It Should Be a Crime by Carsen Taite Page A

spin tales that were made up as they went along. In court, Morgan would have a split second to decide whether to show or hide her surprise at being caught off guard. If she had evidence in reserve she could use to impeach the witness’s credibility, a show of surprise was a great effect: “Really, Mister So-and-So? Are you saying the defendant told you he killed the maid?” She would exaggerate the question, reeling the witness in, getting them to totally commit to their answer all the while waiting to whip out a series of written statements they’d provided to law enforcement stating conclusively the defendant had never confessed. On the other hand, sometimes the witness would pop off with a response she didn’t expect and had no way of disproving. On those occasions she found it was best to hold her surprise in check, never letting the jury know her composure had been seriously knocked down a notch. Glancing down the aisle past the student giving the class his name, Morgan realized she was about to face a situation requiring more composure than she had ever been called upon to use in the courtroom.
    “Dex Gallagher, third-year, future U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas.”
    “Well, nice to meet you, Mr. U.S. Attorney.” Turning to Parker, Morgan felt herself pause longer than necessary before asking, “And you are?”
    As Parker turned to face her, Morgan nearly choked. There was no doubt in her mind, whatever name this woman uttered, she was Parker, the mysterious woman from the bar who had already introduced herself in ways Morgan should be blushing about. Feeling the heat rise to her cheeks, she willed it away waiting to hear Parker’s opening remarks.
    “Hi, Professor Bradley, my name is Parker Casey. I’m a third-year, and I hope my career path is as successful as yours.”
    Her tone was easy and even. She didn’t bat an eye. Did I hear, Morgan wondered, a slight emphasis on the word “professor”? Not ready to break the connection, Morgan asked, “You want to be a law professor?”
    “I’ll settle for high-powered criminal defense attorney.”
    “Fair enough.” Morgan paused, not quite ready to break contact either. “I’ll do my best to share all of my skills.” Did I really just say that? She must think I’m crazy standing up here acting like we’ve never met. This disconcerted feeling was unfamiliar to her. Unaware of how much time had passed, she moved on, hastening to minimize the appearance of discomfort.
    The rest of the class was a blur. Morgan went over the syllabus, divided the class into groups, and made the first assignment. Although she planned to let class out early on the first day, their freedom came far earlier than she originally intended. She remained at the front of the room as the students filed out, simultaneously hoping for and dreading an encounter with a certain dark-haired third-year. As Parker walked toward her, she nearly jumped out of her skin at a voice from behind her.
    “Professor Bradley, may I ask you a question?”
    Morgan reluctantly released her gaze in Parker’s direction and turned toward the voice. She saw a young female student who seemed very excited to have her full attention. “Uh, sure. What can I do for you?”
    “Well, I was thinking about what you said at the beginning of class and wanted to discuss whether I should stay or drop. You see…”
    Morgan didn’t hear the rest, focused as she was on the departing Parker. Even though she willed the connection, she was startled again when, as Parker reached the door of the classroom she turned and shot Morgan a slow, easy smile, searing in its implication. Morgan covered her surprise at the unexpected contact and returned the favor. It wasn’t until that very moment Morgan knew for sure Parker remembered her, and she wondered what she was going to do with that nugget of information.

    *

    Parker begged off Dex’s invitation to grab a sandwich and went outside to find a place to