"These are the experiment logs from last December to this March. Every daily entry has a timestamp. I also have email correspondence with the collaborating laboratory—every single data point matches up. Doris has only been in the group for two months. What does she have to compete with me?"
"This evidence is in black and white. Can you forge that for her too?"
Doris's face went white. She shook her head at Fabian, looking pitiful and helpless.
"Professor Morton, maybe we should just forget it?"
Tears spilled from her eyes. "I don't want this to blow up and affect my graduation."
Fabian patted her shoulder reassuringly.
"Even if something does happen, it's my responsibility. It has nothing to do with you."
He turned to me, impatience written all over his face.
"Sara, do you really have to take this so far?"
"I told you—one paper isn't a big deal for you."
"Why are you so determined to make an issue of this?"
I laughed coldly.
"You think this is just about a paper?"
"Fabian, have you ever respected me?"
"Today you're letting your student walk all over me for a paper. What outrageous thing will you do for her tomorrow?"
"I can ignore the rumors swirling around about you."