“Wait a darn moment,” Darby cut in. “You think I’m putting the Institute into disrepute?”

“Last year was bad enough in terms of optics.”

“Optics?” What the hell? Dizziness threatened to put her on her ass. That her experiences should be viewed so clinically…

The professor’s voice softened. “Darby, I know you didn’t mean to get kidnapped but no matter the circumstances it didn’t exactly reflect well on the vital work we do here.”

“No matter the circumstances?” Betrayal wound its way around her ribs until it pierced her heart. She wanted to scream at the guy that she had almost been destroyed last year. She had almost been obliterated. And he cared about optics?

Part of her wanted to defend herself and the other, greater part of herself, refused to lower herself to give him the real details about what had happened to her. He didn’t deserve them. Could not be trusted.

Eban shifted and she became aware of the tense silence.

“Someone killed one of the Institute’s students and tried to frame another for their murder,” Eban said mildly. “You might want to prioritize looking after the people who’ve been victimized rather than figuring out how to put a positive spin on things for the PR department.”

“Be that as it may—”

“Look, Professor.” Eban sounded as if he were desperately searching for reasonable. “Darby is as much a victim here as Martin was. Judging someone on the basis of a preliminary police investigation, rather than supporting a student who has clearly been traumatized, is not a good look for a premier educational facility.”

Her boss looked annoyed.

“Especially after the way you messed up last year.” Eban obviously no longer gave a shit.

Her heart filled with gratitude…that she had this man on her side.

Nilsson straightened to his full height and tucked in his chin. “I’m afraid the head of department has already decided to revoke your access to the Institute, Darby. You need to leave immediately and take your friend with you.”

Darby couldn’t catch her breath. “You’re expelling me from the program?”

The professor shifted uneasily. “We’re holding an emergency departmental meeting about it tomorrow morning.”

“Tomorrow morning?” Tears swam in her vision, but she blinked them away. She’d worked so hard for so long. Endured so much.

“Darby didn’t kill anyone.” Eban looked pissed.

“As you have been released, this obviously does raise some questions…” Her boss looked suddenly uncertain. “You can work remotely until I discuss it with the head of department.” He spoke as if he were doing Darby a favor, except now, she didn’t trust him as far as she could throw him. Her world had fundamentally shifted and she didn’t know if she’d ever believe him again.

“You’re my supervisor, you know me. You’re supposed to go to bat for me but you’re so afraid about how the media might perceive this you are willing to throw me to the wolves just like Eban said.”

“I know this is awkward,” the professor said gruffly.