Roth: Protector(Shapeling Trilogy #1) (2nd edition)

Chapter 19: Polite Conversation

Rainey sat in the Hummer's backseat with Roth beside her while Johnson drove to the lab. She'd relegated her time in Egypt to a corner of her mind and rarely accessed it. She was determined to lock the memories behind a barrier of resentment toward Roth and mentally toss the key.

"How does it feel to be returning to your lab?" asked Roth.

The resentment she harbored bubbled to the surface. She bit her tongue to stop a scathing reply and turned her head to stare out the passenger window.

"Rainey, I'm trying to make the best of our situation. A little help on your part would be appreciated."

"You'll receive no help from me."

"Okay, have it your way."

"Oh, I intend to." She glanced toward Johnson's puzzled expression as he watched her in the rear-view mirror. She gave him the evil eye and turned back to her window, trying unsuccessfully to focus on the countryside whizzing by.

They passed through the guard station of Childress Enterprises and Johnson pulled to the curb in front of the laboratories' building. Rainey opened her door and hastened toward the check-in counter. Ignoring the welcome back greetings from the guards, she scanned her card and rushed toward the bank of elevators to enter one and push the button for her floor. But just before the door slid shut, a hand shot through the opening. The elevator door automatically retreated allowing Roth to enter. A few seconds later it closed. Alone, he suddenly turned and pinned her against the back wall by placing his arms on either side of her and keeping his body between hers and the camera. Bending his knees until his face was directly in front of hers, his gaze momentarily rested on her lips, and then moved to her eyes. He whispered low, "I'm sick and tired of your attitude. I've done my best to make up for what happened, but it appears you need an attitude adjustment."

"Really? And are you going to be the one to adjust my attitude? I think not. I hate you!" They glared at each other until the elevator braked gently on the top floor. Rainey jerked under Roth's arm and entered the hallway. She jammed her keycard through the card reader and entered the laboratory where she expected to see her crew working diligently, but the lab was empty. She muttered to herself, "I don't believe this. Where is everyone? We have work to do."

She stalked to her office and jumped when Steve, Jim, and Fawn shouted upon her entrance, "Welcome back!" Balloons and a large banner stretching the length of her office welcomed her. Her jaw dropped and guilt made her wince. In a matter-of-fact tone she said, "Thank you. I appreciate your welcome. It's certainly unexpected." She tried to smile. "Now, let's get to work and make up for lost time." Even to her own ears, her words sounded dry and lifeless.

"Sure, Rainey," said Jim

"Whatever you say," Steve echoed.

"I'll get my pad to take notes," replied Fawn.

As her crew rushed from her office, Rainey glanced at Fawn's retreating back, and then at Roth, and felt a venomous strike of jealousy. Roth's keen gaze studied her face and he shook his head, as if reassuring her that he and Fawn were not lovers. Rainey shrugged as if she didn't care and stepped behind her desk.

***

For Roth, the two weeks after returning from Egypt became a repeat of his previous weeks protecting Rainey in the States. Johnson again drove them to the Childress Laboratories in different vehicles and by different routes as Roth crowded into the backseat, uninvited and unwanted for each trip. Rainey mostly ignored him, but occasionally sent caustic remarks his way. He also met Fawn in the forest once to discuss the current situation, but, for some reason, withheld his encounter with Stella from her.