Chapter 6: The Dean's Confession
484 Words
The dean's office smelled of mahogany and expensive cigars, a stark contrast to the sterile labyrinth Lena had fled. Dean Wentworth, a portly man with a waxed mustache, gestured to a leather armchair. "Please, Ms. Voss. Have a seat."
Lena sank into the cushion, her palms sweating. The folder Dr. Kane had given her burned in her memory, though she'd discarded the physical evidence. "You wanted to see me, sir?"
Wentworth steepled his fingers. "Regarding Dr. Julian Hale. I understand you've been... associating with him."
Lena's heart raced. "I'm a graduate student, sir. I attend his lectures—"
"Spare me the formalities." Wentworth opened a file on his desk, revealing a photo of a young woman with wild red hair. "Meet Eleanor Bennett. She was a prodigy in neurobiology, just like you. She worked with Julian Hale in 2012."
Lena's breath caught. The woman's eyes—piercing, determined—reminded her of her own reflection. "What happened to her?"
"She vanished." Wentworth's voice was grave. "After a falling out with Julian over his research. Some said she'd been institutionalized; others whispered she'd fled the country. But I know the truth."
He pushed the file toward her. Inside were pages of medical records, marked with redacted sections. "Eleanor was Julian's first test subject for the neural interface. The experiment went wrong—she suffered a catastrophic seizure, leaving her with permanent brain damage."
Lena's stomach churned. "But why would she agree to that?"
"Ambition." Wentworth sighed. "Julian preys on that. He offers students the chance to change the world, knowing they'll overlook the risks. Eleanor paid the price."
The door creaked open. Julian stood in the threshold, his expression unreadable. "Ah, there you are, Lena. I was wondering where you'd run off to."
Wentworth shot to his feet. "Julian, this is a private meeting—"
"Hardly private when you're slandering my name." Julian stepped inside, his gaze fixed on Lena. "Eleanor Bennett was a colleague, Dean. A brilliant mind who made an unfortunate mistake. But I suppose facts don't fit your narrative, do they?"
Lena rose, her legs shaking. "Is it true? Did you experiment on her?"
Julian's eyes flickered. "Science is built on sacrifice. Eleanor understood that. Unlike some." His tone was pointed, directed at Wentworth.
Wentworth turned pale. "Get out, Julian. Now."
Julian smirked. "Gladly. But I'll be taking Lena with me." He held out his hand. "Come, my dear. We have work to do."
Lena hesitated. Julian's offer was a lifeline—but a dangerous one. She glanced at Wentworth, who looked away. He's protecting himself, she realized. Not me.
She took Julian's hand, her decision made. "Let's go."
As they left the office, Julian squeezed her hand. "Smart choice. Victoria would have used you, just like Wentworth. I'm the only one who sees your potential."
Lena said nothing, her mind reeling. What have I gotten myself into?
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