Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Roseanne didn't beat around the bush. "Carlson, did you check out Lab C122?"

"C122?" Carlson paused, clearly caught off guard.

Roseanne continued, "I've looked into your current project, and it doesn't seem like you need the CPRT Analyzer."

Carlson looked down for a moment, his initial surprise fading, replaced by calmness.

When he looked up again, any sign of confusion had vanished, leaving a serene expression. "Yeah, I checked it out."

Roseanne exchanged a glance with Scales.

"I needed it, so I took it. Is there a problem?"

Roseanne pressed, "Then why have I passed by several times and never seen you using it?"

Carlson replied, "I don't use it often, but I do need it occasionally."

This response made Mamie swallow back her ready accusation "You're hoarding resources maliciously." After all, he was using it, so they couldn't really accuse him of anything. Resources at the college were meant to be shared, first-come-first-served, and they couldn't fault him on that.

asked, "So, how long do

answered, "I'm

it at that for now," Roseanne said calmly, nodding at him before

expression not one

lab to finish up his work

to Edna's office was ajar, and as he

for the

It was Sybil Moore.

which, though not as high as the national one, won't

below the national one... And why should Carlson

are top-notch. What about you?" Edna was clearly losing patience. Sybil was defiant, "I have publications

really need to spell out how you got those

quickly backed down, moving closer in a coaxing manner, "Auntie Edna,

our family proud,

give you bragging rights."

softened, "I know you're competitive and ambitious, but let's not push it this year. Next year,

careful with the auntie talk; it's not good for your image

know, I know, I only