Page 65 of Once a Killer

“And you were instrumental in my development of it,” Jameson replied. “You helped me get out of countless dead ends. Cheered me on when I was on the right track. If it weren’t for your help, my program wouldn’t be what it’s going to be when it’s done.”

Theo opened his mouth, and Jameson held up one hand. “Not arguing with you about this. The stipulation is already in the copyright and the patent application.”

Theo pressed his lips together, and Jameson saw moisture in his eyes. He swallowed, then said, “Louise wants to travel after I retire. I figured we’d go visit the kids a couple times a year.” He looked away for a moment, then leaned toward Jameson. “You didn’t have to do this -- I certainly didn’t expect it -- but thank you. She’s got a long bucket list, and we’ll toast you on every trip we take.”

“I want postcards, too, from all the exotic places you visit.”

“Goes without saying,” his advisor answered, his voice gruff.

Jameson leaned forward, his elbows on his knees. “Okay, moving on. Have you heard about any other programs that are similar to mine? I know you know most of the professors in this field. Have any of them said anything about one of their students?” He smiled. “Bragged about them?”

Theo frowned as he thought about Jameson’s question. Finally said, “I heard about a woman in one guy’s lab on the west coast. Stanford or UCLA, I think. Word was, she’s doing something along the same lines as your thesis. I talked to her advisor about something unrelated a few weeks ago, and he bragged about her program. Told me more than he should have about it. Didn’t sound anything like your program. Completely different focus.” He shrugged. “Only one I’ve heard of. Could be more, but word gets around when someone’s got a hot prospect in their lab. You know we’re all a bunch of gossips.”

Jameson nodded. Blew out a relieved breath. “Thanks, Theo. None of the engineers in my lab are from the west coast. So whatever’s going on in the lab probably isn’t connected to the woman on the west coast.”

“I talk to a lot of professors,” Theo continued. “See them at conferences like this one. We talk about our students and their thesis projects, and I haven’t heard of anything like yours. But I’ll keep my ears open, starting with this weekend. Ask questions.” He blew out a breath. “Hell, everyone else asks about other student’s programs. I might as well, too. Especially if it’d help you.”

“Thanks, Theo. Don’t make anyone suspicious or ask for too many details. I don’t want anything coming back to bite you in the ass. But if you hear anything, I’d appreciate if you let me know.”

“You know I will, Jameson.” He scowled. “Someone trying to steal someone else’s work? That goes against everything we stand for. I’d like to nail the person who’s after your program almost as much as you want to.”

“I know,” Jameson said. He glanced at his phone and stood up. “We should probably head down to the reception.”

Bree and Theo stood up, as well, and Jameson hugged his old advisor. “You’re the best, Theo,” he said, slapping his friend on the back. “Thank you.”

“I’m gonna keep my ear to the ground on this,” Theo promised. “If I hear anything that sounds off, I’ll let you know.”

“Thanks, Doc,” he said. “I really appreciate it.”

* * *

When they arrived at the ballroom, Bree moved a step closer to Jameson. There were crowds of people milling around, standing in a long line at the buffet and in even longer lines at the bars in the corners of the room. She saw men and women that were about the same age as Theo, plus a lot of people around Jameson’s age. A few military uniforms caught her eye, but she couldn’t see any of their faces.

Before she could say anything to Jameson, Theo leaned close on his other side. “I’m going to wander around,” he murmured. “Talk to old friends and former grad students. I don’t want to be conspicuous next to you.”

“That’s fine, Theo,” Jameson replied. “I’ll try to catch up with you later.” He smiled, but it looked strained. “We can compare gossip.”

“We’ll definitely talk again before the conference is over,” Theo said, then he drifted away.

Jameson’s gaze followed him for a long moment, as if watching his anchor break free from his boat. Then he drew a deep breath. Turned to Bree. “You’re not my bodyguard here,” he said quietly. “That would make people talk. Tonight, you’re my girlfriend. Think you can make that look real?”

She would have no trouble at all pretending to be Jameson’s girlfriend. “I’m a woman of many talents,” she said, sliding her arm through his and leaning closer to whisper in his ear. “Piece of cake.”

She was already far more attached to Jameson than was healthy or wise. But that flaw would serve her well tonight.

As they strolled around, talking quietly, Bree’s gaze constantly swept the room. Looking for anything unusual. Anything that seemed out of place. So far, she’d seen nothing.

They turned to walk past the buffet table and her hand tightened on Jameson’s arm. “Dailey’s here,” she murmured to him, again leaning close to whisper in his ear. “On your left. Talking to another military dude.”

Jameson brushed a light kiss over her cheek. “Thanks,” he said into her skin. “I see him. Military guys always come to this conference. Trolling for programs they can use.”

A moment later, Dailey turned their way. Froze when he saw them. Then he did a snappy about-face and headed the opposite way. Bree felt Jameson take a deep breath. Blow it out.

“He saw us, and took off like his ass was on fire,” Jameson murmured to her. “He clearly didn’t want to have another run-in with you. Thank you for that.”

“My pleasure,” she said, and she couldn’t help the smile. “He’s not one of my favorite people, either.”

“Let’s head toward that corner,” he said into her ear, and she shivered when his breath feathered over her skin. “We can murmur sweet nothings to each other while we keep an eye on the crowd.”

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