Chapter Forty-Nine - Janine Farmer
CHAPTER FORTY-NINE
Janine Farmer
“DEAN KERRIGAN WILL see you now,” the administrator said, with her familiar plastic smile.
Janine Farmer adjusted her collar as she stepped into Dean Regina Kerrigan’s office. The bird like woman sat behind her expansive mahogany desk.
Kerrigan looked up from her laptop, glasses perched on her beak-like nose,“Detective Farmer, please come in and have a seat.” She crowed. A satisfied sneer crept across lips as she gestured across from her desk.
Inwardly, Farmer grimaced. Bile threatened to crawl up her throat.
Kerrigan leaned back in her large wingback chair, surveying Farmer,
“You look exhausted.”
Farmer stifled a yawn, “It has been a long night.”
Kerrigan nodded, “I trust there is progress to report.”
Farmer cleared her throat, taking a steadying breath, “Yes, Richard Bellamy fell and was found deceased at the base of the Summit Spire this morning at approximately 1:30 AM. We have reason to believe that he was stalking two of his research assistants and current SSU students, Ethan Hernandez and Jason Havelock. Apparently, Bellamy was targeting them for more of his…experiments.”
Kerrigan tilted her head slightly, a pleased smile tugged at the corner of her lips.
“After confronting Hernandez and Havelock on the Bell Tower, there was a confrontation,” Farmer continued. “Bellamy’s actions escalated and the incident ended in his fall. Cause of death is being ruled accidental for now.”
At this, Kerrigan stared directly at Farmer who resisted the urge to look away. “And the Halston girl?”
Farmer hesitated, the words caught in her throat, “Based on written evidence secured in Bellamy’s lab earlier this morning, evidence suggests experiments— drove her too—.”
“Suicide,” Kerrigan said, her voice cutting.” “The official account will maintain that narrative.”
Farmer’s gaze looked towards the floor, her brow furrowed. A flare of indignation rose in her chest. “Ma’am, the evidence does not suggest that. Richard Bellamy had a direct impact on Naomi Halston which could potentially be charged as 2nd-degree manslaughter. People should know that.”
“It doesn’t matter what the evidence says, Detective,” Kerrigan said, steepling her fingers under her chin. “What matters is what the Board of Trustees wants the public to know. Bellamy was respected. Eccentric, yes, but an asset to the university. If it becomes public knowledge that he was kidnapping and experimenting on students it would unravel the university’s reputation. We took steps to address his access to resources, but now that does not matter, for obvious reasons.”
Farmer clenched her jaw, forcing herself to remain calm. “You’re asking to bury the truth.”
“I’m telling you to uphold the university’s reputation,” Kerrigan replied sharply. “And you’ll find the university president agrees. Dr. Thorne has taken a personal interest in the Halston girl’s case on behalf of the board. I’m tasked with updating him. It’s in everyone’s best interest to leave the matter where it lies.”
Farmer stood her ground. “And Ethan Hernandez? Jason Havelock? What about them? They’re victims in this just as Naomi Halston was.”
Kerrigan’s face darkened, the slight shift in her demeanor gave Farmer a chill. “Yes, I’m aware of those two.” She reached into the top drawer of her desk producing a slim leather portfolio. “The Board is…curious. Particularly about Mr. Hernandez. Students with this kind of aptitude…don’t come along every day. Thorne believes their movements warrant monitoring.”
“What exactly are you suggesting?” Farmer asked, her stomach churning.
Kerrigan looked up, her expression unreadable, “Keep an eye on them. Discreetly. If either of them become— shall we say— unpredictable, report directly to me.”
Farmer’s pulse quickened, “You want me to spy on them?”
“Call it proactive safeguarding,” Kerrigan replied. “The board won’t tolerate risks. Not with students like those two. I advise you to cooperate, Detective. After all, I imagine the wrongful death suit from your time on the city police force would be a good reminder of how keeping certain details private can help one’s reputation.”
Farmer stiffened at this. “That case was closed. It was settled.”
Kerrigan smiled again, “Let’s not open old wounds then, shall we?”
Silence hung between them. Farmer’s fists clenched at her side as she stood. She wanted to fight back, but Kerrigan’s threat was clear.“Fine. I’ll do it. But don’t think for a moment I don’t see what is going on.”
Kerrigan looked over glasses. “See whatever you like. Just do your job, Detective.”
Without another word, Farmer turned on her heel and strode toward the door.