Page 74 of Cold Silence
Travis let Claire enter first and then followed her into the large office that was as neat and tidy as would be expected of a colonel. He displayed awards, mementos, and photos on a wall-to-wall bookshelf behind his desk and on the other walls.
The bald man, about six two, stood and pressed out a crease in his uniform. “Dr. Reed. Chapman. Have a seat.”
“Thank you, sir.” Claire dropped into a hard wooden chair as if plopping on a plush sofa. Maybe her legs were weak with stress from Travis mentioning that she might have a stalker for life. She needed to know, but he should’ve kept his big mouth shut until this was all over.
“How can I help?” Lynch sat.
Claire brought him up to speed on Robb. “We think it was just an attempt to stalk me, but he did film videos which would’ve made him privy to private work information.”
“I’m sorry you had to put up with a stalker, Claire.” Lynch clenched his jaw, and Travis suspected the guy wanted to give Robb a talking to as well.
“I made it clear that if he ever saw the light of day again, he better not come anywhere close to her,” Travis said.
“Glad to hear that.” Lynch firmed his shoulders. “We’ll throw the book at him. We can’t condone theft of our information no matter the thief’s intention. And well, if you ask me, a man who stalks a woman shouldn’t be allowed to live among us.”
Claire grimaced. “I thought you might say that.”
“Looks like you don’t agree with my decision,” Lynch said.
Claire didn’t answer right away but stared out the side window. “I don’t know how I feel, sir. It’s all too much right now.”
“Then let me relieve some of your stress by handling the arrest for you. I know a local police captain, and I’ll get on the horn to him. We’ll get Robb picked up and processed right away.”
“Thank you.” Claire let out a long breath and gave him what looked like a forced smile.
“Any luck in finding our actual thief?” Lynch asked.
Travis explained what was happening at the motel right now. “We’ll let you know the moment we have concrete proof of White’s action.”
“White.” Lynch shook his head. “Never would’ve pegged him for a traitor. We have any motives for his theft?”
“No,” Travis said. “Our investigation hasn’t turned anything up.”
“Probably money or revenge,” Lynch said. “At least that’s what most traitors are after.”
Claire clasped the arms of her chair. “I don’t think Warren was ever wronged, but you never know. I didn’t think Mike was a stalker either.”
“Hopefully he’ll enlighten us when he’s arrested.” Lynch stood and planted his hands on the desktop. “Good job. Both of you. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ll make that call to have Robb arrested.”
Claire and Travis turned to leave.
“Any decision on the job offer yet, Chapman?” Lynch asked.
Claire flashed her shocked gaze to Travis. “Job offer?”
Travis had to ignore Claire right now. Lynch knew nothing about their former relationship and would wonder why Claire was upset. Not Travis. He didn’t wonder at all. He’d kept this big news from her and hurt her in the process. He should’ve figured it would get back to her and told her right up front. Man, he screwed up big time.
But right now, he had to get them out of this office. He glanced back at the colonel. “Nothing yet, sir. I’ll get back to you the minute I decide.”
Claire exited Lynch’s office and raced past his assistant. Travis kept up and pulled the door closed behind him as he knew an explosion was coming.
Claire spun in the hallway to lock a disappointed gaze on him. “He offered you a job here? Here at my institute? And you didn’t think to mention it?”
What did he say that wouldn’t make her even more disappointed in him for withholding vital information? The truth. That was all he had on his side. “I thought it best to keep it to myself until I had time to think about it.”
“I wish you would’ve trusted me with it.” She blinked a few times and marched away.
He’d screwed up. She still had feelings for him. Just like he had feelings for her. And not consulting her on the offer had hurt her big time. He’d thought he’d done the right thing, trying not to cause her any pain if he decided not to take the job.
