Chapter 33

Avianne, Kai’s assistant, was seated at her desk as usual, in the space that allowed her to see everyone that entered or exited the lab space and gave her the position of some authority and the protection for the people who worked here.

“Hi,” Jayanta greeted her as she leaned across the desk to kiss the dark, smooth cheek of the slightly built woman.

“Hi, Jayanta. You’re looking well. Kai said you had a new job, you must be happy there.” She returned the kiss. Avianne felt warmth for this younger version of her brilliant boss. Being a couple decades older, she often felt it her responsibility to play mother figure to both of them, something she rarely acted on.

“Is Kai in her office?”

“No, Kai’s not here. I was just about to call her at home to see how she’s feeling.”

“Feeling? She’s sick? She’s not at home. I just came from there.” Jayanta looked into the surprised, concerned eyes that seemed to glow out of the deep brown complexion. “Rhya said she should be here.”