“Right.” I was at my limit of understanding Rachel’s biochemical specialty. In my mind, numbers were already pure, thus eliminating a lot of complicated chemical processes.

“Sorry,” Rachel said. “I can get carried away.”

“No, no. Someone has to do it.” I glanced at the hot, clear sky. “God knows, those proteins need purifying.” I got the smile I wanted and pushed ahead to ease Rachel’s mind. “Maybe Dr. Appleton was just in one of his moods,” I suggested.

“Or maybe I’m not cut out for graduate work, let alone making it through med school.”

“Of course you are.”

I held back the diatribe that was on the tip of my tongue. Keith Appleton was the only Henley faculty member who didn’t command my utmost respect. He seemed to thrive on making his students’ lives as difficult as possible, considering it a great achievement when the majority of his class failed his midterm. And he didn’t stop at students. His record of supporting faculty rights was dismal.

“Also, I did something stupid.”

“Which was?”

“I sent him an email right after he made those comments. I should have waited until I cooled down.”

Always a good idea. “What did you say in the email?”

“I kind of told him he shouldn’t even be teaching.”

Never a good idea. “In those words?”

“Maybe even worse. I can’t remember exactly. After I wrote it, I decided not to send it, but I hit send accidentally. I couldn’t believe it whooshed off and there was nothing I could do.”

“Let’s hope it doesn’t come across to him as harshly as you meant it.”

“Would you talk to him?” Rachel asked as we continued on to the parking lot. “You know, professor to professor. Pretend I didn’t tell you anything and try to find out what he really thinks of me and my work.” Rachel stopped again and put her hands to her ring-laden ears, a minimum of six silver baubles on each. “No, wait. I don’t want to hear it.”