Hold onyoure saying two?
Yes, Mackenzie said. Did you not know?
I knew about Jo Haley. And the only reason I knew that was because were notified by the provost whenever a student that we work with passes away. Who is the other one?
Christine Lynch, Mackenzie said, studying his face for a reaction. There was a flicker of recognition there, but very little. Do you recognize the name?
Yes. But II cant recall the face. I had over sixty students, you know.
Thats another thing, Ellington said. The had of it all. We hear that you quit your job shortly before winter break. Did that have anything to do with the rumors that you were seeing one of your students?
Ah, Jesus, Holland said. He leaned back in his chair and removed his glasses. He massaged the bridge of his nose and sighed. Yes, Im dating a student. I knew word was getting around and what that might do to both my career and her academic career. So I quit my job.
Just like that? Mackenzie asked.
No, not just like that, Holland snapped. Wed been sneaking around for months and Ive fallen in love with her. She feels the same. So we talked long and hard about it, trying to figure out what to do. But during that time, it somehow became public knowledge. And that sort of made the decision for us. Butwhat does any of this have to do with the murders?
Were hoping nothing, Ellington said. But you have to see this the way we see it. We have two murdered students and the only firm link between the two of them is that they share you as an academic advisor. Add to that the fact that youre having a fairly open relationship with a student
So you think Im a suspect? You think I killed those girls?
Saying the words out loud seemed to make him sick. He placed his glasses back on and sat up in the chair, hunched over.
Were not sure what we think right now, Mackenzie said. Thats why were here to speak with you.
Mr. Holland, Ellington said, you just told us that you could not really place Christine Lynchs face. How about Jo Haley?
YesI knew her rather well, actually. She was a friend of the woman Im currently seeing.
So Jo Haley knew about the relationship?
I dont know. I dont think that Melissathats my girlfriendwould tell her. We tried our best to remain very discreet.
Mackenzie took a moment to think. The fact that his girlfriend had known one of the victimsand that the victim could have potentially known about the taboo relationshipcertainly painted Holland in a worse light. It made her wonder why he would so voluntarily offer up all of this information without much of a fight.
Forgive me for asking, Mackenzie said, but was this girlfriend of yoursthis Melissathe first student youve ever been involved with?
A knot of frustration worked its way across Hollands face and he got to his feet in a sudden flash of movement. Hey, fuck you! I cant
Sit back down right now, Ellington said, stepping directly into Hollands path.
Holland appeared to realize his mistake right away, his expression going from one of resigned regret to anger, back and forth as he tried to settle on an emotion.
Look, Im sorry. But Im sick and tired of being judged for this and I truly dont appreciate being accused of screwing around with all students just because I happen to be involved in a current, responsible relationship with a consenting of-age woman.
How old are you, Mr. Holland? Mackenzie asked.
Forty-five.
And how old is Melissa?
Twenty-one.
Have you ever been married? Ellington asked, taking a step back and relaxing his posture.
Once. For eight years. It was miserable, if you must know.
And how did that marriage end?
Holland shook his head and started making his way to the edge of the living room, where the foyer joined it. Yeah, this conversation is over. Unless you plan on charging me with something, you can both get the hell out. Im sure there are others at the college that can answer the rest of your questions.
Slowly, Mackenzie made her way to the door. Ellington followed reluctantly behind. Mackenzie turned back to him, her gut telling her there was something here.
Mr. Holland, you understand that by failing to cooperate, it makes it look much worse for you.
Ive dealt with that for the last month or so of my life.
Wheres Melissa right now? Ellington asked. Wed like to speak with her as well.
Shes But Holland stopped here, again shaking his head. Shes been dragged through the mud, too. I wont have you bothering her over this.
So you arent answering any more of our questions, Ellington said. And youre refusing to give us the location of someone else we need to speak with. Is that correct?
Thats absolutely correct.
Mackenzie could tell that Ellington was getting riled up. She could see his shoulders going tense and his posture going as rigid as a stone slab. She reached out and gently touched his arm, anchoring him.
Well take note of that, Mackenzie said. If we need to speak with you again in regards to this case and its discovered that you arent home, well consider you a viable suspect and you will be arrested. Do you understand that?
Sure, Holland said.
He crowded them into the foyer as he opened the door for them. The moment they were standing on the porch, Holland slammed the door.
Mackenzie started toward the porch stairs but Ellington held his ground. You dont think its worth pursuing? he asked.
Maybe. But I dont think anyone that is guilty would willingly share some of those details. Besideswe know his girlfriends first name. If its really pressing, we can probably weed her full name out from his records. The last thing we need, though, is the hasty arrest of an academic advisor who is already on thin ice and in a bit of controversy.
Ellington smiled and joined her heading down the stairs. Seeits things like this that are going to make you an amazing wife. Always keeping me from doing something stupid.
I suppose I have had ample practice these last few years.
They got back into the car and when Mackenzie was in the seat, she again realized how tired she was. She would never admit it to Ellington, but maybe she did need to take it easy.
One or two more days, little one, she thought to the growing life inside of her. Just a few more days and you and I will be getting all the rest we want.
CHAPTER EIGHT
She knew she shouldnt be doing this, but it was hard to resist. Besideswith a new semester on the way, this would be a good way to kick things off. One last fling. One last night of absolute craziness. And if it went the way it usually did, shed leave feeling empoweredso empowered that it would easily override those quick little flashes of regret.
And it would be a great way to start the new semester.
Marie hadnt even tried to talk herself out of it. The moment shed parked her car in the garage, she knew this was where she would end up tonight. All shed had to do was make the call, to let him know that she was back in town and wanted to see him. He had never denied her before and after three weeks apart, she highly doubted he would deny her now.