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“It was two days before classes began that year.” There’s discussion among the panel again.
“To be clear, you claim that you had a sexual encounter two days before classes began, but not during the entirety of the school year?”
“That’s correct. Once we realized the teacher student nature of our relationship, Dr. Lawrence wouldn’t agree to any contact beyond the classroom.”
“Is that what you wanted?”
“No, it was not. But her studies came first to her, and it was her decision that she and I not continue to pursue a social relationship. The integrity of her schooling meant something to her. I respected her wishes.”
“Why didn’t Dr. Lawrence request a different professor?”
“I think you’d have to ask her that. I can’t speak for her.”
“We intend to. Thank you for your time, Dr. Cooper.”
“Can I say one more thing?”
“Of course.”
“Dr. Lawrence was an exemplary student and is an exemplary surgeon. Her dating me has no bearing on any of this. Why don’t you spend five minutes with her. You’ll quickly realize that this proceeding is a complete waste of time, and an insult to the intelligence of a fine physician, and a fine person, like Dr. Lawrence.”
“Thank you, Dr. Cooper. You’re dismissed.”
They turn to me. “Dr. Lawrence, please have a seat in front of the microphone.”
I stand up and sit at the small desk. My throat is suddenly very dry. I take a few sips of my water.
Dr. Griffith speaks. “Dr. Lawrence, I’ll be questioning you.” I nod. “Dr. Lawrence, was Dr. Cooper’s testimony here today entirely truthful?”
“Obviously I can’t attest to his attraction to me, but I can otherwise tell you that he was entirely truthful with regard to the facts in his testimony, and the recollection of events.”
“It’s entirely accurate that you did not have a sexual relationship with Dr. Cooper while you were his student?”
“That’s correct?”
“After your time as a student, when did you again begin a sexual relationship with Dr. Cooper?”
“A few weeks after he moved back to this area this past January. I can’t tell you the exact date. I don’t know it.”
“Can you please tell us where this relationship began?” I see Aunt Cass and Mom getting antsy, but I give them a look to just let it be.
I sigh. “In the hospital.”
“Your first sexual encounter in January was physically on the grounds of the hospital?”
“Yes, that’s correct.”
“Where did this encounter take place?” I look back again and try to communicate to Mom and Aunt Cass that they need to calm down. I just want to answer the questions truthfully.
“It was in one of the on-call rooms.”
Aunt Cass yells out objection again. “This has no relevancy to her time as a student. It’s unnecessary to humiliate her for the sake of hospital gossip.”
Dr. Branch interjects. “Miss, if we hear from you one more time, you’ll be asked to leave.” I turn around andagainindicate that she should just sit. I shouldn’t have brought them with me today.
Dr. Griffith turns her attention back to me. “Dr. Lawrence, let’s cut to the chase. Have you ever been offered better grades, or other beneficial academic or career opportunities in return for sexual favors?”
“Yes, I have.” Everyone in the room has a shocked look on their face except Brody. I see the corner of his mouth rise in amusement.
