“Not really. I just thought I’d try my hand at this high-tech stuff
while I had a few minutes.”
“Just holler if you need anything.”
Shelly parked herself in front of the computerized simulator and looked around for a moment. The device was similar to those used by pharmaceutical research firms to test possible physical reactions of a patient exposed to a new drug. Nervously, she began loading the formula she had given by Hans, trying not to think of what she may be holding in her hands. The key. The cure. The answer. The Holy Grail.
*****
Downstairs, a casually dressed Dr. Wall walked into his office to grab his clown shoes. As he was leaving, he ran into the night nurse.
“Here late tonight, Doctor?”
“Came back for my golf shoes,” he joked as he held them out in
front of him.
“I don’t even want to know what your handicap is.” She smiled.
“Thanks for not asking. All quiet tonight?”
“It is,” she said. “Pretty quiet, except for Dr. White. Saw her heading upstairs in a hurry.”
“Dr. White is still here?”
“Yes. She was heading to the new model lab. Quite impressive.
Have you seen it?”
“Yes,” he said, looking past her, “really something.” He wished
the night nurse a pleasant evening and made a beeline to the lab.
Startled, Johnny popped up from his video game, attempting to hide it behind his back.
“Hi, Doc! Nice shoes.”
“Thanks,” he mumbled. “Have you seen Dr. White?”
“She came in a short time ago and headed to the back. That’s her.
Unit number eight.”
“Thanks, son. You can go back to your game.” Wall briskly
walked away.
*****