World,’ grumbled the Master.
‘Once the case is closed the press will lose interest,’ Theo assured him. ‘Especially when they start to realize just how seismic this theory is. If the college and the faculty back me, we can kill this thing. We want the same things, Master.’
‘Absolutely not.’ Margaret Haines was livid. ‘Why the hell should I lie for that arsehole?’
‘My dear Margaret. Is such fragrant language really necessary?’ The Master sat at his desk, radiating pomposity. ‘No one is asking you to lie. Merely, to focus on the matter in hand and not encourage the Regent House to be distracted by, shall we say, the more salacious elements of this whole sorry affair.’
‘You mean the fact that Dexter’s been boning his students, in clear violation of the university’s code of ethics? Sasha Miller wasn’t the first, you know.’
‘Be that as it may, this theory of Professor Dexter’s could prove extremely important. And not just to the scientific world. To the college.’
Anthony Greville said this last as if it silenced all further conversation on the matter. Margaret Haines disagreed.
‘And what if it really was this young girl’s work? Have you considered that? What if she’s telling the truth and Dexter ripped her off?’
‘You can’t honestly believe that.’ ‘Can’t I? Why not? We already know Dexter’s a liar with the morals of an alley cat and the discretion of a town crier.’
‘She’s an undergraduate.’
‘Yes, and by all accounts a brilliant one. Unlike your friend Professor Dexter. No, Master. I won’t be silenced on this. We should be backing the girl.’
Anthony Greville’s eyes narrowed. He’d always lusted after Margaret Haines. He liked her feistiness and her sharp wit and the way her bosom jiggled underneath her sweater when she got agitated, as she was now. But if she threatened the reputation of St Michael’s, he would have no compunction in getting rid of her.
‘The Senior Common Room are all in agreement. If you go against us on this, Margaret, your position here may become very difficult.’
Margaret Haines looked at the squat, elderly toad sitting opposite her. Her contempt oozed from every pore. ‘Is that a threat, Anthony?’
‘Not at all, my dear. But as Master I must think of the good of the entire college. Testifying on young Miss Miller’s behalf would not be in any of our best interests. Including yours. Think about that, Margaret.’
Margaret Haines did speak up for Sasha. But it didn’t help. For one thing, the overwhelmingly male Regent House already knew that Theo Dexter was an inveterate womanizer who preyed on his prettier students, and they couldn’t have cared less. For another, by the time the Cambridge authorities finally sat down to hear evidence, Ed Gilliam had done such a thorough character assassination of Sasha in the press it was a wonder her own mother was still speaking to her.
‘TEENAGE LOLITA WRECKS GENIUS PROFESSOR’S MARRIAGE’
‘HOME-WRECKING FANTASIST STALKED DEXTER “ FOR MONTHS ” ’
Margaret’s only regret was having to add to poor Theresa Dexter’s anguish by publicly running through the litany of Theo’s student conquests. She needn’t have worried. Theresa didn’t believe a word of it.
‘I swear on my life, T, it isn’t true,’ said Theo. ‘Margaret’s always had it in for me, the old battleaxe. She’s jealous of my success. She knows Sasha’s weakened me so she’s moving in for the kill.’
After Margaret’s testimony, the court broke for an hour’s lunch. Not wanting to brave the hordes of press outside, Sasha and her family ate their sandwiches on a bench in the Senate House lobby. None of them spoke. It was pretty clear which way the congregation was leaning. It’s like the condemned man’s last meal, thought Sasha.
And then Harold Grier showed up.
Harold took his place on the dais. Anthony Greville, St Michael’s Master, was chairing proceedings. He read out some lines of Latin, and Harold replied.
I’ll be gracious in victory, thought Sasha. I’m not interested in fame and glory. All I want is to be allowed to finish my research in peace.
‘Professor Grier, you worked as Miss Miller’s laboratory partner at the Cavendish during the Easter term, is that correct?’
‘Yes.’
Throughout the proceedings, Sasha had resisted the urge to look at Theo. A few short months ago, just the sight of him across a room would have made her heart race. Now his proximity made her physically ill. He’s so fake. So vain and bland and … empty. What did I ever see in him? But as Harold Grier began his testimony, she couldn’t resist stealing a triumphant glance. I’ve got you now, you lying bastard.
Feeling her gaze, Theo turned around. Sasha wasn’t sure what she’d expected. Fear, perhaps, at the prospect of his imminent exposure and disgrace? Guilt? Regret? Instead the look on her one-time lover’s face could only be described as … pity. That’s odd. Why would he feel sorry for me? He must know what’s coming. He must know Grier’s testimony is going to blow his case out of the water.
Harold Grier was talking. ‘She was very excited about working with Professor Dexter. She told me she felt inspired by him, and fortunate to have him as a supervisor.’
‘And how familiar were you with Miss Miller’s research work?’
‘Very familiar. We worked together over a period of weeks. It was an exciting time.’
‘You recognized the importance of the work she was doing?’
‘Oh yes. Absolutely. And so did she. As I say, she was thrilled Professor Dexter had given her the opportunity to work with him on it. Not many undergraduates would have been given such a chance.’
Sasha cocked her head to one side. Had she misheard him?
Anthony Greville leaned forward eagerly in his seat. ‘Miss Miller implied to you that the theory was, in fact, Professor Dexter’s? That he had invited her to assist him?’
No!
‘Yes. Well, she didn’t imply it. She was quite explicit about it.’
‘That’s not true!’ Sasha was on her feet, yelling from the gallery. The black-robed figures of the Regent House glared at her as one.
‘Sit down please, Miss Miller, or I will have to ask you to leave.’
‘But he’s lying! Tell them the truth, Harold, for God’s sake!’
Sue Miller took her daughter’s hand and pulled her physically down into her seat. ‘It won’t help, love,’ she whispered. Sasha sat down.
Harold Grier kept talking, calmly, rationally, convincingly. Every word was a bullet in Sasha’s heart. She was too stunned to take in much of the Master’s summing up, but the few words that sunk in left no room for doubt … tragic, unnecessary case … slanderous claims … overwhelming evidence to suggest … confused, troubled young woman …
The black-robed men began filing out. All around Sasha, people were on their feet. She tried to stand up but her legs had turned to water. Her dad put an arm around her waist. ‘It’s all right Sash. Let’s go home.’
It wasn’t all right.
Outside the Senate House, King’s Parade was choked with reporters. Theo Dexter stood on the steps, hand in hand with his wife, holding court. ‘No, I don’t feel victorious,’ he told the Times correspondent. ‘I’m relieved this is over. I’m relieved I can get back to work. I’m heartbroken at the pain I’ve caused my wife.’ He looked at Theresa, his eyes welling with tears.
‘How do you feel about Sasha Miller?’