Invasion by Robin Cook Page B

student teacher assigned to Mrs. Edelman.”
    Cassy felt her face flush. Instantly she was aware that she’d possibly blundered into a minor catastrophe. But Mr. Partridge was the picture of gentility. “Such a nice surprise,” he was saying. “Here, I’d like you to meet my bride, Clara Partridge.”
    Cassy dutifully shook hands with Mr. Partridge’s wife and suppressed a smile. She was well aware of what the students called the woman.
    “And here is a new friend of ours,” Mr. Partridge said. He put his arm around his male companion. “I’d like you to meet Michael Schonhoff. He’s one of those dedicated civil servants who labors at our medical examiner’s office.”
    Everyone shook hands through their introductions. Beau was particularly interested in Michael Schonhoff, and they fell into their own conversation while Ed Partridge directed his attention to Cassy. “I’ve certainly been getting some good feedback on your student teaching,” he said. “And I was impressed how well you were handling that class yesterday when Mrs. Edelman was delayed.”
    Cassy didn’t know how to respond to these unexpected compliments. She also didn’t know how to respond to Mr. Partridge’s blatantly lewd inspection. Several times his eyes traveled up and down her body. After the first traverse she thought she could have been overreacting, but after the third time, she knew his behavior was deliberate.
    Eventually the two groups said good-bye and went their separate ways.
    “Who the hell is Ed Partridge?” Pitt asked as soon as they were out of earshot.
    “He’s the principal of the high school where I’m student teaching,” Cassy said. She shook her head.
    “He obviously is impressed with you,” Pitt said.
    “Did you catch the way he was looking at me?” Cassy asked.
    “How could I miss it?” Pitt said. “I was embarrassed for him, especially with his tub of a wife standing right there. What’d you think, Beau?”
    “I didn’t catch it,” Beau said. “I was talking with Michael.”
    “He’s never acted like that before,” Cassy said. “In fact he’s usually a conservative sourpuss.”
    “Hey, guys, there’s another ice cream place across the street,” Beau said enthusiastically. “I’m going to have another. Anybody else?”
    Both Cassy and Pitt shook their heads.
    “I’ll be right back,” Beau said. He sprinted across the mall to wait in the ice cream concession line.
    “You believe me about this day of playing hooky being Beau’s idea?” Cassy questioned.
    “If you say so,” Pitt said. “But I’m sure you can understand my reaction. It is a little out of character.”
    “That’s an understatement,” Cassy said.
    They watched while Beau flirted with a couple of attractive co-eds. Even from where they were standing they could hear Beau’s characteristic laugh.
    “He acts as loose as a goose,” Pitt commented.
    “That’s one way to put it,” Cassy said. “We’ve had a ball today, there’s no doubt. But his behavior is starting to make me a little uneasy.”
    “How so?” Pitt questioned.
    Cassy let out a short, mirthless laugh. “He’s being too nice. I know that sounds crazy and maybe a little cynical, but he’s just not acting normal. He’s not acting like Beau normally acts. Skipping classes is just one thing.”
    “What else?” Pitt asked.
    “Well, it’s a little personal,” Cassy said.
    “Hey, I’m a friend,” Pitt said encouragingly. At the same time his mouth went dry. He wasn’t sure he wanted to hear anything too personal. As much as he tried to deny it, his feelings for Cassy weren’t entirely platonic.
    “Sexually he’s been different,” Cassy said haltingly. “This morning he…”
    Cassy stopped in midsentence.
    “He what?” Pitt asked.
    “I can’t believe I’m telling you this,” Cassy said. She was abashed. “Let’s just say there’s something different about him.”
    “Has it just been today?” Pitt asked.
    “Last night and