“And,” Rafe said, “it’s probably not a good idea for you to continue teaching right now. It’s not safe.”
The dean of students, standing next to Detective Williamson, nodded. “He’s right. It’s not safe for you, and it’s not safe for the students. You and they are our top priority.”
Before he could say anything else, the elevator door opened. More students poured into the hallway. Janie recognized two of them.
“Is it true?” they asked. Their eyes, however, weren’t on Janie. Their eyes were on the cordon tape.
Rafe’s arm gently gripped her elbow, and he answered when she couldn’t. “Right now, we’re in the middle of an investigation. As soon as we have something definite to report, we’ll make an announcement.”
“I received a text,” one girl said. “Classes are cancelled for the rest of the day. We’ve been asked to remain off campus.”
Janie reached out and took the girl’s hand. “That’s what you need to do. The police will do their job, but it’s easier without a crowd.”
As quickly as they arrived, the students left, shepherded by the dean of students. Rafe, Detective Williamson and Janie waited for the next elevator to take them down.
When the elevator opened onto the first floor, the dean was waiting for them. “We’ve never had a suspicious death happen on campus before. Or any deaths for that matter. I should see what our legal department advises.”
“Two people in the same class,” Janie said softly, heartsick.
“And we don’t want there to be a third.” Rafe looked at Janie when he said the words. Last night, she’d considered her students unwillingly involved in a criminal investigation. Now, it seemed as if they were more than involved; they could be considered in the line of fire, casualties of the war on drugs.
Or was she the last name on somebody’s hit list?
The reality of Patricia’s death, along with Derek’s confession and fears of reprisal, suddenly hit Janie full force. “What am I supposed to do? Hide? Will you put me in protective custody?”
Nathan’s expression turned guilty. “First we need to prove that Patricia’s death was actually a murder. And, harder still, that her murder has something to do with an art book that we no longer have.”
“You no longer have it because you lost it.”
“Janie,” Rafe cautioned.
Funny, she hadn’t noticed that his hand was still gently gripping her elbow. Somehow, being with him, being connected to him, was starting to seem natural.
“Sorry,” she managed to say. “I realize that you didn’t lose it. But, really, if it hadn’t gone missing, Patricia might still be alive.”
Both cops glanced at each other.
“I know, I know,” Janie said next. “You’re thinking of the butterfly effect, but this change isn’t small.”
Nathan appeared confused. “Butterfly effect? What are you talking about?”
“I’m talking about the missing art book, and it being responsible for Patricia’s death. You know, one event leads to another and—”