Page 13 of Revere

“HCG is a sign of pregnancy, but it wasn’t noted in the autopsy report.”

“Because they found no fetus.”

“But if she recently had a miscarriage, it could alter the motive. She was having an affair. What if the baby had been Haven’s? What if he wasn’t the one who killed her, but it was the jealous boyfriend?”

“The case is closed, Patience. Your assignment is to figure out how we got from a suicide to a murder conviction, not to challenge the outcome.”

“Are you saying that just because he was found guilty, I’m not allowed to be thorough?”

“That’s what trials are for. A trial where the verdict was already issued in this case.”

“So there are no innocent men and women in prison?”

“You think Haven was innocent?”

“I think killers usually try to cover their tracks, and his confession was too easy.”

Professor Gray shifts closer, and I get a hit of his cologne. He really shouldn’t be allowed to smell like that when teaching class.

“Unless—” I continue, right as he opens his mouth to say something. “The hCG levels were elevated for another reason. Like a reaction to something laced in the heroin. If that’s the case, then my entire argument is irrelevant, and we’re back to the beginning.”

“Do you enjoy running in circles, Patience?” The tease of a smirk hints at the corner of his mouth.

“I enjoy finding the truth. Not assuming that someone else is correct just because that’s how they’ve presented it to me.”

I shift on my feet, finding my knees weaker the longer he stares at me. But I refuse to let him see it. At this rate, I’m already pushing my luck by challenging my professor on the first day of the program. If I’m not careful, he’ll send me back to Briar before I get halfway through this assignment.

“It’s interesting.” He stands up taller; his gaze stays trained on mine. “On the plane, you were so quick to assume everyone was a killer—myself included—I figured you were entering the program a bit more jaded. Especially given our spirited conversation.”

“Did you know who I was on the plane?” My whole chest burns up as he moves even closer.

We really shouldn’t be standing this close. It’s teetering on the line of what’s appropriate. Anyone could turn the corner and think something about how he’s looking at me. Most of the other students have started to leave for the night, or are scattered around the library, but there are a few left. Like Violet, who keeps looking up at us as she pretends to read.

I’ve worked hard to earn respect, and I refuse to have it wiped away with one rumor that I’m screwing a professor for better grades.

“Yes, I knew who you were,” he answers honestly.

I don’t know why I expected him to lie. Maybe it’s that I’ve spent so long around college students, specifically Sigma Sin, and they lie about everything. I don’t have a high opinion of men. Or anyone, for that matter.

“Why didn’t you say anything then? If you knew I was your student, why didn’t you tell me?” My voice cracks, and his gaze falls to my mouth.

Weakness.

And Jacob caught it.

Professor Gray.NotJacob.

He’s too close and warm. And his eyes are swimming with secrets that I’m dying to figure out, but I shouldn’t.

I take a step back, wishing my chest didn’t pang with disappointment at the gap that’s now between us. “Why didn’t you tell me who you are?”

“That’s a good question.” He clears his throat.

“One you’re going to answer?”

The only response I get is a cool grin that stretches his face. It’s disarming and makes every strand of hair on my scalp prickle. Suddenly, my ponytail is too tight. My cotton shirt is scratchy. Every sensation is too much.

“Good work so far on the assignment.” Professor Gray takes a step back, ignoring my question entirely. “Let me know what you discover. I’d hate to think I helped orchestrate the demise of an innocent man.”