Page 884 of One More Kiss

Chapter7

Monday hadn’t come soon enoughfor Max. He’d never been more eager to see anyone in his life than he was to see Lu this morning. He whistled “That’s Amore” his entire walk to work. His cheerful disposition had startled numerous passersby, who were used to the professor keeping to himself on his morning strolls.

He didn’t care. He got to see her today. Steal a moment in a dressing room, steal a kiss from her beautiful lips. But he didn’t think he’d have to do much stealing. After Friday night, he was sure she would give him that kiss willingly.

He hung up his coat and hat on the coat rack, and moved to his desk. He noticed Clyde was missing. He usually made it here before Max did, and after his hasty exit Friday, Max wondered if his assistant was still working on his own project—or avoiding Max because of the incident in the park a few days ago.

A knock on the opened door startled Max. He looked up, hoping to find Lu, but instead it was a student, holding a small white envelope. “I—have something for you, professor. Fr—from the dean.”

Max nodded curtly at the student, and took the letter. “Does he require a response now?

The student shook his head.

“You can go then.”

“Yes, yes sir.”

Max didn’t even know the contents of the letter yet, but it was setting him on edge. If it was good news, Dean Clark would have walked down here himself. He loved basking in the glory of being a “good guy” and a “champion.”

Max flapped the letter in his hand. This wasn’t good.

He checked the time. Twenty minutes until class started. Max closed the hall door and sat at his desk.

Too good to be true. Things were going to too well here. The news had to be bad.

He yanked open a drawer, the clatter clashing with his frayed nerves. He grabbed the letter opener and slit the envelope, pulling out the single sheet.

He read the words silently at first, then out loud to process what they said.

Professor Fischer,

This letter is to inform you of a disciplinary hearing scheduled for this Wednesday at nine o’clock in the morning. We will discuss the following:

-Falsification of employment documents

-Indoctrination of students

-Possible communist activities

You may bring to the hearing any supporting documentation in defense of yourself, as well as character witnesses to speak on your behalf. Please contact my office immediately if you have any concerns, or if you can provide just cause on why the hearing should be rescheduled from its current date and time.

Sincerely,

Dr. Everett Clark

Dean of Academic Affairs, Asheville College

It was the last item in his list of offenses that blurred in his vision. “Possible communist activities.” He’d told no one except his brother and sister where he was going when he left Los Angeles. No one from his Hollywood circle could have reported him. His former mentor, Allan Schaeffer, was the one who’d recommended him for this job, and had also been accused of communist leanings. No one else knew about Max’s reason for leaving California.

Except Lu.

How could she do this to him? To them?

He stalked to the hall, letter crumpled in his hand.

He was about to find out.

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