***** Vol.4 Chap.41 Back at the Institute *****

After the workshop, JB took a flight back to Pittsburg.

It was good to return to her apartment. The first thing she did was to open her laptop and check the balance of all her bank accounts. Delighted that all the promised money from the summer was there. She sat back and breathe a sigh of relief.

She did a quick mental calculation of the total of all the accounts. The sum was not small change. She thought if she could keep up this consulting for the rest of the summer, she should be able to afford the down payment of a nice condo. That thought delighted and comforted her.

After a day of relaxing, she went to the Institute the next day.

“Dr. Smith!” She was spotted by Mary, the secretary.

“Good morning, Mary.”

“Dr. Thomas wanted to see you right away. It is urgent.”

“Thanks.”

Just then Dr. Jim Thomas came out of his office and saw her.

“JB, welcome back. Do you have a minute?”

“Of course.”

“Come in.” Then Jim turned to Mary, “See that we are not disturbed.”

Jim motioned to her to sit down.

This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

“How are things in your consulting? We were kind of worry when you were not around having gotten used to seeing you slaving away every day!” He quipped.

“You know, there is no rest for the weary.”

“Isn’t that the truth? I trust you had made great progress in your research?”

“I did. It was a very fruitful summer so far. In fact, I was invited to give a plenary talk at the workshop last week sponsored by Dr. Chris Abrahamson.”

“That is very good to hear.”

“I was just following your advice on getting professional recognition. I was making friends with Dr. Abrahamson. He said he will be inviting me to give a guest lecture at his organization. I intend to ask him to recommend me for some professional committees.”

“Very good, JB.”

“By the way, what is the urgency to see me?”

Jim paused for a minute.

“We have a strange visit from the FBI yesterday. They wanted to see me specifically about you.”

“The FBI?” JB was surprised. “What was all that about?”

“I was just about to ask you the same question.”

“What did they ask you?” JB was curious.

“They asked about your research work. I told them you headed the research grant from NIH and NSF.”

“Yes.”

“They asked about your publications. I gave them copies of all your publications.”

“Thank you.”

“They asked about any patents. I told them none as far as I know.”

“None approved so far. But I just submitted three patent applications based on this summer research.”

“They seemed to be satisfied with all the paperwork and left.”

“That is strange.”

“This is the first time one of my faculty was investigated by the FBI.” Jim said.

“I cannot think of why they came to you?”

“I think they wanted to talk to you also. But we could not find you.”

“Last week, I was at the workshop.”

“OK, will you be around for the rest of summer?”

“Rest of this week. I have some wrap up to do in my consulting. Then I should be back for the rest of summer to get ready for next semester.”

“Sounds good. Please keep me posted.”

“Will do.”

Jim stood up and JB followed.

After leaving the departmental office, JB headed for her office and closed the door.

Now what is all that about? Investigated by the FBI? No way!

Although at the back of her mind, she wondered if there was anything to do with the blue pill? Was she really working on the blue pill or was she tricked into working on the red pill? If it was the latter, that would be very, very bad.

I must find out what is going on.