“I was hoping I could catch you alone,” he said, stepping back into the dining room. The table was clear between them. He rested his hands on the back of his chair. “I have an unusual proposal for you, if it’s of interest.”
“Okay…” Ellory’s hand hovering near her bag and the pepper spray concealed within.
“The spring semester will be here before you know it. I’ve looked into your transcript. Your grades are impressive, even more so given you successfully juggle your coursework with your work-study. If it wouldn’t be too much for your schedule, I’d like to take you on as a student assistant for my research next term.”
Ellory blinked, all thoughts of sinister secret societies and overt misogyny forgotten. “Me? But—I’m just a freshman.”
“You’re hardworking and reliable. You manage strong personalities with an unexpected grace. And, according to your professors, you already show a strong grasp of political theory. You’re one of the most engaged students in your classes.” Colt glanced toward the hallway. “I know you had some sort of disagreement with the others at dinner, but I hope you won’t let what one or two students think of you stop you from considering my offer. It’s unorthodox, but I do feel you’re the right person for the job.”
“I—I’d love to.” The agreement could not come out of her mouth fast enough. It wasn’t exactly a recommendation, but it was an opportunity. She would have the same access to him that she did to Boone on theCommuniqué, a path to information she couldn’t get otherwise. If he was innocent, it would look good on her résumé. If he wasn’t, as she increasingly suspected, she could keep an eye on him, evenstophim, from the heart of his own research lab. “What sort of work is it?”
“I’ll send you all the details so you can make an informed decision. But I typically spend my fall term teaching and my spring term doing field research with around four or five student assistants. However many my grant will allow. You’ll be the first.”
Ellory swallowed past the lump in her throat, unsure if thesudden onset of tears was because of the stress of the night, the emotional whiplash of getting everything she’d ever wanted, or the obvious trap he was trying to close around her. “Not to talk you out of this…but are you sure? We’ve only just met, Professor.”
“I trust my instincts about people.” He checked his watch. “Anyway, let me call you a car. It’s late, and you’d best get back to your dormitory.”
Ellory’s hands shook as he called a car service, but, thankfully, Colt didn’t seem to notice. It would be a lot, adding something like this to her already-packed schedule. She would have less time for dates and parties, and even less time to study for her actual classes. But if she could do this—the workandthe investigation, learningandspying—then her future would finally look bright.
“Hey, Colt,” she murmured, once the car was three minutes away and she could slip back into her coat. “You said earlier that Hudson was one of two students you’ve seen potential in. Who was the other?”
“Oh, that was so long ago.” A shadow passed over his face, like he was remembering something unpleasant. “It was a boy by the name of Malcolm Mayhew. Sadly, he died young.”
Ellory froze with her arm only halfway through the sleeve. “Malcolm Mayhew was a part of your salon?”
“Yes. Did you know him?”
“No. I just met his niece, I think.” She yanked her coat all the way on, her heart pounding. Somehow, she hadn’t expected him to drop this lead into her lap, and now she wasn’t sure if he suspected her or if his confusion was genuine.Idiot. Idiot!“Would it be strange if I asked you for a list of all your attendees? I’m…working on something, a research project of my own, and I think it might help.”
“I suppose that would be fine,” Colt said, his eyebrows drawing together. “It’s hardly private information.”
Ellory thanked him and hurried outside to meet her car before he could ask follow-up questions. Or worse.
Interlude
OWL—Divination/Mercury
Wisdom
Protection
Omen
Powers of prophecy
