Chapter 6 - The Race for the Cure
Dr. Evans pointed to a spike on the monitor displaying April's blood work.
"This is a synthetic neurotoxin," he explained grimly.
"It slowly shuts down the respiratory system over a period of weeks."
"She doesn't have much time left before the damage becomes completely irreversible."
I felt the room spin as I looked at my pale, lifeless granddaughter.
"How do we cure it?" I begged.
"I can synthesize an antidote," Dr. Evans replied.
"But I need to know the exact chemical structure of the poison."
"Without the original formula, any antidote I make could kill her instantly."
I remembered the toxicology report we found in the storage unit.
It mentioned that the poison was developed in a private research facility.
It was the exact same facility where Arthur’s fiancée, Elena, worked as a senior chemist.
"Elena has the formula," I said, my voice hardening with resolve.
"She keeps all her classified research in her private safe at the lab."
Dr. Evans looked at me like I was insane.
"That lab is heavily guarded, Charles," he warned.
"You'll never make it past the front desk."
"I have to," I told him.
I left Lucy and Rachel sitting by April's bedside, promising them I would return.
I drove my truck to the industrial park where Elena’s company was located.
I parked a few blocks away and approached the building through the rear loading dock.
A delivery driver had left a side door propped open with a brick.
I slipped inside the sterile, white hallways, dodging security cameras.
I found Elena’s corner office on the third floor.
I picked the lock with a tension wrench I kept on my keychain.
Her office was dark, but a massive steel safe sat behind her desk.
I pulled Rose’s notebook from my pocket, hoping she had written down the combination.
On the last page, Rose had scrawled a series of numbers labeled "E's code."
I spun the dial, entering the numbers with sweaty fingers.
The heavy metal door clicked and swung open.
Inside, sitting on a velvet cushion, was a small vial of clear liquid.
May you like
But as I reached for it, the office lights flickered on.
I turned around to find Arthur standing in the doorway, holding a loaded handgun pointed right at my chest.
