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pounds with the molecular structure of human hormones." Tojian put on his half-glasses and opened his file to some computer printouts. "He found a high concentration of the same lookalike hormone we found in Matty's spinal fluids. And it's man-made." |
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"Oh . . . so it's official, I bought my son's death." |
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"That's not a conclusion I would draw, Calvin." |
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"He committed suicide out of self-loathing and despair." |
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"There's no proof it wasn't an accident," Tojian said. "And recrimination is not why I called. I'm concerned that the substance will spread to the public water supply. Your and Terry's blood readings are clean. And none of the physicians in the area have reports of hormonal abnormalities. That means it's still localized to your well." |
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"So you want my permission for the authorities to come out and tear the place up." |
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"Once again we're a little late," Calvin said. "I sold the place two hours ago." |
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"I see," Tojian said. "Well then, you'll have to tell the new owners." |
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"Otherwise I'll be liable. Nice irony," he said. "What goes around comes around." Calvin got up and walked to the door. Tojian did not move from his desk. When Calvin glanced back, Tojian was staring at him with a strange intensity. |
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"Before you go, I'd like you to see something." |
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Tojian then opened the door and led Calvin down the corridor to a set of swinging double doors. Above them was a sign: Specimen Pathology ResearchAuthorized Personnel Only |
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The swinging doors did not swing open. With a key Mitch unlocked the door, which relocked when it closed behind them. The corridor was a bright white tube with occasional doors to the right and left. They walked nearly to the end, then turned right. With another key Mitch unlocked a windowless door labeled Room 666. |
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They went inside and a distinct chemical odor struck Calvin. It was a scent out of his past. Of high school biology labs. Formalin. |
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Along both walls were steel cases containing large jars of human fetuses. All deformed. Some had short stumps instead of arms and |
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