Tape #21 - To Catch A Thief

-"Good reasoning, Ava,"- the doctor praised. -"But it would work better if..."-

During what felt like endless hours in the office, student and teacher were going back and forth about something; gesturing frantically at the files scattered across the desk, then at the gleaming equipment in the laboratory, and finally back to the papers in front of them. Their faces were etched with focused expressions as they tried to reach a resolution.

-"I really hope this works,"- Ava furrowed her brow in worry as she rummaged through the contents of the other drawers, her fingers sifting through old lab reports and empty data sheets. Finally, she found what she was looking for: a folder, much like the one the man had stolen. Except this one was empty.

Dr. Walsh approached the corner of her desk with a soft cloth in hand, where an old typewriter lay covered in a thick layer of dust. -"With careful execution, Ava, even the most elusive people can be baited out."- She dusted off the machine, her eyes sparkling with intention. -"Now let us put our hypothesis to the test."-

- - -

It took the doctor just under an hour to reproduce the formatting of the old Project Chimera files, meticulously copying their telltale mix of well-organized typewriter points and hastily jotted down notes. However, this new file was a game-changer. This one spoke of an extraordinary discovery linking the genetic catalyst of Project Chimera with a recent breakthrough. The scientist deliberately left several blank spaces, like a trail of breadcrumbs, hoping it would lure the thief in and ultimately lead to their capture.

Once Dr. Walsh had crafted a convincing bait, she neatly packed it in the folder and gave Ava a sly smile. The student was slightly disoriented by the gesture, but gave a nervous smile back.

-"Now... Let's hope the bio squad yaps as much as you say, Doc."-

With a nod of her head, the doctor confidently reached for the folder resting on the desk. She rose from her chair, her footsteps echoing through the silent room as she made her way towards the lab. Ava's eyes were fixed on her mentor's every move, admiring her determination as she strode into the room. As soon as the doctor entered, a group of researchers surrounded her like a flock of pigeons to a discarded cookie.

-"Look, it's Evelyn! Hi!"- Waved a fat lady Ava knew only by sight and the signature scent of coffee that seemed to follow her everywhere.

-"Are you okay? I heard a..."- A scrawny technician followed, but froze at the sight of the folder clutched tightly to the doctor's chest. -"Oooh! New project, Eve?"-

The geneticist's face twisted into a sly smirk as she listened. -"You're correct, O'Malley. In fact..."- leaning in slightly, her eyes glittering with mischief, she whispered the words to him. From the office, Ava saw the guy's expression shift to one of bewilderment.

-"No way!"- The guy exclaimed, looking up at the doctor. She shrugged nonchalantly. -"That's... Oh. My. God. I simply have to tell Emilia! Can I?"- The shorter lab technician practically vibrated with excitement.

The doctor looked down at him, her expression hard to read. -"Oh, I'd rather keep a low profile about this for now... Just her, yes?"-

With a look of excitement on his face, the guy eagerly nodded in agreement before scurrying off. Little did the researcher know, a curious student stood behind the window, marveling at the geneticist's acting skills.

She saw the doctor place the file near a scanner, half-open, and return to the office with the same confidence as before.

-"Done?"- The student asked.

The corners of Dr. Walsh's lips curled up, forming a playful smile that seemed to light up her whole face. Ava felt a sense of relief noticing the scientist's improved mood. -"Oh, done."-