“I wanted to ask you something,” I started, unsure how to explain the situation. “I’m developing an antidote to a new toxin.”
“What kind of toxin? What are you trying to cure?”
“For a toxic type of blood. I have a sample of the blood and a counterpart that neutralizes it. Is there a way to replicate that but catalyze it so it neutralizes and unravels the toxin’s structure itself?”
“Could be, especially if you have that other counterpart sample,” he said steadily. “Where did you get this?”
“It’s not important. But I do have another question.” I rubbed my palm nervously. “Hypothetically, do you think it would be possible for a human’s body to become poisonous? Like how some plants are entirely toxic from blossom to root?”
“Hypothetically, anything could be possible,” he said pointedly, “unless there is more to your question.”
“Well, maybe it does sound a bit outlandish when I say it that way,” I mumbled. “Anyway, do you think it would be possible to get me into the lab at the college? I would only need it for a few hours a week if there are any vacant labs.”
He paused as if to check a schedule locked away in his head. “I could make some time. But let me check for sure once I get back to my office. I can telephone you if I find any vacant blocks for the semester, if that works?”
“Yes! Yes, that would be amazing.” I smiled. “Do call on me if you find any gaps. I’ll take any.”
“Of course, anything for Jacek’s little girl.” He patted my hand before pausing. “How have youreallybeen? Since the incident?”
I swallowed hard and glanced down, giving an unsteady laugh in response. “Unwell at best. Empty at most,” I replied, squeezing his hand back.
“You would tell me if you needed anything. Anything at all, right?”
“Of course,” I lied. The professor’s eyebrow ticked up in suspicion, but he did not press.
“All right.” He pulled a tight smile, which was a lot coming from a man who was as stern as the clergy.
“Alina?” an accent pipped from behind me.
Dr. Hayes’s eyes narrowed at me and then at the man behind me.
I turned around and smiled. “Viktor! What a pleasant coincidence. How have you been?”
“I am well. I’m surprised to see you here with my professor.” He laughed.
I stood up to give him a tight hug.
“Shouldn’t you be in another class by now?” Dr. Hayes raised a brow at him.
Viktor gave a cheeky grin before raising a shoulder. “Perhaps. At least it’s not your lab.” He looked back at me. “Besides, I was on my way to you, Alina.” He held up a black leather gladstone bag.
“You brought it!” I gasped, leaning close so he could pop open the bag to show me its contents.
“I borrowed it from the lab, so please bring it back in one piece.” He glanced nervously at Dr. Hayes.
“Don’t look at me. I’m not in charge of equipment inventory.” Dr. Hayes shrugged, standing up and buttoning his jacket. His tall figure loomed above both of us. “I’ll be getting back now. I will send word soon about your lab time,” he said to me, then turned to Viktor. “I trust I will see you in lecture tomorrow? Unless you plan on skipping that too.”
“I’ll be there.” Viktor smiled sheepishly.
“Have a good rest of your afternoon,” Dr. Hayes said. He gave me a farewell hug before tipping his hat then stalking off. Ashe passed, the pigeons scattered in unison, scaring away the critters in his path.
“How do you know Professor Hayes?” Viktor closed the bag and clasped it.
“He was a friend of my father’s,” I said. “He is usually the one to lend me papers.”
“Ah, I see I have competition, then?” he joked.
“Yes, I have a queue of men extending down the street waiting to give me papers on germ theory and whether or not evolutionary theory holds any weight.” I rolled my eyes. “Walk with me?”
