CHAPTER 7: Deception

Roxy's POV

Deception—garnishing a lie to make it look like the truth to achieve a desired outcome. It’s not a proud thing to do but sometimes it’s a necessary thing. Like right now, standing in front of Professor McLain’s office.

I stood at the door, with my deceptive hat on, my hand primed to knock. I took a deep breath, trying to steady the fluttering nerves in my stomach. Deception is also not an easy thing to do but I was never an easy girl.

“Come in.” I heard and I swung the door open.

Professor McLain’s warm smile greeted me. “Ms. Benette.”

“I’m sorry Professor McLain, I hope I am not disturbing?”

“Oh no,” She waved me off, her eyes lighting up with genuine enthusiasm. “Come on in.”

I stepped inside, and she gestured for me to take a seat. The office was neatly organized, filled with stacks of papers and books that gave off an aura of academic authority.

I sat down, offering my most interested expression. “I looked at the materials you sent," I began, pulling out a notebook and some scribbled notes. "And I have a lot questions."

Her face brightened. "Oh, fantastic! I’m always glad to see a student so engaged. What’s on your mind?"

“Uh, it’s about Marburg v. Madison; Did William Marbury have a right to the commission he sought?” I asked with keen interest.

“Hmm, okay let’s see; the Supreme Court in 1903 concluded that the delivery of the commission was a legal obligation that had not been fulfilled, thus establishing that Marbury had a rightful claim to the position.

“But did he have a legal remedy?” My voice peaked with deeper interest.

“Well, the Court ruled that while Marbury was entitled to the commission and a remedy for its denial, the specific remedy he sought could not be granted because it fell outside the scope of the Court's original jurisdiction as defined by the Constitution. Instead, the Court established that the proper recourse would be through a different legal mechanism or court.”

“Hmmm.” I faked a reflective moment.

She gazed at me in awe. “You know you remind me of someone…. a student…. what was his name? What’s his name?” Her eyes darted the distance, fingers dotting the air, reaching for a memory. “Lucas Anderson.”

My heart dropped, I could literally feel my heart in my palms, my nerves fluttered and my hands trembled.

“He was just as inquisitive and keen as you are. A very bright boy.” She smiled.

My lips parted, boring my eyes into her, angry but cautious. “What happened to him?” My voice, barely a whisper.

“Well, I have no idea.” She shrugged casually. “I heard he was in an accident, but you know these college students, you never know what they get up to after school hours.”

My heart tightened under my chest, my heart beating in its closed walls. I slammed my fists onto the table, my posture rigid, a surge of anger starting in me.

She didn’t even remember that she hit him, crushed him, stole his life and his dreams or maybe she did remember, and she was a very good liar. Either way she was an evil witch!

“Are you okay…. Ms. Bennett?” Her voice, tinged with genuine concern, crept into my thoughts,

I snapped out of my daze. “Yes. I just got lost in thought.”

“Is everything okay? You don’t look too good.”

“No, not really.” I hesitated, my gaze dropping to the floor engaging several thoughts in my head. “Professor, I’m really going through a hard time right now.”

Her brows furrowed. “What’s the matter Ms. Benette?”

“I... I need a job,” I said, my voice cracking slightly. “I’m having a hard time making ends meet, paying for my father's medical bills and my sister’s school and then college.”

“What about your mom?” She asked with genuine care in her eyes.

I quickly crafted a lie as per usual. “She’s—retired, and her little flower shop barely makes anything to get us by, so it’s all up to me to pay the bills.”

Her eyes widened, and she leaned forward, her expression turning empathetic. “I’m sorry, that’s a lot to go through. You are such a brave girl.”

I nodded, my shoulders slumping. “Yes, it’s been really hard….and I’ve been trying to find something that works with school.”

“Ms. Benette.” She said, keeping a stoic gaze.

“Oh, I’m sorry, I don’t even know what I was thinking…. I shouldn’t have bothered you. Please forgive me….”

Her lips puckered with a thought and then a long pause. My heart drummed nervously.

“Actually….” She started. “It happens that my husband lost a Research assistant, she just moved halfway across the country…..and he’s kind of desperate at the moment.”

My eyes lit up, my insides jumping with excitement.

My eyes followed as she reached into her desk drawer and got out a black card with gold stripes. “Aaron needs an assistant right away. I mean you both can work out a schedule.”

I took the card with trembling fingers, my eyes widening in surprise. “Professor McLain, are you sure? I don’t want to impose.”

“Of course not,”. She chuckled. “You’re a very dedicated student, and you shouldn’t have to worry about financial issues while you’re studying. Besides, this would be a great opportunity for you and I am sure Aaron would be very lucky to have you.”

I glanced at the card, more closely. “It says McLain and associates.”

“Ah yes, it also happens to be my father's firm.” Her lips curved with a proud smile.

Shoot! Did I just catch two birds with one stone.?

“Are you really certain? I mean don’t you need to check in with him first? maybe he wants to hire someone else?”

“Aaron is lead counsel and he can be quite picky, but I’ll make sure to let him know what he’ll be missing out on if he doesn’t hire you.”

I felt my cheeks burn with excitement. “Thank you so much, Professor. I really appreciate it.”

“Of course,” she said, nodding encouragingly. “You can swing by his office tomorrow.”

“Of course, thank you so much Professor, you have no idea what you have just done.”

“It’s not a problem Roxy, I think I can call you Roxy now?” She inquired shyly.

“Of course.” I chuckled too. “You’re like the big sister I never had. I flashed a rich smile garnished with deep seated mischief.

Step 2–secure the job—initiated.

SCREAM!

I am meeting Aaron West again—tomorrow.