While waiting for Shannon I tried to convince myself it wasn't a first date―she was upset and needed to talk―it just happened to be over dinner.
Still, it was progress on two fronts―first, I'd get to see Shannon outside of the university context, and second, she might choose to confide in me secret details about the mysterious genome project that she and Barnes have been working on for several months.
It was a risk-reward scenario―the reward was being with Shannon and possibly developing a relationship with her, but the risk was palpable as well―we could both end up on the wrong end of a lawsuit for discussing information protected under a non-disclosure agreement and because of government involvement, it could even be classified under The Secrets Act.
Yeah, the girl was dangerous on many levels and that's what made her so damn irresistible.
At that moment, Shannon walked out the doors of the lab and confirmed beyond doubt just how irresistible she could be.
She was dressed in a black lambswool sweater with her honey-coloured hair swept up. She looked elegant and well-put together even after a long day in the lab and that fact alone made her appearance all the more remarkable.
"Do you always dress so elegantly for work?" I asked, smiling.
"No, Silly, but I do keep a change of clothes on hand in case of unexpected social occasions. I try to be prepared for all occasions."
Her response settled one of my questions―she definitely did view our dinner engagement as a social occasion and even made a special effort to look her best for me which I found very flattering.
I chose Milestones as a middle of the road restaurant that was generally quiet on a weekday night and we ended up in a secluded corner where we could converse in relative privacy.
It wasn't the type of dining that had a romantic ambiance, but then again, I wasn't trying to come on too strong, at least, not considering the serious nature of the occasion.
Shannon had seemed quite upset on the phone and the fact she was trying to be sociable during the meal did not allay my concerns for her well being.
It seemed that after-meal coffee would be the ideal time to have a more serious discussion and that's the time she chose to open up and share her concerns about the project.
"I must admit I've been very jealous of your success," I told her, "although it sounds like parts of the project were not all 'sweetness and light'."
"That's putting it mildly," she sighed, "I signed up for the excitement of the archeological dig and adding to our knowledge of Neanderthals, but I got more than I bargained for, believe me."
"I know you signed an NDA, but are there aspects of the project you disliked that you can share with me?"
"It's more than just a matter of disagreeing with research methods or personalities, Blake, some of my concerns involve ethical considerations and the morality of some of Barnes' proposed actions."
I tried to hide my shock at her response, but it was jaw-dropping for her to say that an archeological investigation of an ancient hominid site would give rise to actions that verged on unethical acts and immoral conduct.
What could Barnes be proposing to do that would prompt such a revulsion in her that she would consider violating the terms of her non-disclosure agreement to seek my support in the matter?
That question disturbed me.
If I thought Shannon was dangerous before it was mainly because of her beauty and the passion I felt toward her. But now it was apparent she had ventured into dangerous waters that could sink both of our careers if she disclosed it.
I now had a decision to make on whether or not to listen and avoid the peril entirely...
Or, I could stay and support her. It was a hard choice, but she herself was a treasure worth having.
