Filling the tense silence, she continued, “I have my credentials here.” She reached into her purse and pulled out a white, neatly folded piece of paper. “The university asked me to assure you that I am not a graduate student. I have advanced degrees in chemistry and bioengineering from both the Imperial College and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the United States.”
I continued to stare at her, not reaching for the piece of paper she offered.
After a long pause, she opened the paper and held it up for me to see. “I was also given the necessary top secret clearances by the military to work on this project with you.”
I blinked several times, trying to gather myself together. Finally, I spoke. “I’m sorry, Miss…”
“Poole. Catherine Poole.”
“Yes, I’m sorry, but you’ve been misinformed. I do not require a lab assistant on this project.”
“Please, Dr. Jekyll. If you’d only give me a chance. I’ve read into the details, and I have to say I admire and respect what you are doing here.”
My eyes narrowed. “What do you mean?”
She held her hand to her heart. “Why, creating a formula that would enhance the bravery of Her Majesty’s soldiers, of course. Allowing those men and women to set aside their fears and focus on protecting our country will probably save thousands of lives. Just think of all the deaths that could happen if a soldier hesitates, even for a split second, before pulling a trigger or giving the all-clear for a drone strike.”
She was lying.
I could tell.
She was just telling me what I wanted to hear, trying to get me to trust her.
Turning my back on her, I gathered up the papers and held them close to my chest. “As I’ve said, there has been a mistake. I do not require an assistant.”
Catherine’s shoulders slumped. She neatly refolded the paper and tucked it into her purse. “Thank you for your time, Dr. Jekyll. I’m sorry to have disturbed your work.”
Without another word of protest, she turned and left.
The floral scent of her perfume lingered long after she was gone.
CHAPTER3
DR. HENRY JEKYLL PERSONAL RESEARCH JOURNAL
ENTRY 4589-3B
Bl88dX5 formula proved inconclusive.Modified molecular structure of dihydroxyl-alpha-methylbenzyl alcohol insufficient to achieve necessary results. Need to increase dosage to break the amino ethyl side chain for more methylated nitrogen.
For Bl88dX6 formula, I am increasing the concentration of racemic mixture of d-epinephrine and l-epinephrine.
University is attempting to sabotage my results by introducing a spy into my lab. It is now necessary to take matters into my own hands. They have left me no choice.
Human Trial of Bl88dX6 to commence.
Subject: Dr. Henry Jekyll
Time is 17:00.
I printedout what I had just written and tucked it into my leather-bound journal. I then picked up the glass vial of Bl88dX6. I stared at the crimson liquid for several seconds. I was taking a great risk by testing the formula on my own body, but I knew throughout history great strides in medical science had only been achieved by those who were willing to put their own lives on the line for their research. This formula was to be my legacy. I couldn’t let the university pull my funding and shut down my lab. Not now. Not when I was so close…
Closing my eyes, I raised the vial to my lips and drank.
CHAPTER4
CATHERINE
Iwas being followed. I could feel it.