can no longer control
you, they will try to control
how others see you.
—Jill Blakeway
Help Line
It was hard to focus on work after informing Henry and Eve of Sage’s attempts to sabotage the project and personally attack me. But regardless of threats, we all agreed we should stay on schedule and I would try to meet with Sage as soon as possible.
“You should have some sort of security backup when you go to see her, “ Eve suggested.
I shook my head. “I know Sage and that would incense her. I think it best that I try to make peace and placate her as far as possible. Don’t worry though, I’ll be very firm and tell her any use of intimidation tactics will not be tolerated.”
“Well, you know her better than I, but I doubt she’ll be amenable to reason.”
“You’re probably right,” I sighed, “but maybe coming to her to make peace might give her a sense of victory. It’s worth a try.”
It was close to 5 p.m. when I started across campus to see her.
The sun was beginning to set. It had been a fragile winter—sometimes mild as spring but today with a temperature close to zero, and we were back again into a deep freeze.
It was hopefully not a harbinger of things to come between Sage and me. But like weather, Sage’s moods were unpredictable and impossible to forecast with any accuracy.
I entered the Psychology building and headed for Sage’s office but was met by Len Thompson, head of Campus security.
“Good afternoon, Professor Connors. What brings you over here on such a bitterly cold day?”
“Just wanted to stop by and see Professor Meadows—is she in?”
“I’m afraid that won’t be possible, Professor Connors.”
“Why Len—is there a problem?”
“I’m not at liberty to say. Perhaps you should speak to the Dean, Professor. This area is restricted.”
I stared at him but it was apparent he said all he had to say.
I turned and walked out the door directly into a blast of arctic air. This was not the outcome I expected.
I felt as if a shadow fell across my mind and appropriately, in that short space of time, the day seemed to go from dusk to dark and the pathway lights came on.
I walked back towards the lab, confused and filled with dread. Something was horribly wrong.
The lab was deserted when I got back but there was a pink telephone message tag stuck to my office door.
It was Eve’s handwriting and simply said, Pls call Dean Edwards when you receive this. Urgent.
How ironic. I had delayed updating my personnel file and the Dean couldn’t text my cell.
But it bought me time.
I had a feeling I had been outfoxed by a crafty woman.
I was on the defensive and had no idea what happened, but one thing I was sure of—Sage had gotten the upper hand.
I phoned Norm’s cell. I needed his wisdom and support because a trap was baited and I stumbled into it unaware.
Sage had warned me and now she was going through with it and I had no idea what she was going to do…
But I had one slender line of support—I had Norm’s expertise on my side.