Page 20 of A Ranger for Christmas
“Look around the desk. What’s missing?”
Bradley frowned as he surveyed the scattered papers splashed with coffee from an overturned coffee cup, random sticky notes with filled with Marisa’s scrawled handwriting, and an upended pencil mug and her calendar. “If not for the books scattered on the floor, I’d say it looked like it normally does. Chaos. But she’s only been back a couple of days and hasn’t had time to really mess it up. I’m always telling her she should organize, but she’s never listened. Said she has a system.”
The need to defend Marisa rose up sharp. “She did just have a major career breakthrough.”
Bradley’s chin lifted a fraction. “Well, she had yet to prove her theories.”
“So what does a discovery like that do for a person like her?”
“She’s on tenure track but, of course, none of that is a guarantee. But such a find would have assured her spot on the faculty as a tenured professor.”
“That’s a big deal.”
“It is. She’d have been awarded more grant money. Would have been able to travel back to Mexico to investigate further. It would have been quite the coup for the university.”
Lucas studied the man closely, not so sold on his generous acceptance of Marisa’s find. “That must rub other professors a little. I mean, she’s young. No one likes the new kid on the block taking the lead.”
“We aren’t like that here. We are supportive of each other’s work. A win for one is a win for all.”
Lucas didn’t believe Bradley. Earlier, sparks of glee in his gaze as he’d scanned the room told Lucas that Bradley was enjoying this.
Bradley made an effort to smile. “What was Marisa doing for you?”
“Helping me with a case.”
“Funny that this happens right after she agrees to help you.”
Lucas’s anger rose up as sharp as a saber. He didn’t like being questioned by this man, especially when his words struck at the core of his own guilt. He resisted the very primal urge to punch him. “Who had access to her office?”
Bradley glanced back at the undamaged door frame. “A key was used.”
“Who had access?”
“Me. The department chair. And I’m sure maintenance has a master key.”
“What kind of car do you drive?”
“Why does that matter?”
“Just asking.”
“SUV.”
“What color?”
“Black.”
“Where is it?”
“Parked out front.” He frowned. “What does my car have to do with a break-in?”
“Marisa was run off the road earlier tonight.”
“What?” His face paled.
Lucas supplied the barest details, studying the man’s expression closely. “Her family is with her now.”
Bradley’s eyes narrowed. “I would never hurt her.” He rubbed the back of his neck with his hand. “I was with my girlfriend at a Christmas party until midnight.”
