“So?” Blond eyebrows rose in inverted U’s of surprise. “But that’s hardly possible. Our tests indicate-”
“Don’t you think that this is a matter for Dr. Brainard?” Kennon said icily. “Protocol—”
“Of course. Stupid of me—but the case is so interesting. Half the center staff have seen her already. I wasn’t proposing to discuss the case. It wouldn’t be proper. Even though you are only a veterinarian.”
“Only?” Kennon’s voice was hard. “I shouldn’t have to remind you of this, Mr. Smalley—but I have been for the past two years on a world of bad manners. I expected better here at home.”
Smalley flushed to the roots of his straw-colored hair. “Sorry, Doctor,” he muttered. “I don’t know what’s the matter with me.”
“I can tell you,” Kennon said. “You’ve just graduated.”
“How did you know?” Smalley said.
“I was a graduate once, myself—not too long ago.”
“How long, sir?”
“Class of Eighty-seven.”