Jethro nodded. “That doesn’t surprise me. I could fool a camera if I wanted as well.”
“Ditto,” Ian and Oliversaid in unison.
“I’d just break it,” Wolfesaid helpfully.
Jethro turned toward her. “Why don’t you call in sick for the staff meeting andI’ll cover it?”
She shook her head. “If everything works out, I want to try and get a job at the university and want to look present and ready to work hard.” Was that admitting too much? She shuffled her feet.
Jethro’s eyebrow rose. “That’s a wonderful idea.”
She warmed. It was a great idea, and it’d be even better if his government let him stay right where he was and didn’t force him to head off into parts unknown where she might not see him again. A chill clacked through her and she hid it. “Thanks.” She kissed her baby goodbye and headed off to work.
Jethro was uncharacteristically silent on the drive to the university as he methodically backtracked and made it impossible to follow them. Well, except for the truck containing at least two of the Deep Ops team who were shadowing them. “You okay?” she asked.
“Not yet, but I will be,” he said, taking her hand.
She shivered.
* * * *
Jethro hadn’t liked Fletcher’s glee earlier that morning. Oh, his brother had attempted to mask how much fun he was currently having, but his eyes had gleamed the same way they had after he’d beaten up a neighbor or two. It was the look he got when he was close to his idea of perfection. “Let’s make this quick.” He parked in front of their building instead of the day care because Trudy hadstayed at home.
“No problem.” Gemma stepped out of the truck and hurried through the chilly air tothe front door.
Jethro followed, taking a look at the thick white clouds moving in. The wind speared him, but at least the storm had passed.
He followed Gemma inside the entryway, which was lined with posters of academics. A male student almost walked by and then stopped cold, turning tostare at them.
“Professor Falls?” the kid asked, his eyes wide beneath his yellow knit hat.
“Oh. Yeah. Hi, Trace.” Gemma touched her curly brown hair. “It’s a long story, but I was wearing a wig and decided to ditch it.”
Tyler did another double take. “You changed your eye color, too?”
She blushed. “Yes. These aremy real eyes.”
He smiled and blushed a little himself. “They’re pretty. I mean, likereally pretty.”
Jethro stepped up. “Don’t you haveclass, Trace?”
Trace’s grin widened. “Hi, Doc. Yeah, I have class.” The smart-ass physics major winked at him and then continueddown the hall.
Jethro smiled. “I’m giving that kid a pop quiz when I get the chance.” Oh, he wouldn’t, but only because he liked the bloke.
“I need to grab a book I forgot yesterday and will meet you at your office before the meeting,” Gemma said.
Barb bustled up, glitter in her hair. “Oh, good timing.” Her eyes widened as she looked at Gemma.
Gemma sighed. “My realhair and eyes.”
Barb shrugged. “Okay. I like this version of you.” She grinned and handed over a book about a puppy and a couple of bags, one holding this week’s goodies and the other with what looked like new markers. “Tell Trudy we miss her and can’t wait until she comes back. This is the book you need to help her read so she can have the goodies and markers as a reward tomorrow. It’s important you follow the schedule so she feels partof the group.”
Gemma impulsively reached in for a hug. “Thank you.”
“Sure.” Barb winked at Jethro and then turned to hustle back down the hallway. “Give Trudy a hug for me,” she called back.
Gemma tucked the items in her laptop bag. “I’ll see youin a few, Jet.”
