“Would you like to tell me about that little scene the class just witnessed?” Eli shrugged. “I’m curious to know why you raised the subject,” I said, stuffing my papers into my briefcase. “It wasn’t just a hypothetical case. If you have reason to believe Professor Newmark’s death was anything other than an accident, I’d like to hear it.” “He wasn’t the most popular guy on campus, you know.” “I don’t know. I’m here only a short time. What makes you say that?” “He was a strange-o if ever there was one. Looked like the typical absentminded professor, but he had a mean streak.” “Are you saying that because he gave you a failing grade?” I picked up the eraser and began cleaning off the blackboard. “He didn’t fail me, but it was a close call. Almost lost my scholarship.” He levered himself up on my desk and swung his feet back and forth. “And sure did ruin my grade point average. I guess I’ll never get into Harvard now. Not that I was thinking about applying, but still.”
