Devil's Gold by Julie Korzenko Read Free Book Online Page B

“Edward, on behalf of the board and myself, let me be the first to congratulate you on your success. I’m sorry that we were unable to convene at a more respectable arena. Everyone is extremely anxious to learn of your results. However, it has been left to me to speak with you personally.”
    Edward frowned. This was a first. Normally, the board barked orders and pressured him for results via e-mail and video conferencing. Never had they ever expressed any gratitude. Returning the man’s handshake with enough strength to avoid the image of being weak, he assumed that these men finally realized the importance of his discovery. “Mr. Jacobs, thank you very much.” Edward glanced around. His eyes scanned the span of perfectly manicured grass. In the distance a small lake glittered beneath the sun, affording a scenic landscape. “Where would you like me to set up?”
    â€œSet up?”
    Edward shifted his weight and refrained from sliding his sweat-soaked palms against the edge of his pants. “Yes, sir. I’ve blown up my notes and created a diagram to explain the procedure. Also, I have a three-dimensional computer program that explains more detail on the genetic compound and mutation.”
    Mr. Jacobs walked toward a golf cart, jumped behind the wheel, and signaled for Edward to join him. “Actually, Edward, what we’re most interested in is the composition of CPV-19.”
    Edward moved his bag from one shoulder to the next and followed Mr. Jacobs. He eyed the green and white cart and for one brief second envisioned it popping nuts and bolts and disintegrating into a pile of junk the second he sat down. “I don’t understand.” Edward said a silent prayer and shuffled onto the white vinyl bench. The golf cart rocked beneath his weight but didn’t break. “CPV-19 is simply the byproduct of the successful mutation. The process is what must be patented.” He clutched his bag to his chest as the golf cart swung off the driveway and sped across the fairway.
    The wheels hit a narrow gravel path, crunching and grinding the small rocks into the dirt. Mr. Jacobs eased off the pedal, and the cart slowed to a crawl. Edward inhaled and continued his mini-lecture. “You see, with this procedure many scientists will be able to utilize their existing gene therapies, apply my mutation series, and then reach cures for inherited blood disorders and anomalies. For example, we could find a way to cure sickle-cell anemia.”
    As Mr. Jacobs nodded absently, Edward fumbled in his bag and pulled out a detailed sketch of CPV-19. “You see, sir, I modified the gene in the canine parvo virus to recognize the transferrin receptor of the human version of parvo, Fifth Disease.”
    The golf cart crept to a complete stop. Edward glanced around quickly, not certain of their location. They appeared to be beside some type of watering hole. There was a funny red metal stand beside a large, green, metal container with a dispenser of paper cups on the side. Edward tilted his head and studied the red stand. A puddle of water muddied the sand at its base, adding to the puzzle.
    Mr. Jacobs reached his hand out and pulled the diagram from Edward, scrutinizing the sheet. “Transferrin receptor?”
    Snapping his attention back from the mystery of the metal pole, Edward realized he needed to simplify. “Every virus has this protein affixed to their genetic compound.” He climbed out of the cart, leaving his bag behind. “For example, take this red stand.”
    â€œThe ball washer?”
    Mystery solved. Edward smiled and placed his hand on the ball washer. “Yes. This ball washer. Both the ball washer and this green dispenser contain the same product, right?”
    Mr. Jacobs lifted one shoulder. “Water?”
    â€œYes, water. But they’re not the same, really; are they?”
    â€œOf course not. Dr. Fiske, what exactly are you trying to