“I have to talk to you. Come out for a bit”.

Jane was reluctant to disrupt her research.

“Can’t we talk here, Senior? I’m busy”.

Brock stared at her, then the materials she had been engrossed with. His face fell.

“It’s a serious matter. It’s close to dinner time anyway, we can discuss it over a meal”.

Jane stole a glance at the time and found herself unable to argue. She nodded. Judging from her senior’s expression, it must be something important indeed.

They sat down in a nearby restaurant. Jane scanned the prices on the menu and silently retracted her gaze.

“Let’s split the bill”, she muttered under her...