Page 6 of Falling for the Enemy

Everything he said made sense from an academic perspective, but each word sank lower into my gut, leaving me feeling as if I’d just swallowed sand. I didn’t see how any of this would work.

Brimley chuckled. “I didn’t mean to slam ya against the wall like that. Don’t worry. This will work out. I can feel it in mybones—other than the terrible arthritis, I mean.” He chuckled again and waddled down the hallway with his coffee.

Two things were certain now—there was no way Jack was talking Brimley out of sending him, and there was no way Jack and I would ever get along. Guess that meant a third certainty—soon, I’d be looking for a new job.

Chapter Four

JACK

Ishut the door hard on Brimley’s office. I’d stood there like a fool making my case as to why I should not have to go on this blasted trip to Costa Rica, but the old man did nothing but chuckle around a mouthful of peppermint. I reached my office. Two students were standing outside. I’d forgotten my office hours. “Come back in half an hour. I’ve got to make a phone call.” They didn’t deserve the snarling tone, but I couldn’t pretend politeness right now.

The students shuffled off, looking both hurt and confused. I slipped into the office and locked the door. I stopped at the wall with Holly’s drawing, took a deep breath and walked to my phone.

Gwen picked up after a few rings. “Holly is still at school. I assume that’s who you’re calling to talk to. She’s very excited about this weekend. Hasn’t stopped talking about it. Just to warn you, she’s planning on taking her sketchpad along. She told me she’s going to practice her landscapes.”

“Gwen,” I said curtly to keep her from going on. Each word was like a knife in the heart.

“What? Oh no. You can’t cancel. She’ll be devastated.”

“Don’t you think I know that? I’m devastated. I’m stuck going on some ridiculous research expedition in Costa Rica.”

“Well, get out of it. Your daughter is more important.”

“It’s my job, Gwen. I’d give anything to get out from under this.”

“Typical.”

“What do you mean? I’m always there for Holly.”

Gwen huffed. “Yes, but she’s not your only priority.”

“No, and that’s because I need a job so I can send you a check every month. Or have you forgotten that small, important detail? I need this job.”

“Well, I’m not telling her.”

“Gwen, please.”

“No way. I’ll bring her by the college after I pick her up from school. You can break the news in person.”

“Fine.” There was a knock on the door. “Gotta go. Students are waiting to see me.”

“Glad you have time for other people’s children.” It was one remark too far. I hung up.

“Just a minute!” I yelled at the persistent knocker. I sat back in my chair. It felt as if someone had dropped an anvil in my lap. It took all my strength to stand and walk to the door. This was all Ava’s fault, and I’d never forgive her for writing that damn grant.

Chapter Five

AVA

Robyn was the last person left in the lab. “I’m just trying to figure out how to pack. Now you said everything needs to be in one carry-on bag, right?”

“Yes, it’s the easiest way to travel when you have to do a lot of hiking. We’ll stop at the biological station first before heading out to the site. They’re a government-funded research station, and they’ll provide us with shelter, camping gear, food and scientific instruments at the worksite. All you have to worry about is your personal belongings.”

Robyn had one of those clean, fresh smiles that belonged in a toothpaste commercial. “I guess I’m learning from the expert. I still can’t believe how much of the world you’ve seen, and you’re not even all that old.”

I kept a smile to myself. “Yep, not allthatold.”

“How do you think Norman will do on this trip? He was unusually quiet as we made lists of things to bring and goals for our research.”

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