Kathleen managed a shrug. “I’ve changed.”
“Mm. People don’t change that easily. Whoever it is must be nice.”
“They are,” said Kathleen shortly.
Darlene sauntered into the lounge and ran a finger along the back of the sofa. “You have a lovely home, Kathleen.”
Ignoring the myriads of emotions churning inside her, Kathleen answered as calmly as she could, “Thank you. What can I do for you, Darlene?”
Darlene sank into an armchair and crossed her legs. “I wanted to talk to you about your work.”
A spike of unease flared in Kathleen’s chest, at a loss to know what possible interest Darlene could have in her work. She kept her voice even. “I’m not ready to share my work yet. It’s not completed.”
“I’m not asking for specific details,” Darlene replied. “I only want to know what you’re working on.”
“Sorry. I don’t discuss it.”
Darlene eyed her with a look that was almost predatory. “It’s important, isn’t it? Andvaluable.”
Kathleen remained quiet.
“Edith mentioned something in passing, and I may have spoken to a few former colleagues of yours. People are curious, Kathleen. Curious and hopeful. You’ve always been smart, but lately, it’s sounding like you’ve built something that could... turn a few wheels.”
Kathleen narrowed her eyes. “You shouldn’t be poking around in my business.”
“I’m looking for an investment.” Darlene plucked a grape from the fruit bowl and popped it into her mouth. “And I have access to resources that could make your work shine. Proper backing. Marketing and legal protection. The right kind of media framing. You don’t want to end up with your name buriedbehind some corporate lab that patent-shops your brilliance out from under you.”
Kathleen stared at her. “You came here to offer me money?”
“I came to offer youoptions.” Darlene’s voice dropped into something syrupy. “Let’s not pretend you haven’t thought about it. You must know what you’ve built can’t stay in that lab forever. Secrets are short-lived. You’ve got one shot to steer how this goes, and I’d rather it be me backing you than… let’s say, someone less refined.”
Kathleen took a step forward, her voice low and tight. “You think this is about refinement?”
“No,” Darlene said, tilting her head. “I think this is about control.”
Their eyes locked. The silence stretched taut.
“You’re not the only one asking around,” Kathleen said finally, desperate to finish the conversation.
Darlene’s smile faltered for a breath, then recovered. “Of course not. That’s exactly why you need someone familiar and with teeth.”
“I don’t want to be rude, Darlene, but I don’t need your clout.”
Darlene’s lashes fluttered, feigning hurt. “Well. That’s a pity.” She hesitated for a moment, then lifted her coat from the chair, and shrugged it on. “I’ll take that as a no, then?”
“You should.”
“Very well.” She paused at the table, casting a final glance at the flickering candles. “Please, do me one favour?”
“What?”
“Don’t let whoever you’re trying to impress distract you from what really matters. Breakthroughs are rare. Emotions are a dime a dozen. If you want to protect your little project, you’d better start thinking like someone who knows how the world works. Because the minute that invention ofyours gets attention, the big dogs will be circling. Governments. Corporations. And trust me, sweetheart, none of them play fair.”
Kathleen didn’t speak, merely waited for her to go.
When she reached the small entrance foyer, Darlene stopped and stared at the coat hanging on the rack. She sniffed the air, then turned to Kathleen, her eyes narrowed. “I hope your lover is as good a fuck as Veronica. You remember her, Kathleen. You couldn’t keep your eyes off her.”
Then she stepped out and vanished down the hallway.
