Infected

54.

Murray Longworth’s desk intercom buzzed softly. He pressed the “talk” button.

“What is it, Victor?”

“Sir, I thought you’d want to know that something came in over the web.”

Murray felt his pulse quicken. “When?”

“Less than an hour ago, sir.”

“Where is the client?”

“Ann Arbor, Michigan, sir.”

“Bring me the info immediately.”

Victor entered the office with a sealed folder. The computer boys were under strict orders to print any web info that came through, then delete all traces of the data from the system. Murray didn’t like using the Internet, but he agreed with Montoya that it was one way to possibly reach victims without raising the press’s attention. Apparently the hunch had paid off.

Victor left the room, and Murray broke the seal.

Ann Arbor, Michigan. Perry Dawsey. Dew was already there, had already had a run-in with one of the infected freaks, as had Otto and Margaret. It was a slam-dunk home run. Margaret’s work had put Dew close. Dawsey listed no contacts-that was good. That made things easier. Apartment complex-that wasn’t good. No description of Dawsey’s condition.

Dew was already there. So was Margaret, and she had an analysis facility ready and waiting. Finally, it was the break that Murray needed.