I would just feel better if we had a dedicated team on standby, just in case.

The lead researcher said to me as we sat in his office.

I nodded from the wood and faux leather guest chair I sat in.

Well, you've got me and my team now, Dr. Spielman, I said.

The brass seemed to think that whatever you're working on is worth having my team sit

around and grow complacent. I immediately regretted the jab. It just wasn't my day. Problems

with the wife. Problems with the kid. Drama with a couple of members of my team. Lots of bullshit.

But that was no reason to take it out on Spielman, who was already

a timid man. A look of shame fell over his face, and his eyes went down to his hands, folded

neatly in his lap. Look, I said, unable to muster an actual apology. I'm kidding. This is going to be the break that my team needs.

It's fine.

Spielman's eyes came back up to me, a little life in them.

Why do you think there won't be any action?

He asked in a challenging tone.

Why did I think that?

I had to ask myself. Maybe because there hadn't been a serious

incident on the project for years. But I was jumping the gun. I hadn't even heard the

man out yet. And I certainly hadn't had time to review the entire research packet I'd been

given when assigned to the job.

You're right, I said to him.

I shouldn't assume that.

Why don't you tell me what's going on? I'm here to help.

...