CARTERI made it to campus very early in the morning. It was deceptively calm, mainly because the student rush hour hadn't started yet.I noticed, the hedges around were freshly trimmed. A few students were observing morning runs or whatever they called it.On my way to my office, I ran into Vanessa Cross, by accident. At least that was what I told myself at first, an incidental crossing of paths in the east corridor, the kind that happens when you work in the same building long enough.She was standing near the notice board, pretending to read something that had been pinned there for weeks. Her tablet was tucked under her arm, untouched. When she heard my footsteps, she turned too quickly, like she’d been waiting.“Car… uh Professor Vale” she said, and smiled.Vanessa’s smiles were usually effortless. This one took work.“Professor Cross,” I replied, slowing down. “You’re in early.”“So are you.” Her eyes flicked past me, down the corridor, toward my office, and then back to my face.
Last Updated : 2026-02-07 Read more