Page 15 of Crocodile Tears
“Smooth, Calvin,” I mutter, grabbing napkins to clean up the mess.
Dr.Lawson approaches with an expression that might be amusement.“Are you Calvin?”
“Yes, and apparently I’m also a menace to restaurant glassware.Dr.Lawson, I presume?”
“Rebecca, and don’t worry about the water.I once accidentally bit through a lab refrigerator door.Property damage happens.”
She extends her hand, and our handshake becomes an interesting study in cross-species politeness.My military precision meets her academic formality, resulting in a grip that’s both firm and careful, but as the handshake continues, we both realize the other’s strength is significantly above human normal.
“Enhanced grip strength?”she asks, not letting go.
“Gila monster biology.Enhanced bite force translates to hand strength.You?”
“Crocodilian jaw mechanics.Similar principle, if different application.”
We’re still shaking hands, testing each other’s strength with the kind of scientific curiosity that probably looks bizarre to outside observers.Her grip is impressive, with controlled power that suggests she’s consciously moderating her force.
“This is either the most awkward handshake in history or the most practical compatibility test ever,” I say.
Rebecca laughs, a genuine sound that immediately puts me at ease.“Both.Definitely both.”
We settle into our seats, and I realize I haven’t scanned the room for threats once since she arrived.Dr.Martinez would be proud.
Chapter 5
Becci
Myphonestartsringingat exactly 7:47 a.m., which means someone either has very good news or very bad news.Good news tends to wait for reasonable hours.Bad news calls whenever it wants.I’m already up, so I’m not irked at the early hour.
Dr.Laurent’s voice comes through with the kind of barely contained excitement that usually means grant money.“Dr.Lawson, I have excellent news.The review committee has approved your phase two application.”
I nearly drop the phone into my morning coffee.“Phase two?Already?”
“Your preliminary results were extraordinary.The committee wants to fast-track your research into human trials.”His voice carries the weight of someone delivering life-changing information.“Congratulations, Dr.Lawson.This is a significant achievement.”
The room spins slightly as I absorb the news.Phase two approval means real funding, expanded research capabilities, and the chance to move my work from theoretical breakthrough to practical application.It also means my genetic sequencing research on reptilian shifter healing capabilities could actually revolutionize trauma medicine within the next few years.“Dr.Laurent, this is incredible.Thank you.”
“You’ve earned it.However, I need to discuss some concerns with you.”His tone shifts to something more cautious.“Your research has attracted significant attention from pharmaceutical companies and military research groups.Some of the interest appears to have started before your official results were announced.”
I set down my coffee cup carefully.“What kind of interest?”
“Inquiries about licensing opportunities, requests for preliminary data, and what appears to be attempts to access your research profiles through unofficial channels.”Dr.Laurent pauses.“Dr.Lawson, I strongly recommend exercising discretion with your unpublished findings.Keep your most sensitive data secured until we can establish proper protocols for commercial partnerships.”
The warning should probably concern me more than it does.“I appreciate the advice, Dr.Laurent.My core research remains encrypted and accessible only to me and my research assistant.”
“Good.Be especially careful with the genetic sequencing data that would allow replication of your processes.That information could be extremely valuable to the wrong people.”
After he hangs up, I sit in my kitchen staring at the wall where I’ve tacked up research charts, grant timelines, and a photo of Galileo wearing tiny sunglasses.Phase two approval represents everything I’ve worked toward for the past five years.The practical applications of my research could help thousands of people recover from injuries that currently result in permanent disability.
The excitement builds in my chest until I can barely sit still.I need to get to the lab, update my protocols, and start planning for expanded trials, but first, I need to tell someone who’ll understand exactly what this means.I text my research assistant to come in early, being mysterious, before rushing out the door.
Margo arrives at the lab twenty minutes after I do, carrying her usual coffee offerings and wearing another vintage band T-shirt that somehow makes her look both professional and ready to cause trouble.She takes one look at my face and grins.“Good news or really good news?”
“Phase two approval.”
She nearly drops both coffee cups.“Phase two?Dr.L, that’s incredible!This is huge.”
“Huge and terrifying and absolutely amazing.”I accept the coffee gratefully, inhaling the rich aroma that’s become my morning ritual.“We’re moving to human trials.”
