checked the code numbers.
He said, looking at the list, “This vaccine is not on the list. The container number is correct, but the number on each storage vial is different. These particular numbers don’t appear to be anywhere on this list.”
Suzy, apparently perplexed, responded, “Let’s look at all the containers and see if we can get some sort of ID from them. Perhaps someone mistakenly marked these or moved a storage container.”
Neither Suzy nor Eric believed that was possible. They were searching carefully through the large storage container, wearing sterile gloves, trying to find a label that would identify the mysterious vaccine. This room was used infrequently, only as vaccines were needed. Most were for rare contagious diseases, such as polio, smallpox, and others.
Adams looked frantically for some confirmation of the contents of this container. This one had no known origin or label, but someone in the lab must have knowledge of this. How could this mix up be accounted for? Eric had no idea and was perplexed that he had missed this.
Trying to remain calm, Adams said, “Indeed, this is quite remarkable.”
He was looking deep inside the container, and then, on a boldly printed sticker, were the letters and numbers: H5N1. It was a large container, and in it were possibly innumerable doses of vaccine.
As the realization of what he may have found hit him, he turned to Dr. Chen and said, “What do you make of this?” He was clearly incredulous at the discovery.
Suzy reacted, “I have no idea,” and she seemed shocked as well.
George said, “Let’s check for fingerprints,” though George knew that was highly unlikely.
The forensics scientists would have to check out exactly what was in the vials. They would get the CDC to help as well. George didn’t want the Edgewood staff to be involved any further. Her bullshit meter was off scale.
George had been watching Chen and Adams very carefully, and her instincts were on high alert, big time. She wanted Dr. Ambrose here, or someone from the CDC, to oversee the work of his staff. The FBI needed to begin the interrogation process of the Edgewood department heads, specifically Chen and Adams, and others who might provide evidence as this situation was becoming more complex. She had ordered background checks on all those who worked at Edgewood and hoped something would stick out and give them a lead.
George stepped out of the room and called Ambrose on his cell phone.
“Yes, Agent Reed?” She explained the situation, and he said, “I’ll arrange to send extra staff there immediately.”
“The most experienced chemists from the CDC and FBI are needed to analyze the vials to determine if it is indeed the H5N1 vaccine,” thought George. “How the hell did it get there, if it was actual H5N1 vaccine? Was it somehow connected to the perpetrator or perpetrators of the terror attack? How brilliant but also an anomaly. What kind of desperate insanity would result in such action? There were many twists in this bizarre event, but George was determined to figure them out. If this was vaccine, it must be determined quickly. How many lives might be saved?” Her thoughts were scattered.
George’s cell phone rang. It was Jim Berger, one of the forensic techs who had been examining the stored vials of H5N1. He had stepped out of the viral storage room and removed his biohazard gear to place the call.
“Yes, Berger. What have you got?”
He responded, “We checked out the H5N1 vials, and after examination, we discovered one of the vials is empty.”
George said, “Are you sure?”
He said, “Yep, and the Edgewood lab guy confirmed it. He was pretty upset to say the least. Guess he came to the same conclusion I did.”
George said, “That the perp could be someone he works with and trusts, right?”
“Yep,” he said.
“Great job, Berger. Can you bag the evidence safely?”
“Done,” he responded.
“I want the room sealed and guarded. Got it?”
Yes, ma’am,” he said, pleased with the discovery.
.
60
Suzy didn’t get to her condo until after dark. It had been an exhausting day. The FBI interrogation was thorough. Suzy had been released, but they were still talking to Adams. Suzy had not requested an attorney, but Eric had called his immediately. He wasn’t sure what was going on, but as head of the department, he knew that if anyone was going to be held responsible, he would be the target, no matter what evidence, if any, was found.
From the news reports she heard when driving home, Suzy knew that the virus