It Should Be a Crime

by Carsen Taite

  Nicole chimed in. “You’ve probably seen her on Court TV, she does a lot of commentary. She’s one of those perfect people, beautiful, smart, and articulate.” Nicole’s sigh conveyed her own wish to be one of “those” people.

  Parker replied, “Bradley? Of course I’ve heard of her, but I’m a third-year, do you think I have time to watch TV? Frankly, your TV watching days are over as well.” Parker stood. “I have to go. Good luck with the rest of your day. Feel free to call me if you need anything.”

  Parker strolled across the common area. She needed to make a quick stop at the registrar’s office before heading to her next class.

  *

  Morgan burned her tongue as the overly large gulp of coffee sizzled its way down her throat. She thought to herself, surely the woman crossing the room wasn’t Parker? The tall, beautiful brunette strolled out of sight before Morgan could be sure, but something about the gait and carriage of the woman caught her eye and held her captive. Morgan noted that she walked with great confidence, as if she owned the place. Surely it wasn’t the bartender from two weeks ago. Though cocky in her own element, she couldn’t have looked similarly comfortable in this institute of higher learning. Shrugging, Morgan rose and walked back to her office to retrieve her lecture notes.

  *

  Parker reviewed the syllabus from her Advanced Legal Research class in between bites of a grilled cheese sandwich. Most of the semester’s projects called for teamwork, so she’d have to figure out who in the class she wanted to work with. She knew she was often sought after by many of the other students, primarily because of her high class standing. She was on track to graduate magna cum laude, and while she could always be counted on to help her fellow students, she didn’t want to do anything to put her own scores at risk. This research class involved a series of complex research assignments and would be hard enough without the added task of managing group dynamics.

  “Hey, Parker, aren’t you signed up for the Evidence practicum?”

  Parker looked up at the tall, burly redhead standing over her. Dex Gallagher, another third-year, was one of Parker’s best law school buddies. Dex, like Parker, was singularly focused on criminal law as a future career, but unlike Parker, he planned to start out working as a prosecutor. To further his goal, he had completed internships at both the local county district attorney’s office and the United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas. Though their end goals were different, their path was the same and the two had become fast friends while enrolled in all the same classes.

  “Hey, Dex, I sure am.” Glancing at her watch, Parker realized class would start in a few minutes. “Carry my books to class?”

  “Still trying to get me to be your boyfriend after all these years?” Dex winked. “When are you going to realize I only want to be friends?”

  The joke was old. The first year in school, Dex had asked Parker out on numerous occasions. Reluctant to share personal details about herself, Parker begged off with her standard excuse. She didn’t want to get involved with anyone at school, too messy, too complicated. When Dex came up with a thousand reasons why it wasn’t, Parker finally told Dex her sexual orientation. Dex had recovered from his unrequited attraction and channeled his passion into a devout friendship. The two had been inseparable study buddies ever since.

  They made their way to class and staked claim to adjoining seats near the jury box. The classroom was one of two moot courtrooms at the school. This one was far superior, having been outfitted with cutting-edge courtroom technology. Used primarily by moot court and mock trial teams for practice, it also doubled as a classroom for practical application classes such as the Advanced Evidence class.

  Dex leaned over to Parker. “Did you hear who they finally signed to teach this class?”

  “No, actually, I went to see the registrar about it this morning, but I didn’t get in due to a long line of first-years stalking her. I was going to tell her I didn’t want to commit when they weren’t even sure they had a permanent instructor. Last I heard, Professor Wilson unexpectedly quit. I don’t need the hours to graduate and I can think of better things to do than take six hours from a fill-in prof.”

  “Quit bragging about all your extra hours. Some of us need this class. Besides, you’re going to love the prof they got. Hell, she’s famous.”

  Parker raised her eyebrows, waiting for the name.

  “Oh, here she is. Better sit up straight and stop talking so you can impress the pretty new teacher.”

  Parker turned in her seat, looking in the direction Dex had been focused. Pretty was not an accurate description. Morgan was a knockout. Her wavy auburn hair trailed to her shoulders and her emerald green eyes swept the room in crystal focus. Her height was accentuated by stylish pumps with three-inch heels, and the hemline of her skirt showed off well-toned calves. Her suit was designer with lines both soft and sharp, blending femininity and power in its russet silk threads.

  A shove to her side shook Parker from her reverie. Dex leaned close and whispered, “Close your mouth, Casey. You’re starting to drool.”

  Parker recovered enough to whisper with jagged breath, “She’s the professor?”

  “Yep. Morgan Bradley,” Dex responded, adding, “She’s one of those hotshot attorneys who’s always on Court TV, commenting on cases like Michael Jackson and Enron.”

  Dex was still talking, but Parker heard only “Morgan Bradley.” She had certainly heard of Morgan Bradley and her high-profile cases, but she rarely watched television and wasn’t sure she could have picked her out in a crowd. She had no doubt, though—the commanding presence standing a few feet away was the beautiful woman from the alley who had shared her bed for one night and lurked in her thoughts ever since. Confused and feeling strangely vulnerable herself, Parker waved off Dex’s whispered fascination with the new professor and lowered her head. Flipping through pages of her notebook, she studiously avoided looking at the woman holding court at the front of the room. Willing herself to another place, she registered little of the words spoken.

  “Since this is a very hands-on class, I want us all to get to know each other. We’ll be working in various combinations of groups throughout the semester. If you haven’t already, you’ll learn what it’s like to work in teams when the stakes are the highest. And I’m not talking about your grades. I’m talking about the life and liberty of the person you’ve been chosen to defend or the right of the individual wronged to see the defendant brought to justice. This class will focus on evidence in criminal cases. If you want to focus on civil litigation or you want an evidence course for your transcript so you can look well-rounded to prospective employers, this is not the course for you. We’ll be doing simulations of real case problems, all of them using real criminal cases as the basis for our studies. If you want a drop slip, see me after class. Now, let’s go around the room and introduce ourselves.”

  Dex poked Parker in the side. “Wake up, darling, you’re about to have to state your name, rank, and serial number.”

  Parker stole a sidelong glance at Dex, then at the front of the room. Morgan was faced slightly away from her, focusing on the student at the other end of their row to start the introductions. Furtive looks around the room revealed all escape possibilities were blocked by the presence of other students. In mere moments, she’d have to face the woman she’d never expected to see again. The prospect was at once titillating and formidable.

  *

  Years on the courtroom stage gave Morgan the skill it took to cloak her surprise behind knowing smiles. It happened to every experienced attorney. Days of preparation were rendered useless the moment a witness took the stand and began to spin tales that were made up as they went along. In court, Morgan would have a split second to decide whether to show or hide her surprise at being caught off guard. If she had evidence in reserve she could use to impeach the witness’s credibility, a show of surprise was a great effect: “Really, Mister So-and-So? Are you saying the defendant told you he kil
led the maid?” She would exaggerate the question, reeling the witness in, getting them to totally commit to their answer all the while waiting to whip out a series of written statements they’d provided to law enforcement stating conclusively the defendant had never confessed. On the other hand, sometimes the witness would pop off with a response she didn’t expect and had no way of disproving. On those occasions she found it was best to hold her surprise in check, never letting the jury know her composure had been seriously knocked down a notch. Glancing down the aisle past the student giving the class his name, Morgan realized she was about to face a situation requiring more composure than she had ever been called upon to use in the courtroom.

  “Dex Gallagher, third-year, future U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas.”

  “Well, nice to meet you, Mr. U.S. Attorney.” Turning to Parker, Morgan felt herself pause longer than necessary before asking, “And you are?”

  As Parker turned to face her, Morgan nearly choked. There was no doubt in her mind, whatever name this woman uttered, she was Parker, the mysterious woman from the bar who had already introduced herself in ways Morgan should be blushing about. Feeling the heat rise to her cheeks, she willed it away waiting to hear Parker’s opening remarks.

  “Hi, Professor Bradley, my name is Parker Casey. I’m a third-year, and I hope my career path is as successful as yours.”

  Her tone was easy and even. She didn’t bat an eye. Did I hear, Morgan wondered, a slight emphasis on the word “professor”? Not ready to break the connection, Morgan asked, “You want to be a law professor?”

  “I’ll settle for high-powered criminal defense attorney.”

  “Fair enough.” Morgan paused, not quite ready to break contact either. “I’ll do my best to share all of my skills.” Did I really just say that? She must think I’m crazy standing up here acting like we’ve never met. This disconcerted feeling was unfamiliar to her. Unaware of how much time had passed, she moved on, hastening to minimize the appearance of discomfort.

  The rest of the class was a blur. Morgan went over the syllabus, divided the class into groups, and made the first assignment. Although she planned to let class out early on the first day, their freedom came far earlier than she originally intended. She remained at the front of the room as the students filed out, simultaneously hoping for and dreading an encounter with a certain dark-haired third-year. As Parker walked toward her, she nearly jumped out of her skin at a voice from behind her.

  “Professor Bradley, may I ask you a question?”

  Morgan reluctantly released her gaze in Parker’s direction and turned toward the voice. She saw a young female student who seemed very excited to have her full attention. “Uh, sure. What can I do for you?”

  “Well, I was thinking about what you said at the beginning of class and wanted to discuss whether I should stay or drop. You see…”

  Morgan didn’t hear the rest, focused as she was on the departing Parker. Even though she willed the connection, she was startled again when, as Parker reached the door of the classroom she turned and shot Morgan a slow, easy smile, searing in its implication. Morgan covered her surprise at the unexpected contact and returned the favor. It wasn’t until that very moment Morgan knew for sure Parker remembered her, and she wondered what she was going to do with that nugget of information.

  *

  Parker begged off Dex’s invitation to grab a sandwich and went outside to find a place to collect her thoughts. She sprawled onto a bench and closed her eyes. Despite her show of bravado in the classroom, she was completely blown away to find the woman who had last occupied her bed was Morgan Bradley, celebrity criminal defense lawyer, popular TV commentator and, most surprising of all, her law professor. She didn’t want to drop the class. She wanted it on her résumé to impress future employers. Parker felt trapped.

  Eyes shut, she pictured Morgan Bradley, dressed to the nines, standing at the front of the classroom. She looked completely in her element, totally in charge. And totally hot, Parker mused. Dex would simply die if he knew the famous Morgan Bradley’s body had lain naked on every stick of furniture she owned. Remembering the night they spent together, Parker corrected herself. Morgan hadn’t simply lain there. She’d been a wildcat, their night of sex filled with passionate agility. Reliving the memories, Parker, eyes still closed, smiled.

  “Am I interrupting anything?”

  Parker recognized the voice, but recognition didn’t minimize the shock of hearing it here, where she wasn’t expecting to encounter Morgan. The surprise nearly caused Parker to fall off the bench.

  “Um, no. Do you need something?” Realizing she sounded abrupt, Parker started again, “I mean, hi, and no, you aren’t interrupting anything. Do you want to sit down?”

  Morgan glanced around before she replied. “Actually, yes, I would.” She looked pointedly at Parker’s still sprawled form. Parker grinned sheepishly and sat upright, folding her legs underneath the bench.

  Seated, Morgan turned toward Parker. “I thought we should talk.” Parker merely raised her eyebrows. Morgan continued, “I’m thinking neither one of us expected to see the other again.” Parker nodded. She didn’t want to taint whatever Morgan had to say by interjecting her own affirmations or denials.

  “And certainly neither one of us expected to see each other here, in these roles.”

  “Roles?” Parker asked.

  “Me teacher, you student.”

  “Oh, yeah. Those roles.”

  “I had fun with you. You are pretty amazing.”

  Parker was surprised at the unexpected compliment. As awkward as this situation was, she actually felt very comfortable sitting an arm’s length away from Morgan Bradley, famous lawyer. In fact, the only discomfort she felt was a persistent nagging need to lean over and kiss the lips of her law professor. Shaking herself out of the trance threatening to make her act on the need, she replied, “Why, thanks, Professor, you were pretty amazing yourself.”

  “As much as I would love to see you again, you realize we can’t.”

  Parker didn’t speak. Although she’d already had the same thoughts, her recent recollections were coloring her ability to think clearly. She knew Morgan was right, but she wished she had been the one to speak the words. Parker was used to calling the shots.

  “Parker, did you hear me?”

  Shrugging, she replied, “Sorry, I did hear you. I completely understand.” As she spoke the words, she saw relief spread over Morgan’s face and it made her unreasonably angry. Parker wondered why it should be so easy for Morgan to decide the one night was it, especially considering she was on fire just sitting next to her. How in the hell am I going to make it through an entire semester without exploding? Unable to resist a dig, she felt compelled to add, “Some people are capable of keeping their personal lives private and some aren’t.”

  Morgan raised an eyebrow, urging Parker to continue.

  “Now, take me for instance. I’m perfectly capable of having hot, healthy, recreational sex with another consenting adult without letting it interfere with my professional life. You, on the other hand, may be one of those people who can’t. I respect our differences.”

  “Oh, you do, do you?” Morgan’s eyebrow was still raised and she wore a smug smile that threatened to send Parker over the edge.

  Incapable of stopping, she continued. “Sure. Look, I know you are attracted to me and I know you had a great time the night we were together. But if having fun makes it too difficult for you to function professionally or should I say, professorially, I understand.” As soon as the words left her mouth she wanted to take them back, but pride forced her to wait for a response. Morgan’s reply immediately signaled Parker wasn’t winning any points in this conversation.

  “Really?” Morgan’s smile turned to a scowl and she growled back, “I promise you I am capable of more than you will ever know, but that’s not the issue here. This situation is simple: you’re a student and I’m your instructor. Those are lines I’m n
ot willing to cross. I don’t have sex with my students.” Her last words with delivered emphatically.

  It was Parker’s turn to to be smug. “Little late, don’t you think?” She glanced down at the bench as if to invite her to vacate. Morgan, taking the hint, rose and surrendered her seat. As she walked away, she shook her head, but didn’t turn back in Parker’s direction. Parker waited till Morgan was out of sight before taking off herself, in the opposite direction. Her surprise at seeing Morgan again in this setting, combined with the volatility of their exchange, resulted in a raging rush of hormones. Excitement warred with wounded pride and she was confused by her mixed reactions. She wasn’t used to wanting seconds from the women she chose to share her bed, but she was also used to being the one to make that decision. Morgan had beaten her to the punch, but Parker wondered if she was more upset about the timing of Morgan’s rejection or the fact Morgan had rejected her at all. She shook away the desire to answer her own question and decided to blow off an afternoon in the library in favor of a workout at the campus gym. As she walked away from the law school, she ran into Dex, who was walking toward her with several of their friends.

  “Hey, Parker, ready to divvy up outlines?”

  With an internal groan at his eagerness to get a jump on the new semester, Parker asked, “Now?”

  “You have something better to do?”

  “Actually, I was on my way to the gym.”

  “Great. Let’s do this first and then I’ll join you. You could go now on your own, but I swear we’ll stick you with the worst sections.”

  Parker knew Dex was only half teasing. Outlining was the bane and boon of every law student’s existence. The key was to split the task of producing a comprehensive outline of the text and classroom notes for each section of the syllabus among group members whose work you knew and respected. Parker, Dex, and three others had worked together to create intricate outlines since their first semester in school. The size of the group had fluctuated over the last year as the individuals pursued various electives, but when it came to core courses, they still met as a group to share their skills. This semester they were all signed up for Ethics with Dr. Spencer, who had a reputation for grueling exams. Parker weighed her options and decided the gym could wait and she agreed to join her friends.