Page 22 of M for Murder

Emma Keeley, perhaps?

The Romeo professor with hypnotic black eyes: was it a case of straightforward infatuation? Or did he play with the emotions of his students and return their advances? Not a strong enough motive to make him a murderer, Joel knew, especially since the victims they were dealing with weren’t only female.

He was surprised upon shaking Parker’s hand to notice he wore a wedding ring. This guy didn’t look like the married type. Didn’t look like the married type and didn’t look like he should be tutoring in college. One thing was for sure, Lawrence Parker was not the kind of person who could be read like a book.

‘How may I help you, Agent Hickok?’ he asked, fixing Joel with those black eyes, gesturing with his hand for him to take a seat.

Joel pulled up one of the wooden chairs from the front row of the class and sat down, noticing just how softly spoken Parker was. The lecturer remained standing, his back against his desk as he studied Joel. The teacher and the student. It was an authority thing Joel realised. Parker wanted to have the upper hand and was trying to establish it by making him feel as though he was on a lower level. Although he understood the professor’s intentions, Joel chose to remain seated. Let Lawrence Parker think he had the upper hand. If he thought he was in control, he was more likely to let something slip. If he does have something to hide.

Joel was certain he did. He fixed Parker with his most intense stare. ‘What can you tell me about Scott Jagger?’

Parker thought about the question for only the briefest of seconds, slowly shaking his head.

‘Smart kid, very popular. Could have gone a lot further if he had applied himself.’

Joel arched an eyebrow. ‘Further? What held him back?’

‘Scott was too busy chasing after girls and footballs to take his studying seriously. He had potential, though.’

‘His last class before he went missing was with you, two weeks ago Friday. Did he seem okay? Was his behaviour normal?’

‘Pretty much so. He was quieter than usual. I understand he’d had a fight with his girlfriend.’

‘Her name is?’

‘Joanna Daly.’

‘She goes to this college?’

‘Yes. She’s in my fourth period class on Wednesdays.’

Joel pulled his notebook out and started scribbling. ‘So they had a fight. Any idea what about?’

A hint of a smile touched Parker’s lips. ‘I try to stay out of my students’ lives as much as possible. Too complicated.’

‘I guess you have enough problems of your own.’

The black eyes bore into Joel’s. ‘Don’t we all, Agent Hickok?’

Sensing he’d hit a nerve, Joel abruptly changed tack. ‘What do you know about Emma Keeley?’

The question threw Parker and his expression changed to one of surprise.

‘Emma Keeley?’

‘She was in your class last Thursday afternoon, wasn’t she?’

‘Yes, she was. What does Emma Keeley have to do with Scott Jagger?’

‘Emma disappeared on Thursday evening and hasn’t been seen since.’

‘You’re kidding!’ Parker looked visibly shocked.

Either the guy wasn’t involved in her disappearance or he was a very good actor. Either way, it was uncanny how he’d taken both Emma and Scott for their last lectures.

‘Do you know if Emma had a boyfriend?’

Parker shrugged. ‘She had a lot of boyfriends.’