Chapter 41
The choice was obvious. In fact, it wasn’t much of a choice at all. Go up against the machine, or save Kara. I figured I could go up against the machine any day. It didn't have to be today.
"This is not a generation two version of Velotraxin,” Dr. Malcolm said, getting back on track.
"This is an attempt to copy it, made with substandard components. Whoever designed this used a different enzyme for activation. This compound is unstable. It was likely produced in a lab in Iran, judging by some of the ingredients used that are readily available in the region.”
"So you're saying the CIA did not make this version of the toxin?” I said.
Vernon shook his head. "No. Absolutely not. It’s substandard. Corners and costs were cut. This was likely purchased on the black market. A cheap analog.”
“Unless the Company purposely bought it on the black market to throw off the trail,” I said, always the skeptic.
"Great," Kara snarked. "I got injected with a budget toxin.”
"It's a good thing,” Dr. Malcolm said. “There's a potential way to neutralize the enzyme and halt the mechanism of action.”
Kara's eyes perked up with optimism. "Tell me more."
"There is a drug currently in clinical trials.
It's not FDA-approved yet. It's showing positive results in the treatment of certain blood cancers.
I consulted with the biotech firm on its development.
It's a potent enzyme inhibitor, and by my estimation, would work to neutralize this analog of the toxin.”
Kara smiled. "That's great. Where do we get it?”
Dr. Malcolm shook his head. "It's not available anywhere on the market. You’d have to get it directly from the biotech company, and they're not going to give it to you. Proprietary technology. Experimental.”
“Can you synthesize it?" I asked.
Dr. Malcolm shook his head. "Not here. I don't have the equipment or the materials. It is an involved process, and the enzyme inhibitor is delicate. The drug must be stored at a specific temperature until use.”
"Well, that's just fantastic. There's a cure, and we can’t access it,” Kara said.
"It's not a cure," Dr. Malcolm said. “It’s a chance. A Hail Mary.”
"So how do we get it?" Kara asked.
"It depends on what lengths you're willing to go to." Dr. Malcolm's eyes flicked between the two of us. "I suspect you're willing to do just about anything."
"I think that goes without saying," Kara replied. "I can't speak for the good deputy here."
It wasn't hard to see where Dr. Malcolm was going with all this.
I said, "You’re suggesting we break into the biotech lab, steal the drug, and bring it back to the lab."
"I suggested no such thing. But if she wants to live…”
That hung there for a moment.
“You’ve already done enough, Tyson,” Kara said. “You don’t need to risk it. I can handle this.”
I gave her a doubtful look. Kara was hanging in there, but she was far from peak performance.
“Just tell me where it’s at, and I’ll get it,” she continued.
An ominous look tensed Dr. Malcolm's face. "Zonatrex Pharmaceuticals is a highly secured facility. It's not going to be that easy. You don't know your way around. Once inside, you’ll need to find the lab, find the drug, maintain it at proper temperature, and exfiltrate.”
"Sounds like I'll need a guide," Kara said with a sly grin.
Dr. Malcolm knew what she was getting at. He shook his head. "Oh no! Not me. I'm not a field agent. I don’t do that kind of thing.”
"You’ve been in the building before,” I said. “You're familiar with the layout. You know the drug.”
"Yes, but I would only be a hindrance.”
We both stared at him.
His nervous eyes flicked between the two of us. "You can't make me do this.”
"Nobody’s gonna make you do anything, Dr. Malcolm," Kara said in a voice sweet as pie. "But it would be much cooler if you helped us.”
The way Kara could look at you with those big eyes was enough to make even the most resilient man cave.
"It will be easy, peazy. In and out,” the vixen assured.