Frascati and Fratricide: Wine Valley Mystery Book 11 by Sandra Woffington

Author:Sandra Woffington [Woffington, Sandra]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Red Summit Publishers
Published: 2021-03-26T16:00:00+00:00

12

Joy extended a hand to Valeria. “Mrs. Huntley, it’s good to see you again. Dr. Lawson invited my partner, Detective King, and I to come tonight, so we could get a feel for WVU. I’m very impressed.”

“Thank you,” said Valeria. “This is Khalid Taher, an old friend.”

Joy shook Khalid’s hand. He had a firm grip and a kind smile. He peered directly into Joy’s eyes, showing genuine interest.

“Nice to meet you,” he said.

Valeria informed Khalid, “The detective is investigating the recent suicide.”

Khalid’s face filled with genuine angst. “No student should ever feel that suicide is the answer.”

Joy said, “I quite agree, Mr. Taher. I was curious about Wine Valley University in the old days. What was it like?”

Valeria smiled up at Khalid. It didn’t take a rocket scientist to see the sparks that flew between them. “We had such fun in those days. Didn’t we, Khalid? Beach bonfires in Oceanside. Trips to San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter or Balboa Park. Disneyland. Knott’s Berry Farm. Ensenada, Mexico. I know we attended classes, did homework, and took tests, but honestly, I just remember all the fun we had. We were the three Musketeers, Khalid, Barrett, and I.” Despite reciting fond memories, her face torqued with the pain of loss. “But then, we grew up and went our separate ways. That’s life, right?” Valeria glanced at the floor, as if she needed to find firm ground. A finger stroked the corner of her eye.

Khalid let out a sigh of regret so deep it seemed to cover decades. “Sadly, yes.” The word “sadly” dangled between them like a deep tragedy.

Joy quickly changed the subject. She needed more information. “How long has Dr. Lawson been president?”

Valeria snapped back. She offered Joy a tense, faked smile. “Maybe five years. She was a ZAM girl, one of the founders of ZAM, actually.” Valeria pointed to a black woman with short white hair, who tossed back her head in a long laugh. “That’s Dr. Armstrong, the Vice President of Advancement. She’s been here a long time, and she works with Zora. You might want to talk to her. She’s very dedicated to WVU.” Valeria then pointed to a stocky man with short gray hair, and glasses, who seemed—even at a distance—to talk a mile a minute. “That’s Dr. Osborne, formerly Odette, but now Oscar. I only mention it, so you’ll remember to address him property as ‘he.’ I still slip up sometimes. Old habits. Dr. Osborne is the Dean of Information and Computer Sciences as well as NON’s advisor. He knew Robby very well. I’m sure he can help you, Detective.”

Joy couldn’t tell if Valeria really wanted to help or just wanted to be rid of her. It seemed the latter, but her suggestions seemed valid. “Who’s the advisor for OOPs?” asked Joy.

Valeria’s eyes roamed the room. She pointed to a stiff, petite, gray-haired man with pointy features and a stern expression. “Dr. Quinell. He’s the Dean of Health Sciences, but also the advisor to the OOPs fraternity.”

“Thank you,” said Joy.

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