Dr. Butler led Keeley into the lab, causing everyone to stop and stare.

"Listen up!" he said sternly. "This is Dr. Keeley Hale. She'll be conducting her cystic fibrosis research here from now on. Be welcoming and answer any questions she has about DOMA's procedures."

Keeley winced inwardly. His words made her sound like a VIP, not a colleague. Still, she smiled and waved. "Nice to meet you all. I look forward to working with you."

She received murmured hellos. Dr. Butler ignored them, barking orders at two people to approach. Money bought friendliness, she realized. How much had Aaron paid? She was afraid to ask.

"Dr. Hale, these are your research assistants," Dr. Butler said warmly. His tone shifted instantly. "Introduce yourselves!"

Her assistants were a woman in her mid-twenties and a man who appeared to be in his early thirties. The woman hesitantly introduced herself as Kate Anderson, but the man simply stared.

"Keeley Hall?" he asked incredulously.

Keeley furrowed her brow. "That was my maiden name. Do I know you?"

"You probably wouldn't remember, but I was a TA for Dr. Clarent's introductory genetics class about ten years ago. I graded a lot of your homework." He shook her hand. "Shawn Daniels."

Keeley didn't remember him. She'd had many TAs. "Good to see you again," she said politely.

Dr. Butler, pleased they knew each other, said, "I'll leave you three to get acquainted and plan restarting your research. Get your ID badge from my office during lunch."

They nodded as he left. An awkward silence followed, broken by Shawn.

"Wow, Keeley Hall. I used to be your TA, and now you're my supervisor! What have you been up to?"

"Finished my undergrad, got married, got my PhD, and had twins. They're three now," she replied. "What about you?"

He shrugged. "Skipped a master's and worked in a pharmaceutical lab for a couple of years before getting a better offer here. I'm married with a six-year-old son."

Kate interjected, "Your last name is Hale…you're not Aaron Hale's wife, are you?"

Keeley sighed. The news was old, yet it still surfaced. Probably because Aaron's expansion plans had been so successful; a recent financial magazine article mentioned him, briefly noting his wife and children.

"I am."

Kate scowled. "So that's why you appeared out of nowhere. We don't get new projects often. How much did he pay for you to be here?"

"Kate," Shawn warned.

"What?" she snapped. "It's true. I liked my old team. Nobody asked if I wanted to be transferred to someone who bought their way in."

Keeley's worst fear was realized. She hadn't earned her place; Aaron had. There was no other way to continue her research in New York City. She'd originally planned to reject his offer, but pregnancy and needing to stay in New York with her husband changed everything.

She needed to defend herself. She cleared her throat, gaining their attention.

"My brother had cystic fibrosis. I deeply care about finding a cure. My research with mice was viable, and yes, my husband funded it so I could continue and find a cure sooner. I don't see the problem if more people are helped earlier."

Kate, unable to retort, frowned. Keeley had a point.

"So," Keeley said sweetly, "let's get started."

The next hour was spent reviewing her dissertation's methods section, detailing her gene therapy. Neither assistant had experience with gene therapy, but they understood the theory. Kate remained sullen, but compliant. Keeley hoped to win her over. Maybe cookies would help. She'd learned from the best in bribery.

(The final sentence about a website has been removed as it is an advertisement and unrelated to the text cleanup.)