Chapter 10

Getting to Know You

Iris woke the next morning to the smell of coffee brewing in the kitchen and the pages of her physics homework stuck to her face. She had fallen asleep over her work and had spent the night sitting at Samara's desk. Groaning, she peeled the paper from her cheek and stretched, trying to work a couple kinks out of her back, then made her way into the kitchen.

Wendy was sitting at the table, sipping a cup of coffee and reading the paper. "G'morning, Iris. Did you sleep well?"

Iris chuckled. "If you consider spending the night passed out on your roommate's desk and waking with your head still literally in a book sleeping well, then yes, I slept very well."

"That's pretty awful. I had no idea you still had assignments to finish last night," Wendy said, grimacing a bit at the mere thought.

"Yes, well the research I've been doing with Professor Rune has been taking up a lot of the time I usually use to keep ahead in my classes. How about you?"

"Like a rock. I think I was too emotionally drained to even have a nightmare about the whole thing. Of course, I know one night doesn't really mean anything. I would rather like to avoid requesting a sleep aid from my doctor, though, so I'll take it as a good sign."

"Oh, before I forget," Iris injected, "your brother wanted you to know that he'll handle your mother for you, and that he expects you to call him today after your morning classes."

"I'm shocked that he actually expects me to attend classes today. If something like this had happened to him, he would most definitely use it as an excuse to skive off." Wendy paused as she began to fix herself another cup of coffee. "But, my brother knows me well. I'm already going to miss my football practice; there is no way I'm going to miss my morning clinical."

"Well then, we had better get going. The professor made it clear that he expected me at my usual time."

"Was that him with you last night?"

"Yes," Iris admitted. "He was being nice, walking me to the station. Come to think of it," Iris thought suddenly, "he offered to accompany me home. I wonder if he really planned to ride the train with me. That would have been terribly out of his way."

"Hey, don't complain. I would have loved to not be alone when I tripped over that… body." Wendy shuddered, her eyes suddenly downcast. She took a long swig of coffee, then looked at Iris with large, green eyes. "Oh, Iris! I can't believe that I… that there was… it could have been me," Wendy said, her last words trailing, her voice hollow.

Iris wasted no time in rushing to give her friend a tight hug. "Wendy, it could have been anybody. I'm just very relieved that it wasn't you. But no more shortcuts through dark allies, okay?"

"I'll be lucky if my brothers ever let me out after dark on my own again. There goes my love life," Wendy replied sarcastically.

"Speaking of," Iris interjected, "your blushing made it quite evident that Detective Trepot is the current object of your affections."

Wendy groaned. "As if last night couldn't get any worse! Did he notice, do you think?"

"I'm not sure if he noticed the changes to your complexion, but I noticed one thing for certain—that man is not as blind to you as you think he is. The way he watched you, well there was concern, of course, but it looked like a little more than brotherly concern. Give it time, Wendy. I don't think it will take too much longer for him to make his move."

Wendy flashed Iris a big smile, but decided to change the subject. "So, where is this amazing flatmate of yours? I was kind of hoping to meet her."

"Oh, she left a note that she was studying at a friend's last night and wouldn't be home."

"Well maybe we'll run into her on campus. From what you've told me, she's a good friend to have. I know I could certainly use more of those."

"That she is. And, speaking of campus, we really do need to get going. Professor Rune's expecting me by seven-thirty."

Wendy nodded, quickly downing the rest of her coffee. Both ladies then proceeded to put on their jackets and fetch their bags, Iris's noticeable larger and heavier than Wendy's.

Iris and Wendy enjoyed an uneventful commute back to the university, even having enough time for Iris to grab another cup of coffee at the café. Iris saw Wendy safely delivered to the university's clinic with a reminder to contact her brother and a plan to meet for lunch. She then continued her trek across campus to the history building.

Iris was not surprised to find Professor Rune already in his office, but she was slightly taken aback by the addition to the furnishings. An additional small side table had been added to the room and on it, a coffee pot, a sugar bowl, and two matching mugs, both black.

"Good morning, sir," she greeted him. "Where shall we start this morning? With the coffee?"

"Grading yesterday's quizzes for my History of Medicine class." He paused for a moment before continuing, clearing his throat and looking slightly uncomfortable. "I've noticed you work better when you are properly caffeinated. Having a coffee pot in the office will both save time and increase productivity. In addition, there is a cost savings to be had over the café."

Iris merely raised one eyebrow slightly and, to Blake's surprise, said nothing, topping off her travel mug with coffee from the pot and sitting down at her work table.

"Based on your infallible punctuality, can I assume that you are unaffected by the evening's events?"

"I was so busy completing my own class work I've hardly had a moment to think about it, honestly," Iris replied matter-of-factly as she placed the quiz papers in front of her, red pen in hand.

Blake was silent for a moment, not quite certain how to phrase all he had wanted to tell the young woman since the previous evening, or even if he should say anything at all. After waking from his disturbing dream, he had attempted to complete some more research. His efforts, however, failed miserably. He was haunted by the woman from the dream, the poor dead girl in the alley, the terror he had seen in Ms. Hulda's eyes, and the strange mix of guilt and relief the evening had brought. Guilt that, despite his best efforts, he had been unable to solve the case before the killer struck again. Relief that Iris had not been chosen as the next victim, as the killer was obviously operating close to the university grounds. More guilt had followed, guilt for feeling in the least bit relieved after such an unfortunate incident.

"Ms. Raggner," he finally began, clearing his throat, "I want to apologize for keeping you past our agreed upon hours these past two weeks. I have taken advantage of your tenacity and dedication, to my own benefit and without regard for your other commitments." And I also feel guilty for almost letting you walk to the station alone, at a late hour, with a cold-blooded killer running amok in the area. Oh, and for agreeing to attempt to recruit you into a highly dangerous organization.

Iris looked up from the quizzes and into Professor Rune's dark eyes. He looked more sincere than she had ever seen him, but she had the distinct feeling that he wasn't saying everything that was on his mind. What is it he can't tell me, but so clearly wants to? she wondered. I thought we've been getting on lately. "There is no reason for apologies, sir. I drive myself hard. I promise, all the work I have done for you, I chose to do it because I find the subject matter intriguing and I have been truly enjoying the challenge. A few late nights are nothing new to me. But the coffee pot," she continued as she raised her travel mug in salute, "is still greatly appreciated." She broke her gaze from his eyes and turned back to grading.

Blake was glad that she had looked away when she did. There was something about her, maybe her warmth or her obvious idealism, that he felt almost unworthy to be in contact with, and it left him feeling unsettled. I need to tell her the truth, he decided. "Well, you are very welcome for the coffee and I'm glad to hear that you are enjoying the challenge we've taken on," Blake said simply, and perhaps a tad bit formally. "I know that today is not on our usual evening work schedule, but I was wondering if you would be available after your classes today. I have some things I'd like to tell you about the nature of our research, things that may help put our work into a bit of perspective."

"Of course. I have to put some time in at the physics laboratory, but I can be by around six o'clock, if that's alright."

Blake considered this for a moment. "That's acceptable, Ms. Raggner, but, in the interest of your health, I suggest we meet at the café. We'll both get a decent meal before discussing our research. In addition, with the incident last evening, I would be remiss if I let you wander campus unaccompanied after hours."

Iris froze, red pen still in hand over a quiz, but didn't turn to look at him, choosing to keep her eyes on the paper in front of her. "Of course, sir," she responded simply. Iris was grateful he couldn't see the blush that had suddenly flushed her cheeks and began to breathe normally only after she heard him sit down at his own desk. What is bloody wrong with me? He just wants to keep me from missing dinner. He's just being considerate. It's nothing more than that, I'm sure. Taking a deep breath to steady herself, she still couldn't help but wonder why any nicety on his part had left her blushing like a schoolgirl.

Blake, on the other hand, found himself relaxing significantly. He had a good number of hours to put together the right words with which to enlighten Iris regarding both the existence of G.A.R.U.D.A. and the true nature of their research. In the meantime, he had three lectures to concentrate on, Iris taking most of the busy work by grading quizzes for him. Worst thing that would happen would be that she hates me for deceiving her and quits. Might even be the best thing that could happen—keeping her out of the agency and away from Sal's continuous meddling. As he tried to maintain his focus on the lecture notes he was reviewing, he couldn't help the sense of dread that crept over him at the thought of Iris being angry with him.

"Iris! I was hoping I'd catch you here. We can walk together," Wendy said, breathless as she approached.

"Of course," Iris replied, "but I thought we'd planned to meet at the café for lunch."

"Oh, we did, but I've just gotten off the telephone with my brother and I couldn't wait to tell you."

"Tell me what?"

"Well, apparently the darling Rhett Hulda was quite taken with you last night. He was asking me if you were seeing anyone. When I told him no, that you spent most of your time on your studies and additional research, he asked me for your number," Wendy explained quickly.

"Wendy, I'm flattered, really I am, but I don't think I have the time, nor the energy, to be dating just now."

"I knew you would say that, so I thought it would be best for the two of you to get together when I knew you had some time to spare."

Iris practically snorted. "When, exactly, is that?"

"Right now. You're going to have lunch with my dear brother, and I will grab a sandwich for take out and enjoy the fall weather," she confessed.

"Wendy!"

"I know, I know, but you need some down time. And, I promise things won't be weird with us if you and Rhett don't hit it off. I've only known you a couple of weeks, Iris, but you're probably the best friend I've had since primary school."

Iris regarded Wendy carefully. The girl's earnest eyes were full of hope and pleading. "Oh, alright. But no promises for a second date."

"Of course not; that's completely up to you," Wendy replied excitedly.

"So then my mum, she decided that is would be best for me to get a job rather than continuing my education. My parents don't have a lot of money, see, and the bookworms, Wendy and Edgar, they benefitted more from higher education. So, I took a job with the police and advanced up the ranks fairly quick. Street smarts—that's the secret to my success. Anyway, I'm glad it all turned out. Eric's the best mate and partner I could've ever asked for. Are you going to finish that?"

Iris snapped her eyes back to the ginger man sitting across from her. He was gesturing to her chips, which lay uneaten on her plate. "Oh, no. By all means, please help yourself," she replied.

"Thanks," Rhett replied as he slide her plate toward himself. "So, what about you, then? What's your story?" he asked.

"Well, I've lived here in Britain my entire life, but my parents decided to move to Australia when I started university," Iris began.

"Blimey. I've always wanted to visit Australia. Do you see them often?"

"Not very," Iris responded, a little hesitantly. Why don't I visit my parents more often? "But," she continued, "my studies keep me very busy. That and my work as a research assistant."

"You like books, then, and reading?" Iris nodded. "I've never been much of a reader, myself. I spent a lot more time on the football fields," Rhett confessed. "Not that I'm very good. I mean, I still play a bit; our station house has a recreational team and I play goalie, but it's nothing I could ever have made a career out of."

Iris sighed inwardly. She wasn't much attracted to the sporting types, and Rhett seemed to fit in well with that group, even if, as he admitted, he didn't play all that well. In addition, the man scarcely let her get in a complete sentence before he'd changed the subject or started into another lengthy speech about himself. If Professor Rune thought Iris tended to prattle, he would definitely have found Rhett's lunch conversation less than tolerable.

Contrary to her intentions, the thought of Professor Rune caused a slight smile to cross Iris's lips. She didn't seem to notice, but it didn't get past Rhett, who had been staring at her quite intensely.

"You know, Iris, I think we've hit it off rather nicely. Would you be aggreable to dinner, sometime this weekend?"

Fighting the urge to cringe, even slightly, Iris took a moment to find the right words to let Rhett down gently. It was more than clear to her that as much as Rhett seemed to enjoy looking at her, the two of them had nothing in common.

Sensing her hesitation, Rhett decided to fill the silence. "Actually, I'll not put you on the spot like that. I'll call you in a few days and we'll go from there." He flashed a slightly crooked, toothy grin.

"That sounds… good," Iris replied, and was surprised to find herself smiling back at him.

"Great. Well then, I'll get back to work, and I'll let you get back to your classes. I'll be in touch." Rhett smiled again as he rose from the table and headed toward the door. Iris tried to pretend she didn't notice when he almost ran smack-dab into another patron on his way out, and was astonished to find herself stifling a giggle. What was that? We have absolutely nothing in common, but still, I couldn't help admiring his optimism. And that goofy smile— it almost seemed… familiar, somehow.

"Refill, miss?" Rosie asked, balancing her try carefully.

"Yes, please."

Rosie nodded and headed toward the coffee pots as Iris adjusted her book bag in the booth. She had just come from a frustrating afternoon in the lab. Nothing in her current experiment had went smoothly this afternoon. After the events the previous evening, and the strange lunch date with Wendy's brother, Rhett, she felt completely off-kilter. The quiet of the lab left a lot of opportunity for her mind to wander, however, and she had found herself preoccupied with thoughts of Professor Rune and wondering what he could possibly want to tell her tonight. It was then that things started going wrong. Suddenly, she couldn't get any valid readings from any of the equipment; every piece she touched seemed to be having electrical issues or spat out measurements that didn't make any sense. After her fifth attempt of the afternoon, she decided to call it quits and return to the café early., chiding herself for getting so distracted. Three, now four as Rosie filled her mug, coffees later, it was nearly six o'clock and she began to watch for Professor Rune.

Iris didn't have to look for more than a minute before Blake entered, the tiny bell on the door jingling cheerily. He looked quite intimidating, as usual, when he first entered, his brow furrowed slightly as he scanned the café's occupants, looking for Iris. She caught his eye and gave a little wave a welcome, and he nodded before stepping in the direction of the booth.

"Professor," Iris greeted him.

"Ms. Raggner," Blake replied. "May I join you?"

"Of course, of course."

Blake eyed the empty sugar packets littering the table, indicating Iris had been waiting for a while. "I'm sorry, Ms. Raggner," he said as he seated himself across from her, "I thought we had agreed to meet a six. I had no intention of keeping you waiting."

Iris, confused for a moment, quickly understood his statement. "You didn't, sir. I just wrapped up earlier than I had planned in the lab this afternoon, so I decided to walk over. We did agree to six."

"Excellent. Might I suggest we order our dinners before we get on with work?" Blake asked, motioning Rosie back over to the table.

After placing their orders, and Rosie pretending to be shocked that Iris was ordering food and not just coffee, Iris sensed that Blake was on edge. His normally controlled persona was cracking slightly, as she noticed he was fidgeting and kept adjusting his watch.

"So, Professor," Iris decided to begin, "what is it that you wish to discuss?"

Blake knew that his nerves were getting the better of him, but he also knew that telling Iris about his mission, about G.A.R.U.D.A., would be a huge weight off from his shoulders. After agonizing over the right words, the precise way he would tell Iris everything, and imagining her every possible reaction, there was no turning back now. Taking a deep breath, he looked Iris squarely in the eye and began rather bluntly. "Well, Ms. Raggner, what would you say if I told you that I am the lead scientist of a secret government organization and currently working undercover to ascertain the identity of an occult serial killer?"