“I’m Everett Taggert.” But Everett didn’t offer his hand—and one was still firmly holding on to hers.
“Dr. James Voigt.” He didn’t seem bothered by the lack of warmth. In fact, he smiled and turned to her. “Fancy seeing you here.” His chuckle was flat.
Was he really surprised? Right. Of course. He hadn’t cared about her, only what she was capable of. Which she would have been fine with if he hadn’t done the whole stealing-her-work thing. “I live here. In Texas.”
James’s brow furrowed, his surprise genuine. “Really? For some reason, I thought you were from California?”
“She’s from Honey. The town. Honey Hill Farms? You haven’t heard of them? They’re well respected in these parts—and the beekeeping world.” Everett’s chuckle was equally forced.
“No.” James shook his head. “I can’t say that I have. There’s a town called Honey? That’s a first.”
“Where do you hail from, Dr. Voigt?” Everett released her hand, sliding it up her back, and draping it across her shoulders.
Rosemary was oh so grateful for the support.
“I like to think of myself as a citizen of the world.” James’s expression was smug.
Had he always been so pompous? Once upon a time she’d thought that look was charming. Why? And why was he trying to engage in small talk?
“It’s good that I ran into you. Would you be free for a coffee this weekend?” He turned his light blue eyes her way, his grin crooked and his tone warm.
“Coffee?” She needed to get beyond the what-is-happening stage and into the functional-and-articulate stage.
“If you have time?” James continued to stare at her. “I promise it won’t take too long.”
“Dr. Voigt. Dr. Hill. What are the odds of finding you two together like this?” A woman stood in front of them. “I’m Jane Wilson, I was on the panel selection committee, and I’m moderating your panel tomorrow, Dr. Voigt.” She shook his hand, then Rosemary’s.
“Nice to put a face with the name.” There it was—the Dr. Voigt that oozed charm.
“I was hoping to talk to you both, so this is perfect. I was thinking, since the two of you worked together on the UC Davis project, and there’s been that technical glitch with the presentation, and your current research assistant had to unexpectedly cancel, Dr. Voigt, we should ask Dr. Hill to be on the panel, too. I’m sure she could add some insight. Help fill in any holes?”
“Excuse me?” She couldn’t be hearing correctly. Technical glitch? What exactly did that mean? Had he lost the information they’d been working on? Or was he reticent to share it?
Everett’s hand slid to the middle of her back, his thumb rubbing back and forth between her shoulder blades.
“Oh.” James looked just as shocked as she was. And maybe a little mortified, too.
“If you’re free, of course.” Jane looked back and forth between her and James, her smile faltering. “That way you won’t have to ‘wing’ the presentation.” She used air quotes aroundwing.
He was going to wing the last five years of data? No wonder the woman was panicking. As much as she’d love to talk about their work, she wasn’t sure it was the best idea. Besides, James clearly didn’t want her speaking onhispanel abouthisresearch. He didn’t like sharing the spotlight. Likely he was also concerned that she might expose him for the lying, thieving fraud he was.
“I’m sure Rosemary has other things to do. I wouldn’t want to inconvenience her.” James’s attempt to sound magnanimous only increased her irritation.
Everett’s thumb stopped moving. Tension rolled off of him. A quick glance revealed his locked jaw and tight mouth—like he was holding back whatever he had to say.
She was grateful for his restraint. “I was planning on attending the panel.” Well, she’d been on the fence about attending. But now, there was no way she was going to miss sitting in on this train wreck... She might even enjoy it. Until he started misquoting facts and data and making all the work she’d done less than valid. Then she’d get upset.
“It can’t hurt, can it? It sounds like Dr. Voigt here could use the backup,” Everett murmured. “You’ve basically got a photographic memory.”
Rosemary shot him a look of disbelief.
“Okay, maybe not photographic memory. More like incredible recall. I guess it’s a genius thing.” He grinned, his thumb moving in a slow lazy circle against her back.
Whether or not she was involved with it, the program should be getting attention. The more attention it got, the more validity and support—and funding—ongoing research would get. “I’d be happy to present with James.” She didn’t look at her onetime mentor. “Thank you. And thank you for all the work you’ve put into the convention. I can only imagine the hours and headaches it’s been.”
“Thank you. Really. That means a lot.” Jane paused. “I have to make sure everything is ready for testing. Here’s my card, in case anything comes up.” And with that, she hurried off into the crowd.
“You know firsthand what it’s like to have your work go unrecognized, don’t you, Rosebud?” Everett’s words were soft—but not so soft that James could miss them.
