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committed herself to anything.
    She kept her eyes averted by starring at her foot. She’d crossed her legs and bobbled the shoe off the heel rhythmically. These four-inch spikes would be ideal for slamming through Richard’s toes but he’d been close friends with her father and she reached for restraint.
    The dictator continued, his toes unaware of their luck. “These are the people we could use more information on: Abner Proserian, Sean Perry, Robin St. Clare, and any scientist who might have been after Charlie’s research or jealous of his success.”
    The list included names of several students Kat didn’t know.
    Burrows continued, “We’ve got people looking through Professor Abbott’s research files, trying to determine if everything is there.”
    Concerned that this investigation would reflect poorly on the university, Nick sought assurance that Burrows intent was not to blame lax security on campus for the murder. The detective made no promises, but salved Nick’s bureaucratic anxiety by saying he didn’t see it so far.
    “We’ll be happy to contribute in any way we can, detective. Is there anything in particular that you’re looking for?” Nick said.
    Richard paged through his notes. Kat interrupted, “Did you find his journal? Any word of threats beforehand or bribes or maybe outright requests to purchase his information?”
    Richard’s balding head jerked up. “Katharine, those are our questions. You provide the answers. That’s how it’s supposed to work around here, in case you’d forgotten!”
    “OK, but I’ll never forget when he said, ‘We’re going places with this project. It’s taken me years but I never let go of an idea. I’ve researched this every which way and my findings are impeccable.’”
    She added, “Charlie was his own biggest fan. He waited impatiently for admiration and when it didn’t come he provided his own. Would have toasted himself if he could. I just wanted to eliminate the project as the cause if you were able to.”
    Richard begrudgingly offered, “We found numerous notebooks — none labeled journal.”
    Kat explained about the sacrosanct journal that every scientist keeps on a project. Professor Abbott acted digitally challenged in the past. She doubted if all his notes were computerized and said so. When Burrows said they’d found nothing of that nature in the lab, office or apartment, Katharine promised to ask around.
    Nick contently observed and absorbed the by-play between the two. He remained intense and thoughtful, watching the sparks fly as Kat clashed with Burrows.
    “Who have you already asked about the journal?”
    “Those on the list I gave you.”
    “They seem to be the right one’s to start. There are a couple of others I can ask and I’ll get back to you. Fair enough?”
    Kat inched forward in her chair. “Do you suspect any of them?”
    “Katharine, you’re overstepping your bounds again!”
    Nick offered a quick defense. “In this case it might be a fair question. You want her to check with people about the journal. I’m sure you don’t want her inadvertently fencing with the killer.”
    Burrows snorted, “If it was verbal there’d be no concern; Katharine can talk circles around the best of them. But I suppose you’re right, even though we haven’t cleared many people for certain. I’ll tell you this: Simon Santora has an ironclad alibi which also happens to clear many of the chemistry students.”
    Kat looked interested. “How so?”
    Burrows hunkered back in his chair and explained. “That night was the monthly American Chemical Society meeting. Santora’s the advisor. They had a speaker. It accounts for Santora and most of his and Professor Abbott’s students.”
    She wandered around his office as he spoke. Spying the replica of the full-rigged sailing ship displayed with pride on the shelf by the door, she stopped to examine the rigging. With a couple quick strides Richard was at the door, fearing disaster was