Read Online Poison Ivy by Cynthia Riggs - Free Book Online Page B

“I’m enrolled in a master’s program at Cape Cod University.” He glanced at Victoria, who nodded. “Since I live on the Island and Professor Chadwick does, too, the university agreed to let her be my thesis advisor, working together here on the Island, saving both of us time and expense.”
    â€œYou’re one of the three Island students she’s mentoring, then.”
    â€œYes. Jodi Paloni is the only one enrolled in Ivy Green College, the other two of us are with Cape Cod University. I did my course work off Island, just need to have my thesis approved.”
    â€œDid Professor Chadwick recommend that you submit a paper based on your thesis to a professional journal?”
    He nodded.
    Victoria absently picked up her pen and drew a few arrows on the back of her notes. “What is the subject of your thesis?”
    â€œThe intermarriage of European settlers and the Wampanoags of Martha’s Vineyard in the early nineteenth century.”
    Victoria drew a few more arrows until she’d sketched what looked like a picket fence. “I’m almost afraid to ask the next question.”
    A few dry leaves fluttered across the drive. The wind was picking up.
    â€œI think you know where this is going,” said Christopher. “I can’t begin to tell you how angry I am.”
    Victoria set down her pen and folded her hands on the table. She could see a muscle twitch in his jaw. Under normal circumstances, he must be a pleasant looking man. What were probably laugh lines ran from his cheekbones to his jaw. Now they were deeply incised and he looked hard. The freckles across his nose and cheeks looked green on his fair skin. He probably sunburned and didn’t tan.
    â€œProfessor Chadwick has put her name on my paper, claiming that’s academic practice. Otherwise I wouldn’t be able to publish under my own name.”
    â€œI see,” said Victoria.
    â€œI did the research. Interviewed more than thirty people with Wampanoag ancestors.” He set both hands flat on the table. “I taped dozens and dozens of interviews, heard family stories that had never been told publicly.”
    A few drops of rain slatted on the windowpanes.
    â€œI wrote what I considered a great article. Roberta said in order to ensure that my paper would be accepted by the journal, she needed to include her name as author.” He dropped his hands into his lap. “Well, I figured. Okay. The paper is authored by me, and she’s on there as my advisor.”
    Victoria shoved her notes aside.
    â€œInstead, she listed herself as senior author. Then somehow, my name got left off entirely.” He lifted his hands and brought them together with a slap.
    â€œYou heard she’s done the same thing to Jodi?”
    â€œThat’s why I’m here.” He leaned back in his chair, arms folded over his chest.
    Victoria was about to warn him not to lean in the chair, when she heard a snap.
    He stood up. “My gosh, I’m so sorry! My grandmother was always warning me.”
    Victoria scowled. “You should have listened to your grandmother.”
    He checked the chair leg. “I’ll fix it.”
    â€œIt won’t be the first time that chair has been repaired. Take another seat.” Victoria went on with their discussion. “Jodi doesn’t plan to take any action. She claims she’ll never get a position in her field if she does. Is that your situation, too?”
    â€œNo.” He leaned his elbows on the table. “I have my own software company. Has nothing to do with my interest in Wampanoag culture. I don’t depend on the whim of some goddamned untenured professor who’s got to publish or perish, excuse my language.” He pinched his thumb and forefinger together. “I’m that close to taking care of the perish part.”
    A lock of Christopher’s hair had fallen over his forehead. His eyes, with those glittery gold