His Favorite Student

survived his career scandals and department politics. It was also how he had earn

at Frida

trying to review drafts submitted by his final year advisers but the

, the name

c. Of course she would pick something clever, and bold. Somethin

s safe. He made sure she and her friend had gotten a cab home and spe

his head, "think rat

she told

ting words at the club, "We can't b

ved her, maybe

g his thoughts. It was soft and h

jeans, different from the short body hug dress she was in on Friday night. Her hair

en two sides of his student. He'd seen her tips

esk and stood back with her arms

eived your email.

rved faintly, but it wasn't t

night"he blurted out f

retched. "You

I di

ou alm

his eyes with hers,

wasn't trying to seduce you. I was d

knew wh

to tell anyone, Professor West, If

d. "This university has zero tolerance for impropriety. One w

. "You think I'd

" he said, voice low. "And

dable. She turned to leave. But before she co

pa

d about your topic.

axed. "Thanks." T

rely left the office early but this day felt awkward, he w

e entryway and shrugged out of his blazer. His apartment was calm and sleek with

to the small set of mailboxes o

ulletins, subscription renewals. Tha

sses and no writings except for his name that was

t seal. He examined the envelope that seemed to contain a card. Stepping back into h

ight at the club. He recognized the moment instantly. She was leaning into him. Her mouth parte

wasn't accidental. It was too precis

ng. It was then he noticed a writing in the back wit

a warning. It was a message. The only thing that bothered him was that h

e her word" he whispered t

ling Leah, but he decided against that. He felt if