Cliff Ryder - Out of Time

“Most biologicals take time to germinate and spread. They aren’t efficient because there are too many ways to combat their effects, and it’s possible to get antidotes into the systems of those under attack in time to prevent complete success.

The nanoagents attack a person’s body on the genetic level. With the proper programming they can shut down the immune system, making the body so defenseless that even the common cold can cause death. It’s based on research done right here in this lab, actually—your research.”

“No.” She couldn’t move now. All shaking had stopped. She was frozen, unable to say anything more than that, unable to even blink.

“Ah, but it is. Your work in genetic therapy laid the groundwork for the agent. We just took the nanotechnology to the next level, allowing it to be delivered more rapidly and far more effectively.

This genetic agent will attack the body within seconds of delivery. In twenty-four hours, the immune system has shut down completely. First sign of a virus or infection, the person is dead within forty-eight hours. God forbid they already have something like cancer or pneumonia. They won’t last twelve hours. And by the time they determine cause of death, the agents will have spread to others, and they will die, as well—but of a variety of simple viruses and diseases.”

Brin had begun to cry again. “That’s my husband!” she moaned, pointing at the screen. “Why are you torturing my husband?”

“I told you what he tried to do. You and he are just lucky that he didn’t succeed. So is your daughter.”

Brin gasped, shaking hard and ready to faint.

“Savannah?” She started to back away. She raised a hand and pointed it at Rand, then let it drop.

“You bastard. You’d threaten a little girl?”

“Mind what I’m telling you. You’ll bring this project to completion or you’ll lose your husband.

If you try to seek help from anyone they’re both as good as dead. If you want to keep your family safe—do what I say.”

Brin thought hard. The man was obviously insane, but that didn’t mean he was stupid. She had to find a way to buy some time, and she had to get a chance to think. She didn’t know what the hell Alex was really doing in China, or what it had to do with her work, but she’d heard enough to know they were all in more danger than she’d ever imagined possible, and it was up to her to get them out. She let her voice crack as she spoke, hoping he’d see it as fear, and not catch the biting, bitter taste of anger she felt in her throat.

“When I’m done, you’ll let Alex go? You won’t hurt Savannah?”

“Alex will be released and your darling little Savannah will be safe,” Rand said. “What possible use could I have for them once you’ve finished your work, Brin? You are a most gifted scientist, and I need your skills to bring the project to its fruition. After that, Alex will be free to go. Once the work is complete, his attempt at stopping our project will be moot. I would, of course, like you to consider staying on, but I understand that you may have certain reservations after this. For the moment, however, you will be a good little soldier, yes?”

She knew better; no importance also meant that there was no reason for him to keep them alive, either. She also knew she had to buy enough time that Alex—or someone—could fix this. She wished she had a way to log back into Room 59, but she remembered the threat that they’d shut Alex out, and what if he freed himself and managed to reach a computer? She couldn’t risk putting him in further danger.

“All right. I’ll do as you ask. Just don’t hurt Alex anymore. And leave our daughter out of this.

Please.”

“They’ll be safe, so long as you do what I say.”

Brin turned to leave, her heart still hammering in her chest. She had never been so scared in all her life. And just the thought that someone might actually have Savannah made her heart skip beats.

“Brin?” Rand called out to her before she made it to the door.

She glanced over her shoulder guiltily, as if he were reading her thoughts. Rand was squinting at his monitor again, not watching her at all, but reviewing her husband’s torture once more.

“Don’t screw me. There will be no warning, no second chance. Rest assured that I do not take un-necessary risks with projects this big. You and Savannah will be watched by men who make Captain Dayne look gentle as a teddy bear. Do as I say and all will be well. Fuck with me and your life, Alex’s and Savannah’s will be forfeit.”

She fled the office and ran down the hall to the elevator. She knew he could monitor her movements via the security cameras, but at the moment, she didn’t care. She had to find out what was really going on, but more importantly, she had to know where her daughter was, that she was okay. Brin raced out of the elevator and ran almost full speed to the outdoor break area. Several startled lab technicians jumped out of her way, but she paid them little heed. Once there, she pulled out her cell phone and used the speed dial for Savannah’s day care.

“Hi, Mrs. Kerr. This is Brin Tempest. I was just calling to make sure Savannah was okay.”

“Of course, dear. She’s just fine. Why? Is something wrong?” The woman’s voice was soft, comforting.

“Nothing,” Brin finally said. “Nothing at all.”

She paused a moment, trying to control her shaking. “You can see her right now, right?”

“She’s right in front of me, having juice and cookies.”

“Good. That’s good. Listen, I’m going to have to work late tonight and my husband is still out of town. I’m going have my friend Karen pick Savannah up as soon as possible. You can make her show you her driver’s license so you feel comfortable releasing Savannah. Her name is Karen Raisch.”

“Very good, Mrs. Tempest. Savannah will be ready when she gets here.”

Brin ended the call and dialed Karen’s cell phone from memory. Karen was a ten-year veteran of the police department and now worked as a private detective. They’d been friends for quite a while and Karen absolutely adored Savannah.

Karen answered on the third ring, her voice re-assuring in its confident strength. “Raisch here.”

“Hey, Karen, it’s Brin. Do you have a minute?”

“For you, Brin, I can spare at least an hour,”

Karen said. “What’s up?”

Brin took another deep breath. “Listen, I have a favor to ask. We’ve got some problems at the lab and Alex is still out of the country. I know it’s really short notice, but please, can you pick Savannah up at her day care and take care of her for a few days? I’ll pay you whatever it costs.”

Karen was silent for a long moment, then she said, “Sure, honey, I can take her—and I wouldn’t accept a dime for watching her anyway. She’s a doll, so that’s no problem, but I sense a bit of panic in your voice. Is everything okay?”

“Not really. I can’t talk now. Just please, go get Savannah as soon as possible. Keep her with you, no matter what.”

“Brin, you’re starting to scare me. What’s going on?”

“I’ll explain as soon as I can,” Brin promised.

“Just keep Savannah with you. And be careful. If you see anything—odd—anyone that doesn’t seem right—run. Watch her like a hawk and don’t let anybody else near her. I’ll get to you guys as soon as I can.”

There was another long pause, then Karen said, “All right, but if Savannah needs to be protected, I should at least know what to look for.”

“Just keep her safe and away from strangers,”

Brin said. “That’s all I can say right now. Please, Karen. I’ll owe you one. Big time.”

“I’ll watch after Savannah, Brin. She’ll be fine.