Ryan knocked, waited politely for a response, and then entered the boardroom. Greeting him was Mr Jenkins, looking impeccable in his $60,000 merino sheep wool suit. He only wore suits designed by the world famous tailor, Enzo D'Orsi of Saville Row fame.
"Please, Ryan, do take a seat. We are all extremely interested in this potential breakthrough of yours."
As Ryan felt the eyes of the board bear down on him, he began, explaining how their hard work was finally bearing fruit. All they needed now was the additional funding and MRG241 could progress to human trials and eventually gain market approval.
"I like what this kid's got to say. I'm definitely interested."
Luca Falconi was the newest member of the board. At thirty-six years old, he was a wealthy man, making his money from the family business of trading arms, to friends or foes. Money been the only stipulation. He was as ruthless as he was successful. This was probably the last person Ryan expected to hear from.
"Have you experienced any noticeable side effects during testing? I mean on the rats, not you. Haha. Have you noticed anything strange?"
He fixed his eyes on Ryan and waited. A secret smile played across his face.
Ryan met his gaze and cleared his throat. "As with all research, there are bound to be ups and downs. You can't make an omelette without breaking a few eggs!"
There was something about the way Falconi was looking at Ryan that unnerved him. Did he know something? Surely not. But he had taken an interest in the project. Ryan remembered Mike's warning. "Be careful son, there's there's a lot of nooses in his family tree. One to be wary of."
"May I be excused for just a moment to freshen up." Ryan shuffled out into the corridor and entered the rest room. It was empty. The dark sheen of the bubinga wood and the mirrored walls only served to dampen Ryan's mood. The only thing he wished to see was his own reflection. But it was gone. He was gone. Why? Somebody must know. Mike? He was there every step of the way. Why didn't he disappear?! Mr Jenkins? He was willing to give Ryan the time of day, something he'd never previously done. Or Falconi? The way he looked at Ryan. His recent regular appearances down below with the 'lab rats'. Something didn't add up.
His cell vibrated. It was Mike.
"Hey buddy. I'm nearly fini..." Mike cut him off abruptly. "Ryan. I'm sorry pal. They got to Lexi. She's all I have left. It's Falconi. Ryan. RUN!!"
Ryan heard a stranger's voice in the background. "You stupid motherfucker!"
The line cut off as Mike let out a scream.
YOU ARE READING
The Ghost
Ciencia FicciónA cure to save millions. Or a tool to create devastation. If only Junior Researcher Ryan Elliot could have known what dangers he would place all of those around him in upon revealing his big breakthrough, maybe he'd have thought twice about it. But...
