Ken McClure - Pandora's Helix

“So that’s why some people were immune to it,” said Neef. “If it was based on an ordinary virus like Adeno virus, lots of us would have antibodies to it.”

“Depending on when you last had a cold or flu,” said Pereira.

“But some of us wouldn’t,” said Neef.

“Presumably why our friend from Porton Down is interested in it,” said Pereira, “and why these guys are now doing their best to pretend it doesn’t exist.”

Klein interrupted. “If what you say is true, Dr Pereira we really must insist that you hand over your isolate of this virus immediately.”

“Menogen Research does not use para-Adeno virus as a vector. It never has,” said Pereira flatly. He said it as a challenge.

Klein cleared his throat and said, “I think we can accept in the light of this... revelation that Menogen Research were in no way to blame for this unfortunate outbreak.”

Pereira kept staring at Klein.

“And that we were perhaps precipitate in revoking their license...”

Pereira stared on. “It’s cost us a bundle.”

“And that perhaps financial compensation for their losses might be in order.”

“Good,” said Pereira quietly. “We’ve started talking to each other. Now, would you really like me to hand over this virus that you’ve already got down at Porton or will I just chuck it in the sterilizer?”

“We would like the virus,” replied Klein, refusing to admit anything to Pereira. “Some of these gentlemen will accompany you when you leave here.”

“Just as you like,” said Pereira, enjoying his moment. “And our license?”

“Will be restored in the morning.”

“Along with a press release clearing us of all blame?”

“Yes,” said Klein as if he’d said the word without opening his mouth. “There will be no other kind of press release,” added Klein coldly.

The tone of Klein’s voice told Neef that he would rather not know about the threat behind it. Pereira had pushed his luck as far as it would go. He looked at Pereira who was about to rise to the bait and interrupted first. “I’m sure that Dr Pereira and I would be the last people on earth to wish to cause unnecessary fear and alarm to the general public. You can be assured of our complete silence.”

“Good,” said Klein. “Public peace of mind is so important.”

Outside the room, Pereira lit a cigarette and inhaled deeply.

“You did well in there,” said Neef. They were talking together while two police officers waited to accompany Pereira to the lab where he had propagated the virus.

“I had to,” replied Pereira. “Didn’t I?”

“Yes, you did,” admitted Neef thoughtfully. “When I first met you I thought you were filled with a totally unnecessary cynicism. It appears I was wrong. I’m sorry.”

Pereira smiled. “When I first met you, I thought there was no such thing as a genuinely dedicated doctor who always put his patients first. I was wrong. I’m sorry too.”

The two men shook hands and Neef watched as Pereira left with the policemen.

Neef yawned and made his way back to his unit where he found Lawrence Fielding catching up on some paperwork at his desk. The unit was on night lights. Fielding was working in a pool of light from his desk lamp.

“Hello,” said Neef wearily, “How are things?”

“You look like you’ve been in the wars,” said Fielding, seeing the mark on Neef’s head where the ashtray had hit him earlier.

“You could say,” agreed Neef. “More than that I cannot say.”

Fielding nodded his understanding. “I gathered something’s been going on. Can I assume that the cancer scare has now been resolved?”

“You can,” said Neef.

“Well, that’s the main thing I suppose.”

Neef nodded and asked, “How’s Neil?”

“Good,” replied Fielding. “We’ll have to include the Fire Brigade in our list of recognised therapies. Their visit did him the world of good. He’s found a new grip on life.”

“Good. How are the four we restored to the trial? Any ill effects?”

“They seem OK for the moment. They should certainly make it through to the gancyclovir treatment.”

Neef nodded his satisfaction. “Any other news?”

“John Martin is doing really well on Antivulon. I think we could up his dose.”

“Excellent. I think we might have lost him by now on conventional treatment.”

“All in all things are looking pretty good at the moment,” said Fielding.

“Can’t ask for more than that,” smiled Neef. “But tomorrow is another day, as they say. Seen Eve?”

Miss Sayers went home about ten. She said you should call her if you turned up. She’s been worried sick about you.”

“I’ll phone her.”

Neef called Eve from his office.

“Thank God!” she exclaimed when she heard his voice. “No one would tell me anything about you except that you were helping the police with their enquiries.”

“I’m free now,” said Neef. “I’m at the unit.”

“Can you come over?”

“On my way.”

Neef held Eve in his arms for a long time. It was just so good to touch her and smell her perfume, feel the softness of her hair against his cheek.

“Your poor face,” said Eve reaching up to touch his bruised forehead.

“It’s nothing. I owe you my life,” said Neef.

“You can’t tell me about it, can you?” said Eve, sensing a slight awkwardness about Neef.

“Max and I had to agree to keep silent but you know most of it anyway. Please God I never have another day like this one in my entire life,” said Neef with obvious feeling.

“Did you see Neil?”

“I saw him before I left the unit. Lawrence tells me he’s come through the crisis thanks to you and the fire brigade.”

Eve nodded with a smile. “They were a big success. What do you think his chances are now?” she asked.

“It’s all going to be up to the Menogen vector now,” replied Neef. “But it’s going to be given a fair chance to do its stuff. We’ll start him on Gancyclovir the day after tomorrow. I’m optimistic.”

“You have to be,” smiled Eve.

“Apart from that.”

“I’d give anything for the three of us to have another picnic like the one we had down at the mill.”

Neef agreed, holding Eve closer. “I’ve been thinking,” he said. “If Neil should come through this he’s still going to need love and support, ideally in a real family background. I was thinking maybe you and I...”

“Yes?”

“Well, you know, maybe we could...”

“What?”

“You know.”

“Not good enough, Neef.”

“All right,” said Neef. He took both Eve’s hands in his. “It’s true that when I first met you I was still in love with my wife Elaine.”

“Your wife?” prompted Eve.

“My dead wife,” conceded Neef. “Elaine is dead and gone. I’ll never forget her or what we had together but that’s all in the past. This is the present and I’m alive. I’m also very much in love with you. I just can’t bear to contemplate a future without you. I would be the happiest man alive if you’d be my wife.” Neef brought Eve’s hands up to his mouth and kissed each in turn. “What do you say?”

Eve smiled.

“Yes,” she said.