She hesitated and I figured I’d better not say anything.

After a few seconds she continued, “I’m taking a class from Dr. Pappas.”

She hesitated again so I said, “How do you like him?”

“He’s great. He’s the best.”

I didn’t know whether she referred to his teaching style or his looks so I waited.

“I think he has been unjustly accused.”

“Why do you think that?”

“Because he’s too nice a guy. I talked to him in his office and he was a perfect gentleman. He didn’t come on to me.”

No surprise there, but I didn’t see how this would help Mark. I said, “Perhaps you could be a character witness for him.”

She laughed, shortly, and said, “I don’t think they allow character witnesses. But I was wondering if you know Dr. Pappas.”

My guard immediately went up. I said, “I think I’ll make it a point to meet him.”

“If you do meet him could you pass on a message? Just don’t tell him I gave it to you.”

“What’s the message?”

“Tell him that he should go to the Club Cavalier and look for the Shooting Star.”

“Why should he do that?”

“He might find out something that would help him.”

“Why don’t you tell him yourself?”

She looked nervous. “I can’t get involved. Please, would you do it?”

“You could send him an anonymous note.”

“Notes can be traced. Please.”

She wouldn’t be satisfied until I promised. “If I talk to him I’ll tell him.”

“Thank you. Remember: the Shooting Star at Club Cavalier.” She turned to go.

“Wait,” I said. “What’s your name?”

She raced back toward the Administration Building without answering. I couldn’t catch her; I could follow her into the building, but I decided I’d better not risk running into Patricia Estavez or Mark’s accuser again.