It Should Be a Crime Read Online Free PDF Page B

The place was packed tonight, more so than a usual Friday night. Most of the faces in the crowd were familiar. It seemed as though everyone she knew was at the bar tonight. As she reflected, she heard the music stop and the DJ asked for the crowd’s attention. Wondering at the unexpected interruption to the club’s routine, she turned and started to call out for Irene. The shout died in her throat as she saw Dannie and another one of the barbacks approaching slowly, each precariously balancing an end of a large sheet cake. Parker read the top of the cake—We’ll Miss You, Parker!—and lost the ability to speak. Suddenly the entire room erupted in clapping, hoots, and hollers and Irene showed up in time to wrap Parker in a big bear hug.
    “I love you, kid. We wanted to make your last night special.”
    Parker brushed aside a tear and kissed Irene’s cheek. “Aw, Irene, you didn’t have to do this. You know I’ll be in all the time. It’s not like I’m going anywhere.”
    Irene wagged a finger in her face. “Yeah, we’ll see. I’ll let you know after I see your report card.”

    *

    “Professor Bradley?” At Morgan’s nod, the tall, barrel-chested man offered his hand. “I’m Jim Spencer. Nice to finally meet you.”
    Morgan shook the proffered hand and exchanged pleasantries. “Nice to meet you as well. Student or teacher?”
    Jim Spencer laughed a Santa Claus laugh, his sides shaking with genuine amusement. “You’re a pistol in person, just like on TV. While Yolanda does encourage older students to apply, I’m certain she doesn’t mean as old as me. I’m your go-to professor for torts, civ pro, and ethics.”
    Morgan smiled at him. His humor was contagious. “Ah, torts, the bane of every first-year’s existence. I think I’ll go stand in another part of the room. I want the newbies to like me well enough to take my classes later.”
    “So, you’ll be sticking around? I knew you had a visiting spot, but I wasn’t sure how long your term was going to last.”
    Morgan realized she had made the statement about her future plans without conscious decision. Wanting to give herself some wiggle room while she reflected on her future plans, she said, “Let’s say I’m leaving my options open.”
    “Well, I’ll try not to scare you away. Here alone? I think Yolanda mentioned you are in a relationship.”
    “And that’s supposed to make me feel more comfortable? You’ve already checked me out?” Her tone was light and teasing.
    “Hey, I believe in checking out all my options right from the start. It’s good litigation strategy. Don’t you think I should practice what I preach?”
    “Morgan, is this man bothering you?”
    They both turned toward the voice of Dean Ramirez. Jim started to bluster a reply, but Morgan found words first. “Yes, Dean, very much so. I certainly hope the rest of the faculty possesses more decorum than I have seen exhibited so far.”
    Jim turned to Yolanda and began his protest. “Forgive me for trying to get to know the new professor and help her become acclimated to our school. I’ll leave you two and go harass some of the one-Ls. Lord knows they’ll take it better.” Jim reached out, grasped Morgan’s hand, and brushed it against his lips. “Have a wonderful evening, madam.” Smiling, he disappeared into the crowd.
    Morgan spoke first. “Yo, he’s incorrigible, but I like him.”
    “I figured you might, so I sent him over to talk to you. And I told him to be available for anything you need this semester. He’s been here so long he could walk the halls blindfolded. His office is next to yours. Jim is harmless, though he puts on such a big show about acting like a letch.”
    “Thanks for taking such good care of me.”
    “It’s my job, sweetie. Now, I need to mingle and I want you with me. One way to get the new kids invested in the school year is the promise of things to come. I plan to talk you into staying for a while and I want them to meet our new