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When he did look up, he leaned back and dabbed his mouth with the napkin. “This was a good idea you had,” he said. “You’re safe up here.”
Jana hid a smile. She understood what he meant, but she wasn’t so sure they were safe from each other. Some things were better left unsaid.
“I’m interested in your work,” Thaddeus said. “Eva described an invention you’re working on. I’d like to hear more about it.”
Jana had tried to discreetly develop the tool, but she was willing to share the details with Thaddeus. He was on her side. He’d proven that he could be trusted, so she took time to enlighten him on the nature of her invention.
Thaddeus listened without interrupting. When Jana was done, he asked a couple of questions. He’d understood the concept well. He finished his beer, then rubbed the back of his neck.
“What are you thinking?” Jana said.
“Just that what you’ve come up with is…valuable.” Thaddeus pushed his plate aside, looking thoughtful. “Greed can be a motive for murder. And the item you intend to patent will bring in good profits.”
“Very good.”
“That’s my point.” Thaddeus frowned. “You’ve been careful about who you’ve told, but these things have a way of getting out. When money is involved, a project doesn’t stay secret for long.”
That was disheartening. If that was true, then someone had leaked her secret. Even more appalling, some unnamed enemy was willing to kill her in order to market the item and reap the rewards. “Do you really think my life is in jeopardy because of the money?”
Thaddeus looked at her. “I think that’s part of it. But murder is a serious crime, motivated by deep-seated emotion. If it was only the invention, why not just steal it?”
“I agree.” Jana wasn’t sure she knew any more than before. Inside, a voice nagged at her. Was there anyone she’d forgotten? Could it be that she’d stirred vengeance in another? She must have done something very bad to create that. But she couldn’t fathom what that could have been.
