"Becky, I know it is - because I've been trying for a week to get through to him... and I can't.  But don't you get mixed up in it yourself, Becky... because, girl, I'm hotter than a smoky bearing.  I just took a chance that you might be able to advise me - a phone number, maybe, where I could reach him.  But I don't want you to mix into it personally.  You'd get hurt - and I'd never be able to look the Professor in the eye if I ever meet him again... God rest his soul."