Page 59 of Crocodile Tears
I consider this while watching the street musicians transition into a song that gets several couples dancing spontaneously.The possibility of conducting research in diverse environments, studying ecosystems firsthand, and applying scientific knowledge to real-world problems appeals to me more than I expected.
“The research applications could be extraordinary,” I say while calculating the logistics.“Field studies, international collaboration, and access to biological diversity that doesn’t exist in controlled laboratory settings is very tempting.”
“Plus, the adventure aspects seem to agree with you.”
“The adventure aspects are growing on me.”I pause to watch a small child successfully negotiate with a vendor for extra mango slices through pure determination.“I’d prefer future adventures to involve less kidnapping and more voluntary participation, of course.”
He chuckles.“That can probably be arranged.”
As dinner progresses, and the evening settles into comfortable warmth, Cal’s expression grows more serious.He finishes his food and leans back in his chair with a posture that says he’s preparing to address important topics.“Becci, we need to talk about what happens when we get home.”
The shift in his tone makes my stomach tighten with anticipation that has nothing to do with tropical cuisine.“What kind of talk?”
“The kind about whether you’ll be safe returning to your normal routine or whether we need to implement security protocols that assume ongoing threats.”
I set down my fork and give him my full attention.This is the conversation I’ve been avoiding since our escape began.The practical implications of having my research targeted by well-funded criminal organizations don’t disappear just because we’ve successfully fled the country.
“How ongoing do you think the threats are?”
Cal’s expression shifts into the tactical assessment mode that appears when he’s processing multiple variables simultaneously.“Dr.Vega’s organization invested significant resources in acquiring you and your research.They won’t simply abandon that investment because the initial operation failed, but I do have a friend looking into it.”
“Meaning they’ll try again if your friend isn’t successful?”
“Yes, meaning they’ll try again with better planning and more resources.”He leans forward with the kind of focused intensity that means he’s already developed comprehensive countermeasures.“However, they’ll also have to account for increased security awareness and protective measures.”
“What kind of protective measures?”
Cal reaches into his jacket and produces a folded paper that turns out to be a detailed list written in his precise handwriting.“Relocation options for your laboratory to facilities with enhanced security infrastructure.Vetted allies who can provide technical consultation and tactical support.Encryption protocols for your research data that exceed university standards.”
I scan the list with growing amazement.He’s thought through everything—from secure communication systems to emergency evacuation procedures.The level of detail suggests he’s been planning comprehensive protection strategies since before we even escaped the compound.
“Cal, this is incredibly thorough.”
“It’s also completely necessary if you want to continue your research without constantly looking over your shoulder for professional kidnapping teams.Even if Nikolai takes out Vega, another group like it could be out there.”
I continue reading through his security recommendations while processing.The measures he’s suggesting would fundamentally change how I conduct research, where I live, and how I interact with colleagues and family.“This would require completely reorganizing my entire life.”
“It would require reorganizing your life around realistic security concerns rather than hoping the threats disappear on their own.”
The practical side of my brain appreciates his systematic approach to threat mitigation.The emotional side struggles with accepting that my career choices have made normal life impossible for the foreseeable future.“What about my family?My parents in Ohio, and my colleagues at the university?”I ask while continuing to review his list.“Do they need security measures, too?”
“I’ve already arranged basic monitoring and protection for your parents.Your iguana has been relocated to a secure facility with appropriate climate control and dietary requirements.”
I stop reading and stare at him in complete shock.“You arranged protection for Galileo?”
“Galileo represents a potential leverage point for anyone wanting to influence your behavior.Protecting him protects you.”
The fact that he considered my three-foot iguana a legitimate security concern and took measures to ensure his safety hits me with an emotional force I wasn’t expecting.Most people find my attachment to Galileo eccentric at best.Cal treated it as a tactical priority requiring professional attention.“You had my iguana moved to a secure facility.”I’m about to cry.
“I had your iguana moved to a reptile sanctuary that specializes in tending exotic pets whose owners have to travel.Like a reptile kennel.”He produces another paper from his jacket.“He has his own habitat with controlled temperature, appropriate vegetation, and specialized veterinary care.”
I blink twice while processing this information.Cal has anticipated, planned for, and implemented solutions to problems I hadn’t even considered.He’s approached protecting everyone and everything I care about with the same methodical precision he brings to tactical operations.
The realization that someone understands both the practical and emotional aspects of my life well enough to design comprehensive protection strategies creates feelings I don’t have adequate vocabulary to express.“I love you.”The words come out in the tone I use when discovering a new chemical compound or identifying an unexpected variable in experimental data—simple, direct, and slightly amazed by the possibilities.
He goes very still, his expression shifting from tactical planning to something vulnerable and hopeful.“You love me?”
“I love you.”The repetition feels like confirming experimental results.“I love that you arranged security coverage for my iguana.I love that you approach protecting people with the same intensity most people reserve for protecting themselves.I love that you understand why my research matters and support it even when it creates tactical complications.”
