Page 51 of Troy Story
“Thanks. If you give me your email address, I’ll send you the digital files, too.” Who could have imagined her morning would take such a turn? Suddenly, she didn’t care that her dissertation was a giant failure. Though her illustrations had appeared in plenty of academic publications, the thought of seeing her artwork in a children’s book was far more exciting.
After Mort photographed a few of her sketches, he glanced at his watch. “I should get back to Clarissa. She’ll be wondering what’s taking so long. When I get to the site, do you want me to talk to Hughes about allowing you back?”
“It’s okay. I know you two are friends. You don’t have to confront him on my behalf.”
Mort let out a heavy sigh. “When we were on the tour, Clarissa told me how inappropriate he’s been. She learned from Hayat that he’s been making lewd comments about her. A few times, I’ve caught him saying things about other women, but I let it slip. Now I’m ashamed I kept quiet. There’s no excuse for treating women with such disrespect.”
“Or for any of his behavior,” Dusty said. “I know you admire him, and he was once a big deal in the archaeological world, but he’s not a nice guy.”
“I’m realizing that. I’m sorry I got you tangled up in this. If I’d said no to the spy mission instead of being swayed by his promises, none of this would have happened. Let me help. I’ll insist you come back next week. Unless you’re happier here on your own?”
“Not really. Half the fun of working on a dig is the camaraderie. In the mornings, I’d rather be at the site with everyone else.” Except for Dr. Hughes. But she could put up with him if it meant she wasn’t stuck by herself in the lab.
Mort stood up. “If something like this happens again, know that I’m on your side. Clarissa told me how much you’ve taught her. This has been an incredible summer for her, and it’s partly because of you and Stuart.”
Hearing that brightened Dusty’s mood. “Thanks. I’ve liked working with her.”
As Mort left, she wondered if he’d be able to reduce her sentence. At least he was making an effort.
Which was more than she could say forsomepeople.
CHAPTERTWENTY-ONE
After spending five days alone in the lab, Dusty should have been eagerly awaiting her day off. Especially since most of the crew had planned for a lazy beach day. But going to the beach with everyone meant dealing with Stuart. She was growing weary of ignoring him, but how could she treat him like a friend when he’d done nothing to bridge the gap between them? The one time he’d tried talking to her, he’d gone into full mansplaining mode, and they’d ended up arguing again.
At the sound of wheels crunching on the gravel driveway, Dusty’s stomach rumbled. Since all she’d had for breakfast were a few tea biscuits and a cup of coffee, she was desperate for the midday meal. When the door opened, she expected to see Emilia. Instead, Dr. Hughes came in and shut the door behind him.
As he approached her table, she flinched, then cursed herself for showing any weakness. “What is it?”
He stared down at her in contempt. “I came here to tell you that you can return to the site on Monday. It’s a full week earlier than I planned, but Mort insisted on it. I wasn’t about to piss off one of the university’s biggest donors.”
She hid her smile of victory. She’d have to thank Mort. Maybe even give him a hug.
Dr. Hughes continued. “He wasn’t pleased I let you take the blame, but you’re the one who messed up.”
A white-hot fury surged through her. With trembling hands, she set down her pencil before she was tempted to jab it into his throat. “Imessed up? It’s not my fault Stuart invited Dr. Wagner to our site. And when he yelled at us, I took the fall. I didn’t reveal anything that would get you kicked out of Troy again.”
He picked up her pencil and twirled it between his fingers. “It’s good that you kept quiet. If you’d told him the truth, the consequences would have been far more serious.”
“Then where’s the fucking gratitude?” She was careening dangerously close to losing her self-control again, but she couldn’t help it. “Instead of thanking me, you’ve been treating me like shit. If anything, you owe me.”
All at once, his calm demeanor vanished. He leaned in closer, his jaw twitching. “I owe you? After what your mother did to me on that wretched tour? That woman tried to tank my career. I’ll never owe youanything. You’re lucky you still have a job here.”
Clenching her fists, she resisted the urge to lash out at him again. She didn’t want to make the situation worse.
“Cat got your tongue?” he said. “What a surprise. I’m heading out to Çanakkale and won’t be back until Monday morning. Make sure you’ve caught up on all the illustrations by then.”
With that, he strode out, slamming the door behind him.
Dusty closed her eyes, willing the anger to fade. After a few calming breaths, she got her racing heartbeat under control. But as she replayed the conversation in her head, Dr. Hughes’ words stuck with her. What had her mother done to him?
When her phone buzzed, she startled, her nerves still on high alert. Emilia had sent her a text.We’re back for lunch. Come join us.
Ignoring the gnawing ache in her stomach, she stayed seated. With everyone at lunch, she’d have the lab to herself for a full hour. She fired off a quick reply.Need to finish this task. Save a plate for me in the fridge?
She texted her mother and asked if she was available to talk. Half the time, her mother didn’t bother to answer her phone, especially if she was immersed in her research. But she called Dusty immediately.
“Dusty?” Her voice sounded breathless, as though she’d been running out the door. “I didn’t expect to hear from you. Are you all right?”
