Chapter 58

“I was a scientist,” he replied.

Todd looked up expectantly. “What did you study, Simon?”

“Plant genetics.”

I set my fork down. I set my knife down. “Sounds fascinating.” Also FYI, it didn’t really. “Did you study them in the lab or in the field?”

He eyed us oddly. I think he was already accustomed to us talking inanely—his words, not mine. Suddenly, we were interested in science. Still, he played along. “Both, actually. My lab had a grant to study genetically altered crops that were planted in nearby farms.”

Todd nodded, forcing a fake smile all the while. “Funny, my father’s farm was used in such a study.”

Simon tilted his head and nodded. “Small world.”

I also nodded. “The smallest,” I said. “And was your study successful?”