On the Far Side of Darkness by R. C. Graham Read Free Book Online Page A

“Sorry.”
    “ Pas de quoi, cher. I feel I owe you an apology.”
    “What for?”
    “I left. I didn’t even say bon nuit. ”
    “How did you say that? Pas de quoi, chére? I barely remember. I was kind of out of it. The overload you put me through was a little overwhelming, and don’t you dare apologize for that!”
    “For that, never.” I pull her on top of me to kiss her.
    When we’re done that we snuggle again. Again I feel surprised at how…good…it feels, having a woman I care for close to me. Skin to skin.
    Once again, I carefully don’t look at the thought that follows: I can’t stay. It will only end in pain.
     
    * * * *
     
    I take a moment’s pause outside the building where I teach to put my mask on. Sometimes I leave it off until absolutely necessary. Hiding is, on occasion, a burden.
    But I wouldn’t want to frighten my students.
    That done, I step out of the cool night air and into the hall of the place where I hold my classes. Down the hall I go, up a flight of stairs, then back toward the front of the building. I arrive at Room 203 and enter it. As always, I’m right on time.
    Most of the twenty odd people that make up this class are already here. Also attending are various members of The Court, with Ms. Coburn at the center.
    But, as always, Ms. Richardson is not here. She is challenging me again. Since the Dean forced my hand Mandy has been pushing against my authority harder and harder every class.
    And in my briefcase is her latest challenge.
    I place that briefcase on my desk, lean against the old piece of furniture and clear my throat. The idle buzz that fills the air dies away.
    “Good evening, class. I have your latest assignments marked.” I turn to open my case and pull out the papers in question.
    I walk down the rows of desks, stopping where there is actually a student, hand them their essays and comment on it. Most are disappointed. I’m a taskmaster when it comes to learning. I save Ms. Coburn’s and Richardson’s papers until last. Their efforts need special attention.
    As I place Christy’s paper in her hands, she goes a little white in shock. “C minus?”
    “I’m afraid so, Mademoiselle Coburn,” I tell her. “Actually the essay was quite good, but there are extenuating circumstances that keep me from giving you a better mark.”
    The door to the classroom opens and I know immediately who it is. The way Christy’s eyes light up are a give away. I turn towards the entrance and the extenuating circumstances are walking towards me.
    Mandy Richardson strides towards me, certain that nothing will ever stand in her way. Her brown eyes stare into my blue with contempt and her lip is curled with distaste.
    As she plops into the desk next to her servant I remark, “So glad you deigned to join us, Mademoiselle Richardson.”
    She shrugs my sarcasm off. “Hey, I had places to go and people to do.” There’s a subtle scent about her, too faint for a human to detect, two separate odors of feminine arousal. Apparently Ms. Richardson has been doing more than going.
    My gaze goes to Christy at Mandy’s remark. Dejection flashes through her eyes and chagrin reddens her cheeks. Then her mouth turns downward in a grimace of resignation. She knows what her mistress has been doing, can’t stop it and has unhappily accepted the fact. I wonder why she puts up with it.
    My attention returns to my surly student and I say, “Your timing is perfect. Here’s your paper.” I hold it out to her.
    She takes it from my hand, looks at the mark scribbled on it…and turns bright red with fury. “F!?” She raises her eyes to me and gives a glare that would intimidate any human being. But I’m not human so I don’t flinch at all.
    “If you had written it, I would have given you a very good mark. But you didn’t write it.” I glance back at Christy. “Your, um, compatriot did.” I had almost let their secret out. What they do outside my class is none of my business. What happens