Page 28 - Like No Business I Know

Hypocritical Oaths

“Yes. I think it was water. I do keep an identical beaker in here
containing a mutant strain of kala-azar, and I suppose I could have
mixed them up.”
“Kala-azar? That’s Leishmaniasis, treatable with broad-spectrum
antibiotics.”
Raven grinned.
“Not this strain: it is resistant. And like an opportunistic virus, it
cannot be totally eradicated from the human body. Fortunately, the
same researcher here at Triskelion who identified the protozoan
responsible for the disease also—by sheer luck—found a biochemical
means of limiting its reproduction. If this very rare drug is taken at
regular intervals, the sufferer can lead a normal life; otherwise the
prognosis is not very good.”
Dreyfus turned a shade of green not often seen on creatures more
highly evolved than amphibians.
“Oh, my God.”
“Your monthly dose should arrive via international post on the
third working day of the month. I’ve heard that delay in
administering the drug is inadvisable. Our supplier—who must
remain anonymous—works under less than optimal conditions in the
tropics, and cannot be counted on resuming shipments if the order
from our office should once be cancelled. Do you understand me
now, Dr. Dreyfus?”
The virologist was silent, wondering who might hear him if he
screamed.

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