Scarlet Assassin by Isabella

“I think he said something about her father taking ill.” Shrugging his shoulders, he stared at Clarissa and then flashed a toothy grin. “So, guess it’s you and me in the Lit department till summer.”
    “Yeah, I guess it is.” Clarissa suddenly got a sickening feeling. Carol’s father had died years ago and her mother was her only living relative. Someone was lying, Carol, the dean or this guy, but she wouldn’t find out until she went to the dean’s office in the morning. Besides, this guy was too perfect, to nice, to pale. The only way to find out was to… Pulling her hand from her pocket she grabbed his and the jolt was instantaneous. She absorbed his energy and shook his hand firmly. He was a vamp, a young one, so she doubted he had picked up on her essence, but he was around for a reason. It was just too coincidental that he showed up to take over Carol’s classes.
    “Clarissa Du Monte,” she said, removing her hand from his sweaty grip.
    He cocked his head, then looked at the door and shot her a quizzical look. Pointing to the door, he said, “But the door says, De Marcus.”
    “I recently got married.” Clarissa lied. Who was he to questions what she said? She was sure the firm tone made it clear it wasn’t up for discussion. “Well, if you’ll excuse me I need to prepare for class. I’m sure you have to get ready as well.” Shuffling some papers on her desk she was sure she had dismissed the interloper, but he plopped down on her sofa.
    “Nope, I did all that last night. I’m ready. My mom said I was born ready. Said I came out ready to greet the world and take it on.”
    “How nice, but—”
    “Hey how would you like to get some coffee after class, Professor Du Monte? I know this great little coffee shop close to campus. I see the students there all the time, so you know it must be good if they’re fillin’ up the place.”
    She turned her attention to the talking head, wanting to be rude, but it just wasn’t her style. Besides, what was that old saying–keep your friends close and your enemies closer? Well, until she knew better this guy was the enemy. That still didn’t mean she had to have coffee with him.
    “I’m sorry, I have dinner plans with my wife.”
    Marshall sat stunned for a moment, after closing his gaping mouth, he gracefully recovered enough to at least blush.
    “Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t know. I mean, I hope you didn’t think I was trying to pick-up on you or anything when I asked you out for coffee. I was just trying to be collegial, that’s all. Hey, it’s cool.” Standing, he pulled at the legs of his pants and practically ran to the door. “You know I just realized I do have a little bit of prep for the class. Hey, it was nice to meet you. Let’s get that coffee soon though, okay?”
    The only thing missing was the two finger salute men like that shot at women when they suddenly found out they didn’t stand a chance with them. Weird…no it was beyond weird. There was no doubt in Clarissa’s mind it was all an act. From the impish grin to the “let me show you how suave I am” lines he was throwing around. She pulled her cell phone from her purse and dialed AJ’s number but it instantly went to voice mail. Odd. She tried again and it happened again. Dialing AJ’s office, she got Maggie. Now she was perplexed.
    “Maggie? Why isn’t AJ answering her phone?”
    “I don’t know, she called and said she had an appointment out all day and would be in the office tomorrow. I thought maybe she was playing hookie with you.”
    Clarissa could hear the smile in Maggie’s voice. She loved Maggie. It was clear she kept all AJ’s secrets and loved her anyway. Unlike Kevin who had practically destroyed AJ with his betrayal. At least Kevin had the decency to take his own life and avoid the certain painful death she knew AJ would exact upon him. No, AJ would have to have that on her conscience too.
    “No, I’m afraid I have to work. Unlike your boss, it