Chapter 34
Schemes
Shelley didn't like it, but what choice did she have?Gray had left, which already upset her.Now, he'd extended his stay on the island, also unacceptable!And here she was, sitting in Dr.Cameron's office, listening to him drone on about his plan to sabotage Gray.That was what Shelley hated most.
Dr.Cameron's abrupt voice broke her train of thought."Shelley?Are you even paying attention?"
"Sorry, Dr.Cam-"
"How many times do I have to tell you?Call me Mark."His irritation was palpable."Let's go over the plan once more, now that I have your attention."
She bit back a groan.Mark's plan was simple enough, but his vindictive streak was exhausting.She didn't fully agree with it, but she wanted to see Gray.Maybe this island he was on was everything he claimed it to be.Maybe they could stay there together.
Mark, meanwhile, was seething.Yesterday, he'd overheard an overjoyed Dr.Terry announcing Gray's two-month extension, and it had sent him into a spiral.Not only had Gray stolen funding right out from under him, but Mark's own research project had stalled without financial backing.Instead of leading his own work, he was stuck assisting others.Also, he learned they had postponed his upcoming research trip to South America indefinitely.
He would not sit by and let Gray win.He had a plan, but Shelley's wandering attention was testing his patience.
"As I was saying, we'll need to get a few things in place.Did you get approval to work from home?"He fixed her with a pointed look.
"Yes."Shelley straightened, trying to sound more confident than she felt."Dr.Terry's leaving for the Arctic next week.She's always been fine with my working from home while she's away.I asked casually, and she didn't even hesitate.With most of the team joining her, there won't be much to do here.She asked me to call in for updates in case any data comes in."
Mark's grin was sharp and unpleasant."Perfect.You're a gem, Shelley.Now, you've got your passport ready?And don't forget, you'll need to erase all the recordings.Every single tape.Got it?"
Shelley's stomach twisted."I understand."
Mark leaned back in his chair, tapping a pen against his desk as if a new idea was forming."Actually..."His voice trailed off, and Shelley didn't like the calculating look on his face.
Before he could elaborate, she stood up."I have to leave and get things organized," she blurted."I was thinking I'd leave right after Dr.Terry and her team head out.That'll give me enough time on the island to, uh, handle everything.You're still booking my ticket and hotel, right?"
Mark waved a hand dismissively."Already done.I used my wife's travel points.She never checks, and after all the travel I've done for my research, those points are practically mine.I'll bring you the itinerary tomorrow when you pick up your files."
Shelley mumbled, "Thanks," and dashed to the door.
As soon as she was out of his office, she exhaled shakily.Mark's plan was extreme; sabotage Gray, ruin his reputation, and erase all his work from the videotapes.No one had even known Gray had been recording the sessions underwater until he'd sent his last set of data with a huge letter gushing about how the trainers had helped set the video cameras up.Mark had blown a gasket because it was something so novel, and he hated Gray had been the one to report on it.Shelley couldn't stomach it.Deep down, she wanted Gray for herself, and regardless of everything she knew, he'd worked hard to get where he was.She shuddered.What would be next—destroying the department's equipment?Even Mark would hesitate to go that far.
But she had her own plan.
Instead of erasing or destroying the tapes, she'd bring blank ones to the island.She'd switch them out and keep the originals safe.Gray would think he lost everything, but when the time was right, she would return the missing tapes to him after "finding" them.He'd see her as his saviour, and maybe he'd see her as more than just a colleague.
Stepping into the bright California sun, Shelley sighed.She wanted to get home, grab her roommate Katie, and head to the beach for burgers and drinks.She'd think about Gray's data and Mark's schemes tomorrow.For now, she needed a break from planning, from scheming, and from thoughts of Gray.
Chapter 35
First date
"How'dyoudiscoverthisplace?"Gray pulled out Riley's chair, allowing her to sit at the small table overlooking the ocean.Even though secluded, the restaurant was incredibly busy, like a secret everyone knew.
Riley got lost in the memories.She'd first been here for a staff dinner with Cam and the team.A welcome from the Thatchers, the island's richest residents, who had funded the whole Lagoon project.That was three years ago.She had been back a few times since, but it also held memories of Paolo, someone she preferred to forget.Still, it was a special place, and she knew Gray would appreciate it.
"Staff dinner," she said, snapping back as Gray sat beside her.
"It's snug if I'm across from you.Is this okay?"Gray asked, looking a little unsure about picking the chair beside her.After the embarrassing bathroom incident, Gray thought Riley would keep her distance, but in the last few days they'd been slowly getting closer.Small touches and smiles at work so no one would catch on.
For the last few evenings he'd stayed longer with her after work, walking the beach, hanging out at her bungalow with Bear.Now, here at this gorgeous restaurant looking out onto the calm ocean, with a faint salty breeze coming in the open patio mixed with the smell of fried fish.She'd told him that morning while they were doing their data collection that they should "have a proper first date," and here they were.
"I'm glad you're there; with all the noise, I won't need to shout," she glanced around.It seemed like half the island had chosen tonight to celebrate.
"Do you like lobster?"Riley inquired, looking over her menu as Gray read.
