“How nice for you.” Unobtrusively, Erin increased the distance between them. Though Kenneth had been nothing but gracious since her arrival, his unabashed contempt for their young charges, coupled with his constant chastely lurid attention, disturbed her. And, if she was honest, so, too, did his faint resemblance to Nathan. Perhaps it was the profession or the palpable disdain for the less gifted, or even the slick charm coated in brilliance, but whatever the cause, she studiously avoided prolonged conversations with Kenneth.

She discreetly removed her hand to lift her satchel and then shuffled the papers inside. “Which paper will you deliver?”

“I evaluated the response–reinforcement correlation during modeling phase to determine the acquisition of novel responses by observers’ subjects.”

“Fascinating.” Erin stood and slung the strap over her shoulder. “I look forward to hearing all about it.”

Kenneth rose to his feet and shifted to block her departure. Another habit of men she had quickly grown to despise. Gabriel seemed to make it a point of honor to get in her way. Incensed by the way her thoughts invariably returned to him, she smiled recklessly at Kenneth. “Have a wonderful trip.”

“Rushing off so soon?” he asked, encouraged. “I thought we might have time for coffee.”

A headache began to thud dully, and Erin shook her head, unconcerned about appearing rude. She needed to be alone, away from disturbing men and their unwanted attentions. Away from killers and their byzantine clues. Away from guilt and sacrifice.

Before she could make her excuses and dash, Jessica appeared in the doorway. “Dr. Abbott. Oh, Dr. Bernard,” she stammered over her greeting. “I didn’t mean to, that is, I didn’t know you were—”

“We were just talking about Dr. Bernard’s trip, Jessica.” Erin motioned her inside, grateful for the interruption. “Can I help you?”

“Actually, I wanted to ask you both about our meeting next week.” Jessica smiled sheepishly, her eyes darting adoringly at the head of the department. “Would it be okay if some of the other students heard my presentation?”

“Certainly,” Kenneth responded, without looking at Jessica. “I may make attendance mandatory.”

Jessica beamed. “It would be a great learning experience for us. With defenses next year, a lot of us could use the coaching.”

Kenneth nodded.

“Send me an email with the time.” Erin grabbed onto the date like a lifeline. “Sorry, but I have to go.” Moving past him to the door, she ignored his sputtered protest. She hurried through the open door and into the hallway, careful this time to check for occupants. She saw no one. With unseemly haste she rushed out of the building and out to the curb. Genevieve would have to forgive her, but she didn’t want to hang around the school, in case Kenneth tried to corner her again. The street promised no assistance by way of a cab. She was condemned to walk home, and the humidity mocked her and the confining suit.