Termination: The Boy Who Died (Decimation Book 2) by Richard T. Burke

Author:Richard T. Burke [Burke, Richard T.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: RJNE Books
Published: 2021-05-16T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 38

Friday 18th July 2036

Tripoli Infectious Diseases Hospital, Republic of North Africa

20 days until the deadline

Dr Kubar knocked on the door of Professor Halfon’s office. Should he reveal Rosalind Baxter’s offer to his supervisor? She had made the proposal over twenty-four hours ago, so if they knew what she had said, his window of opportunity was diminishing rapidly. The news about her role in the origins of the virus had cemented his decision.

“Come in,” came a voice from inside. Kubar turned the handle and stepped into the well-appointed room. The dark wood of the desk contrasted with the white walls. A large, framed photograph showed Halfon standing in front of his staff and welcoming Mullah Awad at the opening of the new research wing of the hospital.

Halfon sat in the leather-backed chair and pointed to the basic wooden seat opposite. He placed his elbows on the polished surface and leant forward. “I take it everything is going well. The woman is back at work, right?”

“That is correct, sir. Her wounds were superficial. Did you know about her involvement in creating—?”

“Of course.”

“But, would it not have been advisable to inform me?”

Halfon steepled his fingers. “What difference would it have made?”

“She is responsible for the deaths of millions of women. The rest of the science team does not want to work with her. Many have lost loved ones to the disease she created.”

“Surely her background also makes her best qualified to develop a cure.”

“I suppose so.”

“Before we discuss this further, there is another matter we must talk about. As you know, our leader visited yesterday. He is concerned about our research getting into the hands of the Westerners. Many of our workers come from the West and have friends or family there. We cannot risk them stealing our work.”

“Yes. I—”

Halfon glowered at his subordinate. “Do not interrupt me until I finish speaking.”

“Of course, sir.”

“As I was saying, the mullah is worried about losing our intellectual property. We have taken many risks and spent much money to bring this team together. We must prevent anybody from stealing our findings. For that reason, from now on, all people working on this project will remain on site. We cannot permit them to communicate with the outside world. I want all portable devices confiscated. All forms of communication in this building will be carefully controlled and monitored. Nobody who works here can be allowed to leave.”

“This will not be good for morale, sir.”

“I am not stupid. I know it will be difficult. That brings me to another matter. I have decided to step back and allow you to lead the scientific activities.”

Kubar’s mind spun. The pieces fell into place immediately inside his head. He had worked with Halfon too long to be taken in by his machinations. The professor needed a fall guy in case they failed to attain their goal. No doubt, he would be more than happy to grab the glory if they succeeded. Unfortunately, there was no option but to accept.

“I would be honoured to take on this responsibility, sir.

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