Law School Murders: Adjunct

Kim paced with her fingers extended and together, almost like she was stalking and praying at the same time.

“When he entered the vehicle of what would have been his eighth victim, Klana Winchester shoved him out of the car and sped off. He later went home and dialed the police to claim him for his misdeeds.”

The students looked at each other. They knew that there were about four different elephants in the room. Kim picked up on the atmosphere. She could feel it. She sighed.

“Alright, I thought I could just launch right into the prepared class. Obviously, current events have given way to a lot of unease and misunderstanding. I’ll be happy to answer any of your questions concerning the case.”

A woman blondish with an angular face and gray-green eyes stood up.

“Professor Jergensen, will you be investigating these cases?”

“No.”

A boy with a strong jaw and ebullient brown eyes rose.

“With the murders of the fraternity brothers, will that constitute fratricide?”

It was a low joke. An ugly, nasty thing that is common nowadays.

“Out of respect for the deceased, let’s refrain from tossing out little comments to get a vile chuckle. You may have a seat, young man.”

Another man, brown skinned and with a shaved head and braids on the top queried.

“With all of your experience in this field, what is the most difficult aspect of cases like these?”

“I’d have to say meeting with the families. Once you see the look of anguish and despair in their eyes, you know why this profession and the legal system must function efficiently. You have no room to be unprofessional or seek fame from such situations.”

A moment passed. It was like a long snap in the universe and then the moment returned with a question. Another young man, high top fade and a clean shaven face.

“Ma’am, I got out of the Marine Corps as a first lieutenant. I wanted to know did you always see yourself dealing with the law or in law enforcement?”

“After my retirement, I considered many avenues. I could be making $250,000 a year as a contractor. That’s decent money with bonuses and more to go along with it. But I chose to be a cop because I relish the idea of protecting my city. After that, as you all know, I didn’t have the opportunity to continue with my work. So I went back to school. And now I’m here.”

The class still seemed nervous and uneasy about recent events. A young woman stood. She had braids and skin the color of cocoa butter.

“Professor Jergensen, It is my understanding that you may be called as a witness in the fraternity brother slayings. What do you have to say to people who take the stand?”

“The truth. Make it ironclad. Know who you’re talking about and discover for yourself the reality of the situation. If you don’t know, just remember that truth isn't the easiest thing to remember. It is the only path of morality in situations like that.”

The end of the session came with the peal of the electronic bell. As the students filed out of the classroom, they each passed by Kim’s desk and said thank you. Even the boy who cracked the joke apologized and said thank you. At the mouth of the hall, two detectives entered the space.

“What is it, gents?” Kim asked with equal measures of nonchalance and straightforwardness.

“You’ve been called to testify in the case regarding Brandon Fletcher. You will be deposed on Monday morning at 9am.

Kim canceled her class and allowed the adjunct professor to fill in for her.