Page 892 of One More Kiss

Dean Clark stiffened, mouth hanging open, like he hadn’t expected Max to answer so truthfully. “And why did you lie, Mr. Fischer?”

“If I hadn’t would you have even considered me for the position?”

The dean steepled his fingers in front of his mouth, but did not answer. “That notwithstanding, sir, have you ever engaged in any of the activities of which you then, and now, stood accused?”

Max opened his mouth to answer, and had planned to tell the truth when Lu walked in. If he told the truth now, he’d lose everything. “No sir.”

“No?”

“That’s correct.”

“You are aware a witness has come forth to testify he heard these words from you own mouth: ‘The red scare happened. Joe McCarthy and communism. Blacklisting. I was blacklisted by Hollywood for being a communist sympathizer.’”

Someone else entered, and Max turned to see Clyde. Max swallowed nervously. He’d known Clyde was the witness. That he’d likely have to see him here, and address the accusations. It hurt he’d thought of Clyde as a friend after these last few months, and now this young man would be his downfall.

“Dean Clark, I have something to say.”

“Take a seat, Mr. Taylor. I’ll call you in turn when I am through questioning Mr. Fischer.”

“That’s just it, sir. This hearing shouldn’t even be happening.”

A collective gasp rattled the old paintings on the wall.

“What do you mean, Mr. Taylor?”

“I mean, I’m the one who lied to you, sir.”

“Come again, son?”

“Mr. Fischer never stated he was a communist, or that he’d engaged in such activity. He said he’d been accused, but he also said the accusations were untrue.”

“Mr. Fischer, is this the truth of the matter?”

“Yes, Dean.”

“Mr. Taylor, why, may I ask, did you lie?”

“Well, sir, it’s like this. I was jealous. I didn’t like being rejected…”

“By me!” Lu stood up and walked to Max, placing her hand on his shoulder. “Sir, Mr. Taylor approached me several weeks ago and expressed romantic interest in me.”

Max heaved a huge sigh. That’s where she was this morning. Cooking up this story with Clyde.

His lady was a certified genius.

She continued. “I told Mr. Taylor I did not fraternize with students or colleagues, of which he was accepting. Until he saw Mr. Fischer and I kissing last Friday after rehearsals.”

Another round of gasps echoed through the small chamber.

“Is this true, Mr. Taylor?”

“Yes. I was upset Miss Danvers actually meant she did not want to fraternize with me. I wanted to get rid of Professor Fischer, so I concocted the most damning bits of this story. I apologize, and accept any consequences or punishment you deem fit.”

Dean Clark touched his fingers to his lips. “We’ll have to take that into consideration. Mr. Fischer, we’ll talk later, but if everyone else agrees, I see no reason to continue this inquiry.”

The members of the academic advisory board looked at one another, shrugged, and nodded. They all had expressed affection for Max throughout the semester, so it came as no surprise to him they would look for any reason to dismiss the damning charges.

Lu grinned in delight as Max stood and hugged her. She then looped her arm in his.

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