It takes me a moment to process what Jennifer has said. I would never have thought Garret was capable of a move like that.
“I wouldn’t say it was bullying, precisely …”
“Did you report any of these incidents to Ethan?”
“No. Riley was just being … well, Riley. I didn’t take any of it seriously.” Which, as things turned out, was probably naïve. “Ethan did ask if I wanted him to speak to her, but I said no. I didn’t want to make it worse.”
And if I’m honest, after what she told me in the museum, I had some sympathy for her. Briefly.
Jennifer presses two fingers to each temple. “Jesus. It’s not even eight thirty, and I have a headache already.”
I sit silent for a few moments while Jennifer seems to process. Until I can’t stand it anymore. I’ve given Jennifer a clear, calm account of what happened. The facts. But I need to have my say.
“Professor Stone,” I start, because for sure this is not a friendly, personal chat. “I realise, in hindsight, that Ethan was right, and we should’ve come to you and explained things at the start. But as I said, my family situation caused me some hesitation. However, I would like to express my dissatisfaction with the way this has been handled. I feel like I’ve been the only one to suffer any consequences. It’s always the woman who gets blamed. And that’s not fair.” As much as my mother is a challenge to deal with, she bore the brunt of the fallout when she took up with my father. Which is why she’s such a nightmare. Who could blame her for being angry?
Jennifer’s expression goes from irritated to surprised and back to irritated. When she says nothing, I barrel on.
“It’s obvious I won’t be able to continue to work here. I’ve done some research. There are three PhD programs overseas I might be able to apply for. I think, under the circumstances, the least you could do is recommend me for consideration.” I lay the printouts I’ve done on her desk.
Her lips purse as she looks over them.
“Sadie, nobody is blaming you. For any of this. Save perhaps not having come forward in the first place. You and Ethan are consenting adults. The inappropriateness of your behaviourrelates to him being your PhD supervisor and to the accusations of favouritism levelled by Riley Hall.”
“Having been sent home in disgrace, it doesn’t feel like that. Anyway, these are my preferred options.”
“There’ll be no need for that. You can finish your PhD here under my supervision. I take it you and Ethan haven’t spoken since you left Egypt?”
“No. I needed some time to cool down. To work out how I wanted to move forward. I don’t think I can stay here. It’s too humiliating.”
“Hmm. I can imagine, but I hope you’ll reconsider. Perhaps before we go any further, there’s something you should know. Ethan”—she holds up a single sheet of typed paper—“has just resigned.”
And with those words, one rope in my Gordian knot starts to loosen.
Chapter Forty-Seven
Ethan
I’m about to throw the clock on my office wall out the window. The ticking is driving me insane.
Sadie has been with Jen for nearly twenty minutes. I expected they’d have called me in by now.
I’ve never liked roller coasters. Even as a kid. Will and Ben would ride the roller coaster at Luna Park or the Easter Show over and over again. I would stand and watch with Mum. Even their teasing when they got off wasn’t enough to encourage me. Now I’m on a roller coaster that’s much more dangerous than a fair ride. Because if this roller coaster jumps the tracks, I might lose my chance with Sadie. The fresh start I so desperately want.
Finally, my phone beeps with a text inviting me back to Jennifer's office.
My first sight of Sadie takes my breath away. She’s lost weight. She’s pale. But she’s still the most captivating thing I’ve ever seen. And I’ve seen the bust of Nefertiti up close. I want to grabher. Hug her. Tell her all the things I feel. But I hold myself back and take a seat opposite her at the meeting table in the corner.
Our gazes cling, and in those few moments, I dare to hope that somehow we’ll work this mess out.
Jennifer’s sharp eyes travel from my face to Sadie’s and back again.
It’s all I can do not to leap out of my seat when the door opens and Martin Collins comes in, followed by a very subdued-looking Riley.
“I think we need all the players in this little drama. We’re going to get to the bottom of this. Now. Oh, Ms Hall, please go and find Garret Brown. He was a member of the dig team, after all.” I don’t miss Jennifer’s formal language in relation to Riley.
In no time, she’s back, a nervous-looking Garret trailing behind.
“Now, I have here the list of Ms Hall’s accusations against Professor Carter and Sadie Montgomery. I’m assuming we’ve all seen them?”
