Section 1.1: Who is Cordec Walker?

Danette sipped her rosé, surveying the gathering of alumni and current students sprawled across the hillside behind the Beta Theta Pi (BϴП) house. It was Homecoming weekend at Southern Fairlane University (SFU), and the annual Beta Theta Pi Bar-B-Que was the highlight of the festivities. This event, held on the Friday before the Homecoming football game, lasted six hours—an opportunity for generations of fraternity and sorority members to reconnect.

The six-hour event was informally divided into three segments. The first two hours welcomed those who graduated more than twenty years ago, followed by those who graduated between ten and twenty years prior, and finally, the current students along with recent graduates from the past decade.

A decade had passed since Danette graduated from SFU, a university celebrated for its diversity and integration. Although not an HBCU (Historically Black College or University), its history was intertwined with segregation following the Civil War. Northern Fairlane University (NFU), founded by abolitionist Sir William Fairlane in 1832, had established progressive principles regarding race and gender. After his death, NFU founded Southern Fairlane University (SFU), which thrived and eventually eclipsed its northern counterpart in size and reputation.

Danette, always one to adhere to social norms, arrived precisely at 5:59 PM. She considered delaying her arrival until later to avoid the current students, whom she viewed as immature. More importantly, she hoped to reconnect with her sorority sisters, particularly Amber, who she was certain would show up at some point during the two-hour window. To avoid missing Amber, Danette was willing to wait the entire duration.

As the first ninety minutes dragged on with no sign of her friends, Danette regretted not reaching out to them beforehand. The Bar-B-Que was a tradition for all alumni attending Homecoming. With no familiar faces in sight, she engaged in small talk with others, which ended when they spotted their own college connections and drifted away.

Feeling fatigued, she took a seat beside a fire pit, only to find the remaining spots filled by single men reminiscing about their glory days. Amused, she noticed their attempts to catch her eye and thought, "Will Cordec Walker make an appearance?"

A giggle escaped her at the thought of Cordec, drawing curious glances from the men nearby. Straightening up, she announced, loud enough for the group to hear, "I was just reminiscing about the good times with Cordec Walker, the man, the myth, the legend."

In unison, the men raised their drinks and toasted, "To Cordec Walker!"

The mere mention of his name drew the men closer to her, eager for her attention. Just then, Amber broke through the gathering, calling out, "Danette!"

Amber seized her hand and guided her away from the circle of eager men, as if rescuing a side of beef from a pack of hungry lions.

"Amber, you saved me!" Danette exclaimed.

"Not the first time I've had to rescue you from a swarm of hungry men. How have you been?" Amber replied.

"I knew you would show up; I just didn't know when."

"I planned to stay only for a few minutes. How about you?"

"I'm ready to leave. Can we go somewhere to catch up?"

Amber led Danette through the Beta Theta Pi house and out to the driveway. "I'm glad I found you. I've booked an Uber, and there it is."

As they climbed into the back seat of a Tesla, Amber confirmed her identity to the driver. The journey across town seemed to pass quickly for Danette, who reflected on how time had sped up over the past decade. "Remember when eight of us crammed into that SUV?"

"We all had smaller hips back then. That drive felt endless, while that handsome driver took the scenic route."

Danette laughed, glancing back at the Uber driver. "Definitely not husband material, but at least he has a job."

The driver caught her eye for the first time. "No offense taken if you only look for husband material this weekend."

Danette promised, "I’ll try to stay focused."

As they arrived at their favorite hangout, Amber gazed at the digital sign above the entrance that looped happy customers with the club's name, "Domingos." The origin of the name remained a mystery, with some arguing it was the surname of the original investor, while most believed it simply referred to the Spanish word for "Sundays." The Sunday parties had become legendary over the years, offering sorority girls a chance to let loose after a weekend of studying.

Amber turned to Danette, "I preferred the neon sign."

"Do they even make neon signs anymore?"

"I'm not sure, but I liked it better."

"Come on," Amber urged. "I texted several of our sisters. They should be here by now."

"Wow, I didn't receive the text."

"You got me. I came to get you in person. I knew you'd be at the Bar-B-Que."

Danette felt foolish for doubting Amber's commitment to their friendship. Despite being in her thirties, the campus atmosphere and her peers reignited her insecurities. "Thank you," she said appreciatively.

Amber held the door open as they entered. The doorman wouldn't arrive until 9 PM, and it was only 8:20. A warm breeze wafted from inside, carrying a hint of vanilla.

Danette inhaled deeply, "I hope they never change the vanilla scent. It brings back so many memories."

"Hurry up! The girls are waiting in the booth."

Their six sorority sisters were seated in the booth they used to occupy. It had been upgraded with soft leather padding over the old painted wood. The sisters greeted Amber and Danette, settling into the familiar space.

After catching up with the professional women and lifelong friends, Danette's gaze fell on three men at the bar. Two stood beside the one seated, animatedly vying for his attention. Yet he remained indifferent, sipping his drink with only the occasional nod to his companions.

Danette's heart raced as she recognized the man. "I’d recognize that V-shaped back from a mile away. I thought he'd be busy this week."

"Bye week?" Amber suggested.

Danette stood up. "Girls, I have to go say hello."

Amber rolled her eyes, "And you just promised the Uber driver you'd focus on husband material."

Danette turned back with a smile. "I heard he's married now. People can change. After all, I have."

As Danette approached the men, Amber looked at their remaining sisters. "I love her, but that girl is never going to change."

The sisters laughed, prompting the seated man to turn just as Danette reached him. With arms wide open, she exclaimed, "Mister Cordec Walker, what brings you here this evening?"

Cordec stood, hugging Danette as he whispered in her ear, "I came here to see you."

Danette's Freshman Year

A year prior, Danette wouldn't have been so bold in her desires. Raised in a conservative church, her father was a minister and her mother led Bible studies. The couple often debated who was serving Christ more diligently. When arguments arose, her mother yielded, as conservative doctrine dictated that wives follow their husbands.

This internal conflict caused Danette considerable stress during her teenage years. She was to remain pure and obedient but was also expected to follow a man’s lead. Her father had emphasized that teenage boys were not men. Until she married, she was to follow his guidance, after which her husband would take over.

Danette's parents had no comprehension of the pressures she faced. Times had changed. They had met in high school, married soon after graduation, and had remained together ever since. Both had been teens, but by contemporary standards, they were children.

One day, while discussing desire and intimacy, her mother revealed that she and Danette's father had engaged in premarital sex—just once, on Valentine's Day.

"But it was fine," her mother explained. "We intended to marry."

"Were you engaged?"

"Not at that time, but soon after. Your father proposed at prom."

"Prom was, what? Three months later?"

"Your father thought it best to wait until closer to graduation."

"Mom, how many times did you have sex before marriage? I mean, on one hand, gross, but it's hypocritical to tell me to do something you didn’t."

Her mother shifted uncomfortably and stood. "That's enough for today. Just remember—don't. Don't give in to aggressive boys. Save yourself for the right man in marriage."

With a hint of sarcasm, Danette replied, "Sure, Mom."

While Danette was a devoted Christian, puberty began to crack her faith's foundation. As a child, she found Bible stories engaging and entertaining. But as she reached adolescence, they felt inadequate for addressing adult issues. Biblical women, like Ruth or Jezebel, were presented superficially in her father's sermons, their stories serving primarily to highlight male narratives.

The sorority she joined encouraged individualism and self-actualization. Young women were expected to act with integrity and honesty while pursuing their own goals. Danette found it ironic that "innocent" lies were termed "white lies," while "real" lies earned a black mark on one’s reputation. How could anyone deny systemic racism when the language itself was discriminatory? She concluded it was best to stay silent.

Throughout her freshman year, Danette remained largely quiet, focusing on her studies in various biological sciences. She avoided parties, except for sorority events where she dedicated herself to serving guests rather than mingling socially.

In the Fall, she recalled pulling out her Bible once, as some house sisters expressed genuine interest. They asked her to read aloud, but their attention waned after about thirty minutes. When she read John 14:6, a senior interjected, "So that’s why you believe men should lead."

Before Danette could clarify, the other sisters giggled and left. Only Amber turned to thank her for reading.

This experience deepened Danette’s confusion. Her parents had approved of SFU as a suitable institution, though they worried it wasn't overtly Christian. They thought SFU was a better fit than Liberty University, which they deemed too conservative.

The following summer, Danette worked for her father's church, coordinating youth programs and updating the membership database. She trained the elderly office staff on the new system before returning to SFU in the Fall.

The summer felt uncomfortable. Danette often reflected on the title of a Thomas Wolfe novel she'd read: "You Can't Go Home Again."

The Football Team

Sophomore year proved transformative for Danette. She dug deep within herself to change her approach to life, balancing late-night study sessions with weekly social events. She decided to attend one social gathering each Saturday, be more open to meeting young men, and embrace the present moment—whether studying, dissecting in lab, or engaging in meaningful conversations.

Danette enlisted Amber to help her find healthy social events. Observing Amber's ability to balance studying and socializing during their freshman year, Danette asked her roommate for assistance in identifying one event to attend each week, preferably on Saturdays. Amber readily agreed.

On the second day back on campus, Danette felt invigorated by her decision to move forward. Less concerned about adhering to her father’s expectations, she aimed to remain moral in her actions, if not in her thoughts. On the first morning of her second year, she rose before dawn, brewed coffee, and settled on the veranda to sip her drink. It was then she spotted Cordec Walker jogging by. When he winked at her, she knew he had noticed her as well.

After a week of silent flirtation, Amber joined Danette on the veranda. Upon seeing the reason coffee tasted so good in the morning, Amber decided that both she and Danette would become football fans. With the team away that week, Amber used the time to find ways to attend home games.

Danette longed for her morning suitor during the team’s absence. Eager to see him again, she agreed to attend the home game the following Saturday but made Amber promise never to disclose Cordec's real name. She was captivated by the mystery.

Homecoming, Sophomore Year

Getting tickets for sold-out home games proved challenging. Amber had to make questionable deals to secure tickets. When Danette expressed disappointment about missing the Homecoming game, which sold out the first day tickets went on sale, Amber suggested an alternative.

"Something better than the game," Amber proposed. "We can attend the Beta Theta Pi Bar-B-Que on Friday night."

Amber investigated Cordec Walker further and discovered he was a senior and star receiver on the football team, already being scouted by NFL teams. Amber believed it would be better for Danette to maintain her fantasy of Cordec than to pursue a reality with a star athlete known for his track record of fleeting romances.

On the evening of the Bar-B-Que, Amber and Danette arrived precisely at 8 PM, ready to mingle with current students. The two hours passed quickly as they grilled various men. When they encountered a recent graduate hoping to relive his glory days, Amber didn't hold back.

"So, you're a consultant?"

"Yes, at a prestigious firm..."

"A consultant is just a freelancer, right?"

"Well, I have a direct impact on the client's bottom line."

"Are you saying a temp secretary doesn’t contribute to the bottom line?"

"No, but I earn more."

"Temporary employment shows you can’t maintain a relationship. A real job reflects stability. Band-aid roles are just that—temporary."

"That’s a harsh statement for an undergrad," he retorted.

"If the truth is harsh, so be it." Amber pulled Danette away, glancing over her shoulder. "Our class has clear goals. We won't settle for less."

As the evening drew to a close, it became evident Amber's strategy had backfired. Instead of distracting Danette from her fantasy, she heightened Cordec's appeal in her mind. Danette remained oblivious to the rumors surrounding Cordec's personal life, enjoying the bliss of ignorance.

The Routine

Cordec's Fall schedule permitted him to run only three days a week. During the first week of school, football players were allowed extra time to settle their academic schedules and meet with tutors. Danette gradually learned Cordec's running routine through trial and error.

After attending her first game in September, she realized Cordec was a star player and would likely have increasingly demanding commitments as the season progressed. Their brief morning encounters kept Danette enchanted in her fantasy.

As the football season continued, Cordec ran by daily, eventually stopping to introduce himself. "My name is..."

"Stop!" Danette interrupted, placing a finger on his lips.

Cordec looked puzzled.

"I don’t want to know your real name. I know who you are because you’re famous. But I have a different fantasy. I call you Cordec Walker, and if we’re going to be anything, you must use that name around me."

"You're a genius," Cordec grinned. "You've crafted a positive image of Cordec?"

"Yes. Cordec is physically perfect, but at heart, he's just a man who wants me and me alone."

"I could use a fresh start. It’s postseason. I’m open to a new perspective." Cordec proceeded cautiously. "Should I call you Danette?"

"Of course, that’s my name. Danette."

As Cordec leaned in for a kiss, he felt he might have struck gold. He could enjoy Danette as his primary partner during the lead-up to the NFL draft, without her associating him with his public persona.

Objection

The lead prosecutor interjected, "Your Honor, I object."

The judge glared from the bench. "What exactly are you objecting to?"

"The salaciousness of this account. It could bias the jury. This man stands trial for serial murder."

The judge noted the time. "Overruled. We’ll adjourn for today and resume the defense’s closing argument tomorrow."

The bailiff escorted the defendant out as the attendees slowly exited.

Boys Will Be Boys

The following day, the defense lawyer resumed recounting the history between Danette and Cordec.

While training for the NFL Combine, Cordec Walker shared how he was seen merely as a fantasy by Danette.

One teammate remarked, "Girls act innocent, but they’re just like us—more interested in the physical than the emotional."

Cordec shrugged, "You think so? They seem more emotional than I am."

"That’s because you break up with them."

In just days, his training partners encouraged using the Cordec Walker name for casual encounters. They created social media accounts and dating profiles under the name, initially featuring Cordec's photos, but soon including images of various athletes and others. Within a month, the Cordec Walker persona encompassed multiple individuals.

When Danette's Cordec Walker was drafted into the NFL, women speculated he had a doppelgänger or twin. It never occurred to them that the same man was behind the profiles. Why would someone with everything need a fake identity? As their relationship deepened, Danette began to refer to him as CW more often than Cordec.

As his rookie year progressed, CW fell for Danette. The NFL experience differed from college football, and he sought someone to confide in about his aspirations and fears. He wanted to share his life with her, if only for his own sake. Danette became more than just a spring fling.

Danette listened intently to CW's concerns but maintained her view of him as an anonymous hookup. She remained unfazed by his newfound fame, focusing instead on his challenges in the league. Despite the attention from women, he found solace in Danette's company.

When Amber confronted Danette about her relationship with CW, Danette explained, "If I don’t know him, is it really premarital sex? If I know his goals, aspirations, and especially his family, I would have to wait until after marriage to be intimate with him. It’s too late for that."

Amber's expression reflected confusion. "I don’t quite understand that logic."

"You don’t have to. I’m the one avoiding premarital intimacy. If the man I know in a Biblical sense is merely a fantasy, then I’m just fulfilling that fantasy."

"He’s definitely a fantasy," Amber admitted.

"Amazing, isn’t he?"

"Yes."

Cordec Walker's Heart

Cordec confided in Danette about the NFL Combine, and she listened with concern. He expressed frustration when a trainer commented on his attire, feeling it detracted from his performance. "I’m at the Combine to compete, not to be objectified."

"Those guys have no idea what's appropriate," he continued.

"I'm sorry you had that experience. I've never truly considered the challenges of being a homosexual. It must be difficult."

Danette shifted the topic. "You're about to become even more famous. I want to establish some boundaries."

"Like what?"

"No pictures with me. If anyone asks about a girlfriend, let them think it’s someone else. If people see us together, you’ll say we’re just friends. If women question me about you, I’ll just say you’re a friend. Nothing more."

"Well..."

"If you can't agree to that, it's over now. I’ll walk out and never look back."

Cordec contemplated her demands, feeling conflicted yet intrigued by her assertiveness.

Danette pulled up the dating app displaying Cordec Walker's profile. "You’re not good at keeping secrets. Looks like you and your friends are having a good time with this. I see you even added an Asian guy? As a proud black woman, I prefer successful black men."

Cordec chuckled. "What’s wrong with Asian men? They’re quite appealing."

Danette added, "So, those are the rules: no pictures with me. I’m just Danette, a friend from college. Honestly, many have mentioned your name, but I don’t care. To me, you will always be CW, Cordec Walker."

"What if I don’t want to be CW anymore? What if I want to be more to you? What if I want a serious relationship?"

"Serious?" Danette waved the dating profile again. "Does that look like a man ready for commitment?"

CW sighed deeply. "I agree."

"What do you agree to?"

"No pictures, and you’re my friend Dani from college. It's a true statement; you are a friend."

Danette laughed and pulled him in for a kiss. "CW, I really love you. I do."

The demands on Cordec post-draft left little room for extracurricular activities outside of his official schedule. He met with NFL owners, press, and season ticket holders, training with teammates who dominated his time.

One morning, he was surprised to find the quarterback at the espresso machine with his wife and infant son. The introduction struck a chord in CW; this was what he desired with Danette—a family.

He believed Danette would want the same eventually. Until then, it was easy to comply with her rules. Their encounters remained passionate yet fleeting, as they indulged in each other like it might be their last meeting.

In every conversation, CW shared more of his life—his aspirations, doubts, and the peculiar behavior of those around him. Danette listened carefully, offering insights while viewing their relationship through a clinical lens. Despite CW's multi-million-dollar contract, she remained unfazed, focusing on his rookie-year struggles against a backdrop of women vying for his attention.

As the season progressed and CW broke records, he insisted Danette attend a game. She had previously declined all invitations, but he urged her to see where he spent most of his time.

Danette arrived early one Tuesday evening during a break, when few from the team remained. The coaching staff encouraged relaxation after a challenging season.

"Is no one here?" she asked as they entered the building.

"Just maintenance. None of my teammates."

"This is quite different from the biomedical research lab where I worked last summer."

"Perhaps we can conduct our own research here soon," CW suggested playfully. "How did I ever meet you?"

He led her into a nondescript hallway adorned with motivational phrases. As they navigated the corridors, Danette laughed at the slogans, musing about the psychology behind their selection.

Stepping outside, they stood above the empty field. The stadium felt eerie in its silence.

"Sort of spooky when no one’s here," CW remarked.

He smiled, leading Danette back inside to the training and medical area, where a lone janitor cleaned the equipment. He showed her the locker room, where she discovered private shower stalls instead of a communal area.

"It smells like bleach. I expected something muskier," Danette said.

"Believe me, it’s more pungent after a game."

As they explored, CW grew more vulnerable, revealing his affection for Danette. He touched her shoulder, held her knee, and guided her through the stadium, sharing his world with her.

"You smell perfect. Follow me, I have one more place to show you," CW said, leading her to the press room.

There, he had set up a café table with a bottle of champagne. As he poured, Danette felt a wave of guilt wash over her. She realized that her selfishness had extended this relationship beyond its intended bounds.

“Dani, you’ve become my foundation, my joy. You’ve been instrumental to my success this rookie year. I didn’t need motivational phrases; I had you on my mind,” he expressed earnestly.

With each word, Danette felt the weight of her choices. "Please sit down," she urged, sensing the conversation was taking a critical turn.

When they were seated, CW's expression turned blank, bracing for the words he dreaded.

"Dani!" he pleaded, but she continued.

"Cordec Walker, you've been a wonderful companion, but it’s over. I can’t be more for you, and I don’t want to be."

"You are so much more. I haven’t been with anyone else since we began this."

"No, Cordec, I haven’t been with anyone either, but I’ve kept you at arm's length. I have professional goals and aspirations—this has been a no-strings-attached arrangement."

"But I thought we could grow together."

Danette stood, looking down at him. "I’m sorry. I’ll show myself out."

Without looking back, she left him behind.

Ten days later, CW suffered the worst game of his career. Commentators speculated that he had faltered under pressure. When Danette heard of his poor performance, she shook her head, convincing herself, "It's not my fault."

A Short Break

The judge rapped his gavel, noting it was noon. "Let’s break for lunch. Can the defense counsel estimate how much longer the closing argument will take?"

"Yes, I will summarize everything this afternoon."

Closing the Defense Argument

"Thank you, dear jury, for your patience. I've focused on Danette, as she initiated the circumstances leading to her death."

"Objection," the prosecutor interjected.

"Sustained," the judge agreed. "Please avoid blaming the victim."

"Yes, Your Honor." The lawyer turned to the jury. "More than a decade after she left him alone in the press room, Danette encountered the first Cordec Walker at Domingos during Homecoming weekend, coinciding with a bye-week for the successful professional football player."

The prosecution established that Danette left with CW, but they had not proven he was the last person to see her alive.

Taking a deep breath, the defense attorney continued. "Seeing her 'fuck boy,' as she labeled him a decade prior, flourishing in a successful marriage with children became intolerable for her. Her emotions spiraled out of control, leading to regret as she continued to struggle both personally and professionally."

"Objection, you cannot speculate on the victim’s mental state."

"Sustained. Please refrain from making assumptions regarding her mindset."

"The evidence shows that Danette left Domingos that Friday evening with CW. After hearing about his successful life, she logged onto the dating app, scrolled through profiles, and selected my client, a man she once scorned. She hooked up with him, even as two other women did the same via this app."

The defense attorney stepped closer to the jury box, meeting their gaze. "Look closely at my client. He is a financially successful Asian-American male, one of the first to use the Cordec Walker name for anonymous encounters. The prosecution has failed to demonstrate any intent or motive for him to commit murder. He may have led a promiscuous lifestyle for over a decade, but that does not make him a killer."

He turned to face the jury directly, making eye contact with those listening intently. "You heard that the first woman had an epileptic seizure, the second choked on hard candy, and Danette suffered a fatal infection from an untreated snake bite. During intimate moments, a snake bite toxin traveled from her ankle to her heart. No one could have foreseen any of these outcomes. My client immediately called for help upon realizing the women were in distress."

"Moreover, you heard testimonies from two long-term girlfriends, both attesting that he never made them feel unsafe. He respected boundaries, listening to words like 'stop' and 'no' even during moments of passion. I trust the jury will find him not guilty on all counts. He neither raped nor murdered the women who died of natural causes i