“Rendell has been looking for ways to get rid of me since I started teaching.”
“What did Dean Mearson say?”
“I never met with her.Rendell is the department head.If he wants to fire me, he can.I gave him a reason he could get away with it, even if he came down harder than I expected.”
“Do you think he was hoping you would bargain with him?”
“For what?”
“You have several valuable patents that the university doesn’t have rights to due to your contract.You’ve told me before that Rendell is always trying to steal your work.”
Distracted by Jaks’s stroking hands, it took him a minute to gather his thoughts.He leaned back to look at Jaks’s face.“You think this is a plot to get me to bargain over my patents?”He hadn’t considered that angle.His patents were valuable, and the inventions he was developing now would be worth even more in the future.He had the locals already placing orders.It was only a matter of time before it spread to other states.
Jaks lifted one shoulder in a half-shrug, careful not to dislodge Quinten.“You’ve made no secret about wanting to branch out on your own after graduating.Unless they offer you a grant or something, they have no way of keeping you or your knowledge.I had thought the teaching position was their way of keeping you on campus, but maybe it was only a distraction.You never promised to stay past this first class.This could be a case of good cop, bad cop.Rendell comes in hard and fires you, then Dean Mearson rescues you and offers you your job back with some concessions.”
“You think that’s what’s happening here?”
“Maybe.”He rubbed his chin across Quentin’s head.“I could be wrong, but as you said, he was quick to fire you, and since you are Dean Mearson’s golden child, I think he would be more reluctant if he didn’t already have the go-ahead.Normally, you’d never consider giving up your patent rights.”
“Unless I’m disgraced and they’re claiming to help,” Quentin concluded.“Then I might agree to a more lopsided contract in their favor.”His stomach sank as he considered the implications.“I always thought she was a fair person.Not someone who would do something like this.”
“Maybe she is being pressured by upper management.I have a feeling we don’t know the full story.”
Quentin sighed.“You don’t think I’m being paranoid?”
Jaks ran a soothing hand down his back.“If anything, you are probably not paranoid enough.I remember twenty years ago when Dean Waldon, Dean Mearson’s predecessor, blew up the astronomy lab.They had a fundraiser to replace it, and he’s now head of the astronomers’ guild.From what you said, you only partially destroyed one room already in bad shape, and no one was hurt.I think it’s a setup.They might not have caused the accident, but they are taking advantage of it.”
“He harped on the fact that I used random chalk.He said I caused the accident by not using a school-approved product.No one had mentioned using only school chalk before, and I found it at the school.It should’ve been safe.I know for a fact that the runes teacher makes her own.Not that I can prove anything.I foolishly gave the chalk box to Rendell.I won’t be surprised if he claims it never happened.”
“Why didn’t you use your own chalk?”
“My box was missing.”
“Hmm, do you think someone took it?”
“I didn’t before, but coincidences are stacking up, and I don’t like it.”Quentin sighed and leaned harder into his vampire pillow.“So, I’m stuck.Either I completely cut ties with the university under a dark cloud, and they blacken my name, or I bow to whatever terms they offer me.”
“Or.”Jaks squeezed him tight.“You go independent.Those who’ve seen your work know your skill and will be more than happy to buy your products, whether you blow up half the university or not.”
Quentin’s laugh was a sad, tired thing.“I thought you didn’t like me being a bounty hunter.”
Jaks put a finger beneath Quentin’s chin and tilted it up.“When did the words ‘bounty hunter’ cross my lips?There are more than two possible jobs for you.”
Quentin blinked innocently up at his lover.This was the most fun he’d had all day.“Are you sure?I could’ve sworn I heard the words ‘bounty hunter’.Besides, you gave me permission and everything.”He nodded sagely.
“You have enough going on right now without chasing monsters.”He kissed the top of Quentin’s head.“Weren’t you going to investigate Grevin’s attack and figure out what was freed?Not to mention, we also have Glenn’s sire running around.”
“Strangely, they haven’t tried anything since attacking Glenn unless he’s the same one that freed the demon,” he mused.
“We don’t know if it was premeditated.They could’ve just been hungry, and Glenn was the closest food source,” Jaks pointed out.
“Maybe.”His mind was still focused on his interaction with Rendell.“Do you think someone took my chalk and planted the other, or does that sound too paranoid?”
“It does.”Jaks kissed him.“But that does not mean you shouldn’t be cautious.I have enough enemies that would enjoy killing you just to get to me.”
Quentin rubbed his hands on his jeans.“All right.I’ll be extra careful.I didn’t get the chance to tell you about my father’s visit, did I?”
“You talked to King Lars?”
