Gabriel's Rapture (Gabriel's Inferno #2)(75)

Julia opened her mouth to speak, but Soraya interrupted her.

“With respect, Dr. Aras, you’re speculating.”

“Actually, Miss Harandi, I’m making a reasonable inference of a quid pro quo.” The Dean’s lips visibly thinned. “Moreover, I’m suggesting your client just perjured herself. She said she wasn’t involved with Professor Emerson last semester. Are we to believe that they magically became involved the moment the semester ended?”

Julia inhaled loudly, the sound echoing off the walls. Across the aisle, Gabriel’s anxiety was telegraphed by the way he clenched and unclenched his fists, trying to hide them at his sides.

The Dean began to speak but he was interrupted by Professor Mwangi. “Miss Mitchell, at this point I need to remind you of the penalties for perjury and also for the violation of the non-fraternization policy of this University.” His calm and kind voice was a studied contrast to the Dean’s impatient directness.

“Perjury can result in expulsion or serious sanctions. A violation of the non-fraternization policy can jeopardize your academic standing in last semester’s seminars.” He shuffled a few papers on the table in front of him.

“You were writing your thesis with Professor Emerson until the beginning of November, about a month prior to your trip to Italy. You were registered in his Dante seminar for the entire fall semester, and awarded a mark of A.

“The non-fraternization policy exists to protect students from being preyed upon by their professors and to prevent any possibility of unfair preferments being dispersed. If you’d dropped Professor Emerson’s class, we would not be here today. But since you remained in his class, we have a problem.”

Professor Mwangi handed some papers to Meagan, who walked them obediently to Julia and Soraya. While Soraya glanced at the documents, Julia gaped in horror. She looked over at Gabriel once again, but he wouldn’t return her gaze.

“Professor Martin testified before this committee that he has no recollection of any conversation with Professor Emerson about having Professor Picton grade your work in the Dante seminar. The Registrar’s Office reports that it was Professor Emerson who submitted your grade via the online grading system. We have dated copies of those electronic documents, which you’ve just received.”

“Dr. Mwangi, since we are just receiving these documents now I’d like a short recess in order to speak to my client.” Soraya’s voice broke through Julia’s shock.

“Those moments are past, Miss Harandi, since your client has already perjured herself.” The Dean’s voice was harsh.

“I disagree,” Professor Chakravartty interjected. “Miss Mitchell might not be in the best position to judge whether or not she was the victim of coercion. Certainly, any perjury on her part would be excused if she’s the victim of harassment.”

“Professor Picton graded my work in the Dante seminar. I’m sure she could clear up this misunderstanding.” Julia’s voice took on a stubborn tone that contrasted sharply with the tremor in her voice.

“Dean Aras, forgive me for interrupting, but I’ve just received an email from Professor Picton.” Meagan’s voice broke in hesitantly. She walked over to the Dean and presented him with her laptop.

He scanned the screen quickly before waving her aside.

“It would seem that Professor Picton confirms your story, Miss Mitchell.”

Soraya leaned forward in her chair. “Then that should clear up any problems. Respectfully, we ask this committee to conclude the investigation and end this matter.”

“Not so fast, Miss Harandi.” Professor Mwangi looked between Gabriel and Julia curiously. “If the relationship truly is consensual, then why is Professor Emerson hiding behind his lawyer?”

“All you’ve done is present us with speculation and fantasy. Why should my client respond?” John’s tone was contemptuous.

“We’re entitled to come to our own conclusions with respect to evidence. I can’t speak for my learned colleagues, but I’ll state that in my opinion, your client and Miss Mitchell were involved last semester. Which means they violated the non-fraternization policy, and Miss Mitchell perjured herself.”

John stood to his feet. “If this body intends to continue in this way, then we will be invoking the assistance of the University of Toronto’s Faculty Association and the Canadian Association of University Teachers, as well as pursuing all legal means. I would caution the hearing officers against slandering my client.”

The Dean waved a dismissive hand in the air. “Sit down. We don’t respond to threats.”

He waited until John took his seat before he tossed his pen on the table in front of him. He removed his glasses and placed them next to the pen.

“Since we seem to have hit upon an iceberg here, perhaps it would be best if I suspend this hearing, pending further investigation.”

Gabriel gritted his teeth, knowing that any delay would further jeopardize Julia’s admission to Harvard.

“Before we suspend the hearing, I think that Miss Mitchell should be given the opportunity to have her story heard without having to be in the same room as Professor Emerson.” Professor Chakravartty nodded in Julia’s direction.

“Professor Emerson is a powerful man. Perhaps, Miss Mitchell, you were worried about your status and he took advantage of that. Maybe you believe that the relationship is consensual now, but did you always feel that way? More than one witness has reported that he was very harsh with you last semester.”