Chapter 16
Callie
I argued with Lochlan for almost an hour, insisting there was no way the president of MIT would agree to see me on such short notice. I guess I’ll have to apologize.
Timidly, I knock on the prestigious oak and when no one answers, I heave out a deep sigh and turn to go. “He’s not there.”
“Calm down. He’s just a bloke with a few letters after his name.” Lochlan presses down on the handle and then, with a palm to my lower back, pushes me into the room.
When I interviewed for MIT, I was awed by this prestigious office. The dark paneling, marble fireplace, and bookcases are reminiscent of important colleges the world over.
Right hand outstretched, Lachlan leans over Dr. Liam’s polished desk and introduces himself. “G’day. I’m Sir James, here on request of Grayson Patten. I understand he set up this meeting?”
“I’m here, Lucky.” Expecting to see the billionaire on the other side of the office, I’m surprised he’s virtual, his image projected on the back wall.
“G’day, boss.” Grinning, Lucky turns to my professor, now standing to his right. “And you must be Dr. Subramanyam. Glad to meet you.”
The two learned professors reach out so I can also shake their hands. Then, Dr. Liam leads us to a small round table on the far side of the room.
We all take seats in a semi-circle and Grayson says, “Ms. Bradford-Clarke, it’s nice to see you again.”
“You too.” When my right knee shakes uncontrollably, Lochlan places his palm on it and squeezes. It’s meant to be comforting but given how my hormones are in overdrive, the pressure zings to my core and I squirm.
Not the time or the place.
“First off, I need you to understand that this conversation never took place. If it comes to light, I will withdraw my funding to this institution.” The billionaire looks down at some notes in his hand, then his eyes focus out, as if he’s staring right at me.
However, it’s Dr. Liam who responds, “Understood.” He glances at Dr. Subramanyam who nods his agreement.
“Excellent. I’ll get right to the point. It has come to my understanding that the FBI believes Ms. Bradford-Clarke is contemplating espionage.”
I jump up. “Mr. Patten, I would never–”
“Sit down, Ms. Bradford-Clarke. I never said you would. That’s why we’re here. Would you tell these gentlemen what you told Lochlan this morning?”
Traumatized, it takes a full minute to put my pink thumb drive in my computer and call up my file. Then, I rotate my screen so all in the room can see.
Finally, I share with the conference room camera. “This is not my thesis.” I pull up another file. “This is.”
Dr. Subramanyam scoots his chair over, studies for a few minutes, then his mouth drops open. “This is both astounding and disturbing. Mr. Chase has recently submitted similar findings. He intends to publish.”
“Wait, there has to be some mistake. He’s not bright enough to come up with this on his own.”
My professor nods. “True. But unless you have proof...”
“I don’t have all my notes but here are some.” I slide yellow lined paper out of my knapsack and hand it to him.
Grimacing, Dr. Subramanyam leafs through the pages “We need discuss this with Mr. Chase.” He hands my notes to Dr. Liam.
All eyes go back to the back wall when Grayson clears his throat. “Not yet, if you please. Chase doesn’t know we’re onto him, and neither does the FBI. At this time, their only interest is in Ms. Bradford-Clarke.”
“But why?” I’ve never done anything wrong. It makes no sense what-so-ever.”
“They’ve seen you talking with Yuri Lenovski AKA Romanoff. He’s a technological arms dealer. The FBI are hoping you’ll sell your work to him which will lead to an arrest.”
Holy shit. How did he get an invite to my mother’s party? I try to remember my conversation with Yuri. Did I say anything that could be misconstrued?
“I keep telling everyone. My work is not a weapon.”But what if they find out I know more? What would the world do with that knowledge?
