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“However,” Robin continued, “when Garras had that particular version of the drug, it wasn’t even complete.”

“Whatcha mean by that?” asked Hal.

“Paragon pulled the plug. Shut down the program, scrubbed their marketing, reassigned the team. Officially, Nixzin never made it past clinical trials.”

The static hummed through the garage. Jun glanced at Ken, whose expression had shifted from defiance to something quieter—like a man hearing confirmation of something he’d long suspected.

Matt had gone completely still by the workbench, phone forgotten in his hand.

“In fact, this drug should have never been made. The version Alex and Hal had was never completed. The memory loss was never solved—that’s why Paragon killed the program.” A pause. The static seemed to thicken. “Which means whatever is circulating now? Someone else made it. Someone who got the formula and doesn’t care what it does to people.”

Alex’s jaw worked, like he was chewing on something he didn’t want to say. “You know, you sound very knowledgeable about Durden.”

Robin’s response came quick. Too quick. “I mean, as someone behind the screen, I have the easiest access to look things up, like how Mr. Cop here used to be a detective—”

“You’ve taken it, haven’t you?” Alex retorted.

Robin didn’t respond immediately, probably taken aback by the claim. “What makes you say that?”

Alex shrugged with one hand. “Takes one to know one.”

A heavy exhale crackled through the speakers.

Then Ken spoke up. “At least with this background information, it could also mean that the Nixzin back on the streets is a newer version.”

“That’s what I’m suspecting as well,” Robin concurred.

“So if that’s the case, if we are able to find out where that particular version of the drug is coming from,” said Ken, “it might also bring us one step closer to finding out where Sunny may be.”

Alex took a step back. “We? Us?”

Ken nodded once. “I’m willing to help you find her. And not as someone being tied to the law.” He huffed. “But as someone who also wants to know the truth and to make sure no one else is a victim.”

“Listen, man, just because you wanna be some hero, don’t mean I wanna work with a pig like you. Former or not,” Alex retorted. He crossed his arms.

“Well, former or not, I could get you what you need.” Ken smirked. “I have resources that you would’ve never thought of.”

Alex’s nails dug into his elbows, his breathing coming in slow, deliberate huffs.

“Then can you and Mr. Resourceful here do something about this?” Kana tapped Alex’s shoulder. She held up the device, the slim metal bar Jun saw at Norms.

“What is that?” asked Ken.

She shrugged. “It’s the casing the Durden came in,” she said flatly, “but I’ve never seen anything like it.”

“Oh, the sample from the party, right?” chirped Robin.

“Yeah. Could this help us figure out where the new supply is coming from?”

Robin paused. “Possibly. We know the Durden was inside that casing, but the delivery device itself—I’ve never heard or seen anything like it.”

Ken squinted at it from his chair. “Neither have I.”

“Then there’s one other thing to do,” said Kana. She shoved the bar into Alex’s hand. “You take it to them.”

Alex blinked at her. “What?”

She nodded at him. “If it came from the Garras, then take it back to the source. Show it around. See what shakes loose.” She raised her eyebrows. “You said you’re still connected with them, right?”