Chapter 13
She woke up from the nightmare that had returned after so many long years being absent. But now it was somehow much more concrete. Instead of being a child, she seemed to be able to see things slightly differently. Maybe slightly wasn't the correct term since she was now putting Mick St. John in the role of her rescuer.
And according to Josh, was now saying his name out loud! She knew Josh wanted to talk, but re-hashing the dreams only frustrated her so she got out of bed and headed off to work. Beth had learned the best way to shut it off was to concentrate on something else. And that something was the intriguing case and elusive Mr. St. John.
After researching the dead girl's studies, Beth was certain her college professor was somehow involved. And when she saw him, surrounded by his T.A. and little emo recruits, she was doubly certain.
Then she saw him, hiding in the shadows. She knew he would show up. "Thanks for ditching me the other night."
His reply was offhand. Something about her being resourceful. Well, yeah. So? Still it throws her. He has an uncanny way of keeping her off balance. How does he do that?
She shares with him her research but he just is not very forthcoming with his. She decides he just needs to be given some direction. Bossy! He called her bossy, well, "you'll get used to it." And she reminds him about returning the necklace so that she can turn it in to the police for blood analysis.
Then Chloe's scene scratching the professor seems to change Mick's mind about somethng, as if he's seen enough, and off he goes. Well, she's not going to let him disappear on her again so she follows him to his car and puts her hand on his arm. He pointedly looked at her hand touching him so she let go right away but he smiled, reached over to the glove box, hands her the necklace and casually -- but assuredly -- says "It's the professors" and then she's left again.
Okay. So he's guessing, right? Nevertheless, she's gonna hand it over to Carl. And then pump him for more information. She's heard he can't get enough of this Puerto Rican food so she'll catch him there for the Thursday special, his favorite. Beth knows how to work him so that he gives out more than he wants to. Still, his answer confirms Mick's and her rivalry theory. She just doesn't get his crack about threesomes never working. Does he know that from experience?
Well, she's got to find a way to get to the Professor. Maybe a little reading and showing up at a lecture might give her more clues. If he's such a Lothario, he'll make a move on her. He seems to like 'em young, better dress down. Now what are they wearing on campus these days?
