More than Truth (Arcane Crossbreeds) by Amanda Vyne Page B

grateful the thick wall separated them so he was spared a deeper appraisal of the man. Sometimes being a strong telepath was…unsettling.
    “Dr. Vincent Jennings,” The man’s voice was reedy, weak. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’ve studied much of your work. Brilliant if still a bit obstructed by morality.”
    That was telling.
    “Where is Dr. Mahoney?” Vin asked calmly, ignoring the praise.
    The man’s smile held firm, those tiny black eyes fixed on Vin. “My name is Dr. Anthony Rupple. I was only just informed I was to expect you, but am thrilled to have you join me here. I think together the three of us could push this research to the next level.”
    Vin rose to his feet, the stool clutched in his hand. The greasy doctor stepped back from the glass, and Vin savored the satisfaction he felt from the reaction. With a slight smile of his own, he carefully righted the stool and sat on the edge. He extended his long legs and crossed them at the ankles, hands carefully folded in his lap. He didn’t want to appear too aggressive.
    “I’ve yet to hear what I want, Dr. Rupple.”
    The man frowned and folded his arms over his scrawny chest again. “Dr. Mahoney was being very unreasonable. I thought perhaps a couple of nights in less comfortable accommodations would change her outlook. She wasn’t seriously injured.”
    Dr. Rupple’s hesitation over the last word did not sit well with Vin. “I want her returned immediately, Dr. Rupple. I myself can become very…unreasonable.”
    Dr. Rupple angled his chin up but gave a terse nod. “Of course, Dr. Jennings.” He looked off to his right and spoke to someone Vin couldn’t see. “I apologize for the limited quarters, but we were equipped with only one lab that could accommodate the necessary security measures. You shall have to share with Dr. Mahoney. I hope that will not be a problem.”
    Vin narrowed his focus to a sharp point on the doctor. That last bit betrayed an almost indistinguishable trace of sarcasm. Over ten years ago, he’d tipped his hand where Dr. Mahoney was concerned. It didn’t take a high level of deductive skills to know that the redheaded doctor made him vulnerable. He had traded his freedom and integrity when he’d made the deal for her release. It wasn’t too much of a leap to expect this doctor would know of it. Especially if he worked for the Triumvirate.
    When it was obvious Vin had no intention of responding, Dr. Rupple continued on, a smirk playing on his thin lips. “I will, of course, see that you are provided with fresh clothes and other personal items. As for your…unique needs, please let me know when your need for solar radiation becomes pressing. We will do our best to assist you.”
    “I will need to review the files for your current project to bring myself up to speed,” Vin stated coldly. He wasn’t exactly sure what kind of research Dr. Rupple was conducting at this facility, but the pathetic doctor seemed to think Vin was there to assist him. Although Vin’s main objective was to have Dr. Mahoney with him so he could protect her during the attack, he was curious to discover what exactly was being done here.
    Dr. Rupple nodded. “Of course, all the files you need access to are on the lab computers.”
    Vin had already noted the location of the monitors, so he kept his attention on the greasy doctor. Even though Vin was several feet below and locked in a secure room, Rupple appeared to be intimidated by him. He wanted to keep the doctor pinned down. Whether it stemmed from the doctor’s assessment of his research or the doctor’s awareness of what he was physically capable of, he wasn’t sure. All Vin knew was he needed to maintain that without pushing the man into outright fear, which might motivate Rupple into more extreme measures of security. A very thin line to walk. Fortunately, Vin was very well practiced.
    Twenty years of practice.
    “As Dr. Mahoney is aware,” Dr. Rupple began as he paced in front