Read Girl on the Run for Free Online Page B

finished. ‘Sounds like we're making progress.’ She tapped a finger on the table. ‘Now then, Jane. How's your database searching?’
    Jane jumped, and began, ‘I haven't—’
    ‘ Good, good.’ Susan stood up. ‘You can help Marshall with his prior art search. He'll teach you the basics. You seem pretty bright. I'm sure you'll pick it up.’
    Jane nodded, in what she hoped was a confident and enthusiastic manner.
    ‘Actually,’ said Keith, ‘I could use some extra help evaluating these papers.’
    Susan turned to him. ‘Didn't you say Robert was working on it?’
    ‘ Well yes,’ said Keith. ‘But it's a lot of work. I'm sure Marshall can spare Jane from time to t—’
    ‘ I'm sure Robert can manage.’ Susan nodded to Marshall. ‘Set up another meeting in a week's time. I'm seeing the client in nine days' time and I want something to show them.’
    Without any further pleasantries, Susan left the room.
    Keith shot Marshall an angry glare. Marshall ignored him. The hostility between the two men was palpable.
    As Jane stood up to leave, Keith said, ‘I guess it's going to be a busy week for all of us.’ He flashed Jane a smile. ‘Welcome to the team.’
    * * *
    From: Marshall, To: James
    What is Keith's problem? Susan told Jane to work with me on my case and Keith looked like I'd stolen his lolly.
    ##
    From: James , To: Marshall
    Don't mind Keith. He's just jealous. First Susan gives you equal weight to him on this case, then assigns the latest totty to work with you. Result: Not only do you get an extra pair of hands to work with. They belong to a lovely young lady. Lucky boy.
    ##
    From: Marshall , To: James
    Will you stop it. You can get done for sexual harassment for saying stuff like that.
    ##
    From: James, To: Marshall
    Ah come off it. I saw you looking at her in the pub. I haven't seen that gleam in your beady little eye since – well, a bloody long time. Lou thinks you should go for it, by the way.
    ##
    From: Marshall, To: James
    Haven't you and Lou got better things to talk about than my love life ? 　Jane's lovely, but I think I'll stay out of it for a while. I think Keith's got his eye on her anyway. I don't really want to antagonise him any more than I have to. Besides, office relationships aren't a great idea. Not for me anyhow.
    ##
    From: James, To: Marshall
    Mate, we've got three kids. Your love life is the most exciting news going as far as we're concerned. At least it doesn't have anything to do with the kids. Anyway, Jane's just walked past, so I'm guessing she's heading to your office . 　Be good. If you can't be good, be careful . 　Jim.
    * * *
     
    Marshall jumped when Jane knocked on his office door. He turned around ‘Hi.’
    ‘ Is this a good time?’ she said. ‘You were going to show me the search databases.’
    ‘ Right. Yes, just a second.’ He rummaged in a desk drawer and pulled out a notebook.
    ‘ Passwords,’ he explained. ‘Shall we go to your desk? That way you can get to work straight away.’
    Jane led the way back to her office.
    ‘May I?’ Marshall leaned on the desk and took her mouse. ‘This is the website.’ He had to lean across her to type in the URL. He smelled faintly of soap and aftershave. ‘I'll just bookmark it for you.’
    Jane was suddenly very aware of how broad his shoulders were. She tried to concentrate as he pointed to the screen and explained what various parts of the website did. His fingernails were short and clean. He had long fingers. She liked men with long fingers. Ashby had had long fingers …
    ‘ Does that all make sense?’
    Jane looked up to find Marsh regarding her quizzically, his face quite close to hers. Close enough to touch. Or kiss. He blinked and straightened up.
    Jane felt herself blush. Were her thoughts that transparent? ‘Yes. I think I've got that.’
    She ran through it again, just to make sure. He moved back a step so he was at a less intimate distance.
    ‘If you have any problems, just come find me.’ He