wealthy alums.”

Jotting down Jackson’s name, Codie said, “Anyone else come to mind?”

“Deborah Rainey, our women’s tennis coach, has confronted Dr. Stone several times in the last few weeks to complain about the discrepancies between funding and facilities for the University’s men’s and women’s athletic teams. We got an angry call from her yesterday after the president cancelled their latest appointment.”

Perhaps, thought Codie, Stone wasn’t as universally loved as his PR flack would have the community believe. “Is that everybody?”

“I would mention Professor David Cross,” said Mildred hesitantly, “but he and Dr. Stone were such longtime friends. In fact, they were once colleagues in the chemistry department.”

“What was the problem between them?”

“I’m really not sure,” said Mildred, “but Dr. Stone stopped his weekly trips for coffee with Professor Cross abruptly two weeks ago. He wouldn’t give me a reason.”

A quick phone call to Jackson’s office eliminated the VP as a suspect. He had been out of town all week on a fundraising trip.

As Codie entered the University’s athletic complex, memories of her days as captain of the school’s volleyball team flooded her mind.

“Detective Codie Kessler,” came a voice from across the room, “what brings you back to your old haunt?”

Seeing Deborah Rainey sitting on the training table, her right leg in a cast, Codie was pretty sure the tennis coach had nothing to do with the murder.

After explaining the reason for her visit and confirming that the coach had spent the lunch hour in therapy, Codie headed toward the science building situated next to Mellon Hall and the president’s office. She found Professor David Cross in his lab. “Professor,” she said, flashing her badge, “I’m afraid I have some bad news. President Stone was murdered earlier today.”

Cross stood, a strange look on his face. “I thought it was a car backfiring, but it must have been a gunshot I heard around 12:15.”

“I think you’ll be trading your lab coat for a prison uniform,” said Codie as she handcuffed the professor.

Since Codie hadn’t told the professor how, where, or exactly when Stone was killed, how could he have known Stone was shot at lunchtime? Arrested, Cross confessed that his old colleague had refused to support a lucrative grant application and the perceived betrayal had led to harsh words and the fatal shot.