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“No way.” Jemi hugged the keys to her chest as she led the way out the door. “You’re too emotionally involved. I’ll drive. I drive faster than Peter.”
“Hey,” Peter chimed in, offended, but then he shrugged. “She’s not wrong. Shot gun.”
Chapter21
Sydney parkedthe car in the Biotech parking lot and took a slow breath. “God, give me the strength.”
She could lose everything, but it was worth the peace she would get knowing she was doing the right thing. Finally.
For a split second, she wondered what Pallon would do if her funding was cut, then she remembered.
She paused in the parking lot, taking several slow breaths. No matter what happened from here, it would forever change her life. The best-case scenario she could expect from Biotech was that they’d forgive her indiscretion and continue to work with her. But she was walking into the unknown. Then there would be the conversation she’d have to have with the group in South America. They were counting on her and she’d have to let them down.
She rubbed her hands together, then continued toward the front door before her insecurities could get the better of her.
Her shoes clipped on the pavement and gave her something to focus on. There was no turning back now.
After the doors parted at her arrival, she hurried into the reception area that was painted a calming blue with high ceilings and modern decor.
“Good morning,” the receptionist said as Sydney approached the counter. “Can I help you?”
“Hi, yes.” Sydney hugged her purse against her side. “My name is Professor Sydney Davis. Is Myles Cameron in this morning?”
“Do you have an appointment?”
“No. But if you tell him Sydney Davis is here, I’m sure he’ll see me. Tell him it’s urgent.”
The receptionist pursed her lips. “I can call him, but he’s a very busy man.”
“If he doesn’t have time to see me, I’ll understand. But I do have something important to talk to him about.”
“Have a seat, please.”
Sydney nodded and sat on a hard, flat couch across the room. If he wasn’t available, maybe that was God’s way of saying she was off the hook. She’d been obedient coming here. Maybe that was enough.
But even as the thought went through her mind, she knew that wasn’t what God had in mind. And she’d be very surprised if Myles wouldn’t see her.
When the receptionist approached, she sat up straight and pressed her lips together to keep them from trembling.
“If you don’t mind waiting here a moment, Mr. Cameron will send someone down to speak with you.”
“Thank you.” Sydney pushed the words out. She could hear the blood rushing through her ears as her blood pressure rose. “I can do this,” she said under her breath.
After everything she’d been through in life, she couldn’t believe that this was now the hardest thing she’d ever done. Her insides felt like they were melting. But despite all that, she still knew deep down that this was what she had to do.
An elevator to the side of the room opened and a tall, slim, black woman approached. Her tight pencil skirt made her stride short, but no less intimidating.
“Professor Davis?” The woman held out a hand and squeezed Syd’s gently. “My name is Hanna. I’m Myles’s personal assistant. He was pleased to hear you’d come to see him. If you’d like to follow me, he’s carved out some time in his schedule to see you.”
“Thank you very much. I know he’s very busy, but I wouldn’t have come if it wasn’t important.”
“I’ve been following your work. It’s very exciting,” Hanna said when the elevator doors closed.
Sydney felt a strange sort of peace as they ascended. It was unfamiliar. It shielded her against a growing apprehension that wanted access to her emotions.
“Yes. I’m excited about it.”
“My mother died of breast cancer when I was a teenager. I remember how hard the chemo was on her. I know your research is too late for her, but I’m glad there will be others it will help.”
