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“I used the restroom. I drink a lot of coffee.” To prove it, he moved to the AutoChef, programmed a cup. “I always step out for a short time during that class.”
“That classroom is on the same level, the same section as Foster’s. You see anyone? Anyone see you?”
“Not that I recall.”
“You keep a locker in the fitness center.”
“Some of us do. It’s easier than bringing a change of shoes every day.”
“You don’t just have shoes in your locker, Reed. In my experience, when a man keeps that many shields close to hand, he has plans for them.”
There was a brief hesitation, then Williams took a slow sip of coffee. “The last I checked, condoms weren’t illegal.”
“But I ask myself, what might Principal Mosebly have to say about such a generous supply of them in your locker? Or the board of directors, the board of—what is it?—education.”
“Again. Condoms aren’t illegal.”
“Still. What might they think about one of the staff here scoring booty in the locker room, so close to all those innocent young minds and bodies?”
“Carrying protection is just that—carrying protection.” In a nonchalant move, he leaned back as he drank his coffee. “You have a weapon strapped on, but as far as I know, you haven’t stunned anyone in the building.”
“Early days yet,” Eve said lightly. “What else I was thinking was how about those innocent minds. Those innocent bodies. Pretty little girls, so easily lured.”
“Well, for Christ’s sake.” At this, he set down his coffee quickly, shoved out of his slouch against the counter. “That’s despicable and it’s disgusting. I’m not a pedophile. I’ve been a teacher for fourteen years, and have never touched a student in any way that could be considered inappropriate.”
“By whose scale?” Eve wondered.
“Listen. I don’t like girls. I like women. I like women a great deal.”
Eve was more than willing to buy that claim. “Enough to bang them on school property?”
“I don’t have to answer questions like this. Not without a lawyer.”
“Fine, you can call one when we get downtown.”
Shock replaced temper. “You’re arresting me?”
“Do you want me to?”
“Listen, listen. Jesus.” He raked his fingers through his hair. “So I’ve had a few encounters. It’s not a crime, but it is questionable behavior as far as my job is concerned. But those encounters were with consenting adults.”
“Names.”
He tried a little charm with a smile that asked for understanding. “Lieutenant, this can’t possibly have any bearing on why you’re here. And a couple of them are married.”
“A couple of them.”
“I like women.” That smile widened. “I like sex. It doesn’t hurt anyone.”
“Craig ever notice you liking sex in the locker room?”
“No.”
He said it too quickly, and Eve saw the lie. “He was a straight arrow, wasn’t he? He comes across you having an encounter, he’s going to be shocked. Maybe pissed. He threaten to go to the principal?”
“I had no problem with Craig; he had no problem with me. Ask anyone.”
“I will. We’ll talk again.”
