Page 24 of Finding the Forward: Part Two
“Thank you, Dr. Winters. This means a lot. I was a little worried that the university would be unhappy that I lost my research.” Or working hard enough.
It felt odd that here at NYIT they wanted me toenjoymy break and not use it to get twice the work done.
“I believe in you, though…” His sigh made me freeze. “There’s someone overly concerned about your position in the program because your research was destroyed. Someone who has no business being concerned but is. Can you write me something stating how you’ll get back on track?”
Oh. A chill rushed through me because I knew how universities worked.
“I already created an action plan. I was going to read over it one more time and send it to you tonight,” I told him, apprehension rising inside me.
“That would be fantastic. Also, our department head wanted me to reassure you that you don’t worry about your place here–or your funding. She’s impressed that Compass BioTekis interested in you, and has mentioned being able to expedite things given your circumstances, if you choose to go that route,” he added.
Those words made me relax. The university was happy.
“Oh. Huh. I still haven’t decided.” Though Spencer had talked to me about it when I was there at Christmas.
“It might not be a bad idea,” Dr. Winters told me. “You know how this game is played.”
“I know.” Being backed by Compass BioTek offered more than funding. It also gave me credibility.
“Think about it. Though like I said, everyone is happy with you. Now, enjoy the rest of your break.” Dr. Winters ended the call.
Mercy looked at me expectantly. “Is everything okay?”
“NYIT is happy with me.” That was such a relief because I knew people gossiped.
“That’s great. I mean, who wouldn’t be?” Mercy dumped a bucket of sand over me. “Now, let’s finish.”
After we finished–and they took the requisite pictures–we found some food. While we were eating burritos, my phone buzzed.
Riley
Found her. Know who she is?
Picture after picture came through on my phone. Not just grainy camera shots, but also social media posts. How had Riley found these? If anyone could do it, it would be Riley, the teenage super hacker.
My hands shook as I looked at the photos. That was absolutely not who I expected. I scrolled through everything. Her social media marked her as a biology major and a rabid Knights fan with much appreciation for Grif.
Me
Yes.
Thank you so much.
I looked over at Mercy. “Riley found who trashed my greenhouse.”
“I knew she would. Who did it?” Mercy made a face.
“Her name’s Samantha. I’ve seen her around, but I don’t actually know her. She’s an undergrad.” I showed them what Riley found. Especially her open distaste for him datingsome plant ho.
It seemed like a shitty reason to vandalize university property and ruin my life's work. It's not like I stole him from her.
“There we have it then–motive and everything,” Mercy replied, grabbing more chips and guacamole.
“Plant hois so uninspired, though.” Jack rolled his eyes and shook his head. He’d dyed his hair blue in honor of our West Coast adventure. “Botanical slutis much better.”
“Plant hois what they call the botanists and plant biology people at NYIT.” I sent the screenshot of her social media to Saphira.
Me
