Francis De Sales: Professor Parmel

Quotes 

• Corey Banning : [This is in the lecture hall at Linwood University; Officer Terry Webster is seated among the law students. Mr Banning, one of the students, asked if he could put Terry to a test, to see how well--as a police officer--Terry pays attention to details]  I would like to continue questioning the patrolman... I mean, how often do we get the chance to interrogate a real live witness?

  Professor Parmel : [the professor is standing at the front of the room with Lt. Ryker]  It's highly irregular... but, if...

  Lt. Ed Ryker : [Lt. Ryker removes his glasses and gestures toward Terry]  Oh, Officer Webster doesn't mind.

  Officer Terry Webster : [Terry turns around in his chair, so he is facing Mr Banning. He smiles]  I don't mind.

  Corey Banning : [Mr Banning starts walking toward Terry]  Well, first I'd like to know if you also believe a policeman uses a gut instinct in times of emergency.

  Officer Terry Webster : [Terry nods his head]  I do.

  Corey Banning : [Mr Banning continues his pacing, looking directly at Terry. His tone is somewhat sarcastic]  Would you say this special power was working the day of the park riot?

  Officer Terry Webster : [Terry, his arm hanging over the back of his chair, is staring back at Mr Banning; he nods his head]  I believe so, yes.

  Corey Banning : [Mr Banning looks at Terry skeptically]  Do you also believe that this instinct we've been speaking of, has been conditioned in your daily police work?

  Officer Terry Webster : [Terry turns forward in his chair, then back to face Mr Banning]  Not only conditioned, it's sharpened my faculties.

  Corey Banning : [Mr Banning looks at around the room, then back at Terry]  A man of confidence... I like that.

  [Terry smiles] 

  Corey Banning : Would you mind if I put you to a little test, right now?

  Officer Terry Webster : [Terry smiles again]  Go ahead.

  Corey Banning : [Mr Banning is staring directly at Terry]  Then I order you to look straight at me... don't turn your eyes. Seated on your right is the most attractive Ms Alexander, on your left, Mr Gates. Behind you on the wall, a clock; have you observed each of these since you've been here?

  Officer Terry Webster : [Terry, looking amused, is staring back at Mr Banning]  I have...

  Corey Banning : [Mr Banning continues pacing and staring at Terry]  Excellent. Because now I'd like you to tell us--using your keen faculties--if Ms Alexander is wearing perfume, what is the color of Mr Gates' necktie and if the clock on the wall is ticking or not. Also, just to see how observant you are, have you noticed the one discrepancy in Lt. Ryker's uniform?

  [There is a long pause] 

  Corey Banning : We're waiting, Officer...

  Officer Terry Webster : [Terry is staring at Mr Banning intently]  The most attractive Ms Alexander on my right is, uh, wearing perfume. Mr Gates on my left is not wearing a tie and his collar is open. The clock on the wall has stopped working and the hands are stuck at ten minutes to twelve. And there's no discrepancy with Lt. Ryker's uniform... there never is.

  [Terry smiles, Lt. Ryker laughs and everyone applauds. Mr Banning, now humiliated, returns to his seat, without saying another word]