Read Online The Volcano That Changed The World by James W. Mercer - Free Book Online
Authors: James W. Mercer
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pool of candidates had not been narrowed by the investigation.
The tools used to jimmy the door were commonplace and never found. Fingerprints from the lab were consistent with laboratory personnel, who had access to the door code. Latex gloves were readily available. Using them, the perpetrator, if not associated with the facility, would not have left fingerprints behind. But the attempted killer would still need the code. Bottom line, there were no concrete leads. Detective Carter tried to sound positive, but to Mark it appeared the investigation had stalled. Carter was no closer to finding the culprit than he was the first day he visited Mark in the infirmary. Mark was glad of his impending trip and the opportunity to be far away from Tallahassee.
After providing Carter with his itinerary and travel contact information, Mark asked, “Do you think this might be resolved by the time I return?”
Carter shrugged, “I’ll do my best, but we need a break. I’ll keep on it.”
***
Just days before his trip, Mark decided to speak with Dean Miller about his upcoming tenure vote. Their conversation took place while walking across “the quad,” a grass-covered area in front of the FSU library. It was a bright spring day and students covered the area, sunbathing, studying, and playing frisbee. As they walked, Mark felt the need to continually look over his shoulder, half expecting to see his attacker moving in for the kill.
Dean Miller seemed somewhat preoccupied and not that involved in the conversation. Mark didn’t know what was wrong but he constantly had to repeat himself. The dean wore dark sunglasses, making it difficult for Mark to read him. Even with sunglasses, the sun obviously bothered him as Miller insisted on staying in the shade whenever possible.
After what seemed a long period of evasive answers, and with his patience wearing thin, Mark bluntly asked, “So, what do you think of my chances for receiving tenure?”
Momentarily considering the question, Dean Miller slowly responded. “I think they’re quite good. You know that Professor Bolton will vote no, but I’m unaware that he has been able to convince anyone else to vote against you. I believe you are generally well liked and respected among the other tenured professors.”
Who were suspects in my attempted murder, thought Mark. He found it hard to believe that someone like Bolton could remain in the department, but he had tenure and was untouchable unless he stepped way out of bounds. It practically took a criminal act to fire a tenured professor. Shaking his head, Mark asked, “Is there anything more that I should be doing to help my case?”
Fully engaged now, the dean placed his hand on Mark’s back as they walked, looked at him, and said in a reassuring manner, “No, Mark, just continue what you’re doing and stay out of trouble. I will work this end and try to counter any damage Dr. Bolton may create in your absence. Just enjoy your research in Santorini this summer.”
He planned to do just that and appreciated Dean Miller’s support but still felt uneasy about his prospects. Like the detective, the dean tried to sound optimistic, but given Bolton’s negative campaign, Mark felt he should probably update his resume. There was something in the dean’s voice. He couldn’t identify what it was, but it made him feel doubtful, anxious. Then again, someone had tried to kill him, and he had a feeling of paranoia that he couldn’t shake.
The one thing he f elt good about was his research, which was something he alone could control—unlike Carter’s investigation or his promotion. He successfully repeated his analysis of the glass shards and had just published his results on the trace element signature for the
The tools used to jimmy the door were commonplace and never found. Fingerprints from the lab were consistent with laboratory personnel, who had access to the door code. Latex gloves were readily available. Using them, the perpetrator, if not associated with the facility, would not have left fingerprints behind. But the attempted killer would still need the code. Bottom line, there were no concrete leads. Detective Carter tried to sound positive, but to Mark it appeared the investigation had stalled. Carter was no closer to finding the culprit than he was the first day he visited Mark in the infirmary. Mark was glad of his impending trip and the opportunity to be far away from Tallahassee.
After providing Carter with his itinerary and travel contact information, Mark asked, “Do you think this might be resolved by the time I return?”
Carter shrugged, “I’ll do my best, but we need a break. I’ll keep on it.”
***
Just days before his trip, Mark decided to speak with Dean Miller about his upcoming tenure vote. Their conversation took place while walking across “the quad,” a grass-covered area in front of the FSU library. It was a bright spring day and students covered the area, sunbathing, studying, and playing frisbee. As they walked, Mark felt the need to continually look over his shoulder, half expecting to see his attacker moving in for the kill.
Dean Miller seemed somewhat preoccupied and not that involved in the conversation. Mark didn’t know what was wrong but he constantly had to repeat himself. The dean wore dark sunglasses, making it difficult for Mark to read him. Even with sunglasses, the sun obviously bothered him as Miller insisted on staying in the shade whenever possible.
After what seemed a long period of evasive answers, and with his patience wearing thin, Mark bluntly asked, “So, what do you think of my chances for receiving tenure?”
Momentarily considering the question, Dean Miller slowly responded. “I think they’re quite good. You know that Professor Bolton will vote no, but I’m unaware that he has been able to convince anyone else to vote against you. I believe you are generally well liked and respected among the other tenured professors.”
Who were suspects in my attempted murder, thought Mark. He found it hard to believe that someone like Bolton could remain in the department, but he had tenure and was untouchable unless he stepped way out of bounds. It practically took a criminal act to fire a tenured professor. Shaking his head, Mark asked, “Is there anything more that I should be doing to help my case?”
Fully engaged now, the dean placed his hand on Mark’s back as they walked, looked at him, and said in a reassuring manner, “No, Mark, just continue what you’re doing and stay out of trouble. I will work this end and try to counter any damage Dr. Bolton may create in your absence. Just enjoy your research in Santorini this summer.”
He planned to do just that and appreciated Dean Miller’s support but still felt uneasy about his prospects. Like the detective, the dean tried to sound optimistic, but given Bolton’s negative campaign, Mark felt he should probably update his resume. There was something in the dean’s voice. He couldn’t identify what it was, but it made him feel doubtful, anxious. Then again, someone had tried to kill him, and he had a feeling of paranoia that he couldn’t shake.
The one thing he f elt good about was his research, which was something he alone could control—unlike Carter’s investigation or his promotion. He successfully repeated his analysis of the glass shards and had just published his results on the trace element signature for the
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