23 The Theory of Death by Faye Kellerman

Author:Faye Kellerman
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 20

THE QUICKEST WAY to get students in your corner was an offer of free food and drink. Once again, Mallon chose Rajah’s, the Indian café with lots of vegan options. She was hiding behind a menu when Decker, McAdams, and Rina showed up. A brief nod from her and the trio sat down and were given menus. Damodar Batra came in a few minutes later, wearing a parka, jeans, and boots. He hung up his coat on a rack, took in a deep whiff, and let it out slowly.

“Feels like home.” He pulled up a chair on the outside of a booth meant for four people.

“Where have you been?” Mallon’s face was still obscured by endless lists of entrées. She sounded peeved.

“I had an interview with Newberg.”

“Newberg?” Mallon set down the menu and gave him the death stare. “How’d you arrange that?”

“I begged. He gave me twenty minutes.”

“Is he taking you on?”

“Probably not. What about you? Any luck?”

“No. I may have to look outside the department.” She folded her hands. “Rosser’s not helping me. He hates me.”

“He hates everyone.”

“Not Eli.”

“No, Eli was about the only one he liked. Then Wolf had the nerve to rock the boat and all was not well.” Batra shook his head and looked at Decker. “We’re scrambling to find new advisers and it’s hard because the department is so small. It’s our senior year, for God’s sake. I was just about done with my thesis. This has been a nightmare.”

“I guess it would be a nightmare for Katrina Belfort except she’s dead,” McAdams said.

“Yeah, well . . .” Batra looked sheepish. “Thanks for dinner.”

“Who is Newberg?” Decker asked.

“Faculty,” Batra said. “Also new, but he’s jammed up apparently. Asshole.”

Decker said, “There are ladies present.”

Batra bit his lip. “Sorry.” He looked at Rina. “I don’t think we’ve met.”

Rina smiled. “Rina Decker. No blood relationship.”

“That’s a big coincid—oh . . .” He hit his forehead. “You’re Detective Decker’s wife?”

“I am. It’s nice to meet you.”

“Same.”

“Can we order?” Mallon had gone beyond peeved to full-out grumpy. “I’ve got a shitload of work waiting for me.”

Decker signaled the waiter. The two kids both ordered dinner specials. McAdams ordered a chai tea and two regular teas for Decker and Rina since all three had eaten.

Mallon kept folding and unfolding her hands. “Well, the feeling is mutual.”

Decker said, “Pardon?”

“Rosser. I hate Rosser as much as he hates me. What a pompous little prig!”

Batra said, “More like a twit.”

“How’d he get along with Dr. Belfort?” McAdams asked.

Mallon shrugged. “I never heard her go off on him, but she did think he was a misogynist. It’s like kinda obvious.”

Batra said, “Why are you asking about Rosser?”

“Katrina’s dead. I’m talking to a lot of people.”

“He’s a jerk,” Mallon said, “but I don’t think it was his fault that she killed herself.”

Decker said, “So you think Dr. Belfort committed suicide?”

“That’s what everyone is saying.” Batra paused. “Do you have other ideas?”

“Was she depressed?” Decker asked.

“I didn’t think so, but I didn’t know her well.”

“You knew her well enough to call her by her first name.

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