Robin Cook: Acceptable Risk

“I don’t see that would have made any difference,” Edward said. “To this day, no animal studies have shown this human side effect. In fact, by our taking the drug when we did, we probably saved a large number of human volunteers from experiencing what we’ve suffered.”

“But there were other side effects,” Kim said.

“True,” Edward admitted. “I should have picked up on the short-term-memory loss as being significant. The drug was obviously showing its capability to block network-level nerve function.”

“Has your subsequent research led to any understanding of your condition?” Kim asked.

“By studying each other in the throes of an attack we’ve been able to document what we had originally proposed as the mechanism of action,” Gloria said. “Ultra builds up to a point where it blocks cerebral control of the limbic system and lower brain centers.”

“But why are you getting attacks now that the drug is gone?” Kim asked.

“That’s the question!” Edward said. “That’s what we are trying to learn. We believe it is through the same mechanism as ‘bad trip’ flashbacks which some people suffer after hallucinogenic drug use. We’re trying to investigate the problem so that we might be able to figure out a way to reverse it.”

“Dilantin worked for a short time to control the fits,” Gloria said. “But then we began to become tolerant, so now it no longer works. The fact that it influenced the process for a short term has us encouraged we might find another agent.”

“I’m surprised Omni is still in business,” Kim said to change the subject.

“We are too,” Edward said. “Surprised and pleased. Otherwise we wouldn’t have this lab. Stanton just has not given up, and his persistence has paid off. One of the other alkaloids from the new fungus has shown significant promise as a new antidepressant, so he’s been able to raise adequate capital.”

“I hope at least Omni has abandoned Ultra,” Kim said.

“No, indeed!” Edward said. “That’s the other major thrust of our research: trying to determine what part of the Ultra molecule is responsible for the meso-limbic-cerebral blockage that we’ve labeled ‘the Mr. Hyde Effect.’”

“I see,” Kim said. She started to wish them luck but couldn’t get herself to do it. Not after all the trouble Ultra had already caused.

Kim was about to say goodbye and promise she’d be back to visit when she noticed Edward’s eyes glaze over. Then his entire face was transformed just as it had been on the fateful night when she’d awakened him. In an instant he was in an uncontrollable rage.

Without any warning or provocation he launched himself at Kim and collided with a thump against the thick glass shield.

Kim leaped back in fright. Gloria responded by swiftly opening Edward’s IV.

For a brief moment Edward clawed vainly at the glass. Then his face went slack and his eyes rolled up into his head. In slow motion he sagged like a balloon with its air slowly let out. Gloria skillfully guided him to the floor.

“I’m sorry about this,” Gloria said as she tenderly adjusted Edward’s head. “I hope Edward didn’t frighten you too much.”

“I’m fine,” Kim managed, but her heart was pounding in her chest and she was trembling. Warily she stepped close to the window and looked down at Edward lying on the floor. “Will he be all right?”

“Don’t worry,” Gloria said. “We’re rather used to this sort of thing. Now you can see why we have these IVs. We’ve been experimenting with various tranquilizers. I’m pleased with how quickly this one worked.”

“What would happen if both of you had an attack simultaneously?” Kim asked to try to focus her mind.

“We’ve thought about that,” Gloria said. “Unfortunately, we’ve not been able to come up with any fail-safe ideas. So far it hasn’t happened. I guess all we can do is the best we can.”

“I admire your fortitude,” Kim said.

“I don’t think we have much choice,” Gloria said.

After saying goodbye, Kim left. She was unnerved. As she descended in the elevator her legs felt weak. She was afraid her little visit would bring back the recurrent nightmares she’d had immediately after the terrible night.

Emerging into the warm midspring sunshine, Kim felt better. Just being outside helped, but she could not keep from replaying the image of Edward furiously slamming into the glass of his self-imposed prison.

When Kim reached her car, she stopped and turned to face Omni. She wondered what kind of drugs the company would be loosing on the world in the future. She shuddered. The thought made her vow to be even more conservative than she’d been in the past about taking drugs, any drugs!

Kim keyed open her door and got into the car. She didn’t start the engine immediately. In her mind’s eye, she could still see Edward’s face as it underwent its ghastly transformation. It was something she never would forget.

Starting out of the parking lot, Kim did something that surprised her. Instead of returning back to Boston as she’d planned, she impulsively headed north. After the unnerving experience at Omni she felt an irresistible urge to return to the compound, where she had not gone since the visit with Kinnard.

With little traffic the trip passed quickly, and within a half hour Kim was unlocking the padlock on the gates. She drove directly to the cottage and got out. Immediately she felt an odd sensation of relief as if she were coming home after an arduous journey.

Fumbling with the keys, Kim opened the lock and entered. Stepping into the half-light of the parlor, she looked up al Elizabeth’s portrait. The intense green of the eyes and the determined line of the jaw were as Kim remembered, but there was something else, something she’d not seen. It appeared as if Elizabeth were smiling!

Kim blinked and looked again. The smile was still there. It was as if Elizabeth were reacting to the fact that after so many years some good had come from her terrible ordeal; she had been ultimately vindicated.

Amazed at this effect, Kim stepped closer to the painting only to appreciate the sfumato that the artist had used at the corners of Elizabeth ’s mouth. Kim smiled herself, realizing it was her own perceptions that were being reflected in Elizabeth’s visage.

Turning around, Kim gazed out at the view Elizabeth saw from her position over the mantel. At that moment Kim decided to move back to the cottage. The emotional trauma engendered by that last terrible night had already significantly lessened, and Kim wanted to come home to live within the penumbra of Elizabeth’s memory. Remembering she was the same age as Elizabeth had been when Elizabeth had been so unjustly killed, Kim vowed to live the rest of her life for both of them. It was the only way she could imagine to repay Elizabeth for the self-understanding she’d provided.