Acceptable Risk

by Robin Cook

  Edward quickly scanned the letter. When he looked up at Kim he winked at her. “Congratulations,” he said. “This is the best one yet.” Then, turning to the group he called out: “Listen up, you guys. Kim has found the greatest bit of proof that Elizabeth had been poisoned with the fungus. It will be even better than the diary entry for the article for Science.”

  The researchers eagerly gathered around. Edward gave them the letter and encouraged them all to read it.

  “It’s perfect,” Eleanor said, passing it on to David. “It even mentions she’d been eating. It’s certainly a graphic description how fast the alkaloid works. She’d probably just taken a bite of bread.”

  “It’s a good thing you eliminated that hallucinogenic side-chain,” David said. “I wouldn’t want to wake up and find myself out with the cows.”

  Everyone laughed except Kim. She looked at Edward and, after waiting for him to stop laughing, asked him if the suggestion of violence in the letter bothered him.

  Edward took the letter back and read it more carefully. “You know, you have a good point,” he told Kim when he was finished the second time. “I don’t think I should use this letter for the article after all. It might cause some trouble we don’t need. A few years ago there was an unfortunate rumor fanned by TV talk shows that associated Prozac with violence. It was a problem until it was debunked statistically. I don’t want anything like that to happen to Ultra.”

  “If the unaltered alkaloid caused violence, it had to have been the same side chain that caused the hallucinations,” Gloria said. “You could mention that in the article.”

  “Why take the chance?” Edward said. “I don’t want to give some rabid journalist even a tidbit that might raise the specter of violence.”

  “Perhaps the concern for violence should be included in the clinical protocols,” Kim suggested. “Then if the question ever were to arise, you’d already have data.”

  “You know, that’s a damn good idea,” Gloria said.

  For several minutes the group favorably discussed Kim’s suggestion. Encouraged that people were listening to her, she suggested they should include short-term-memory lapses as well. To make her case she cited Edward’s recent episodes.

  Edward laughed good-naturedly along with everyone else. “So what if I brush my teeth twice?” he said, bringing on more laughter.

  “I think including short-term-memory loss in the clinical protocols is an equally good idea as including violence,” Curt said. “David’s been similarly forgetful. I’ve noticed, since we’re immediate neighbors in the castle.”

  “You should talk,” David said with a chuckle. He then told the group that just the night before, Curt had called his girlfriend twice because he’d forgotten he’d called her the first time.

  “I bet that went over well with her,” Gloria said.

  Curt gave David a playful punch in the shoulder. “The only reason you noticed was because you’d done the exact same thing the night before with your wife.”

  As Kim watched Curt and David playfully spar, she noticed Curt’s hands and fingers were marred by cuts and scratches. Her reflex response as a nurse was one of concern. She offered to look at them.

  “Thank you, but they aren’t as bad as they look,” Curt said. “They don’t bother me in the slightest.”

  “Did you fall off your motorcycle?”

  Curt laughed. “I hope not,” he said. “I don’t remember how I did it.”

  “It’s an occupational hazard,” David said, showing his hands, which appeared similar although not as bad. “It just proves we’re all working our fingers to the bone.”

  “It’s the pressure of working nineteen hours a day,” François said. “It’s amazing we have been functioning as well as we have.”

  “It seems to me that short-term-memory loss must be a side effect of Ultra,” Kim said. “It sounds like you all are experiencing it.”

  “I haven’t,” Gloria said.

  “Neither have I,” Eleanor said. “My mind and memory are demonstrably better since I’ve been on Ultra.”

  “Same with me,” Gloria said. “I think François is right. We’re just working too hard.”

  “Wait a second, Gloria,” Eleanor said. “You have been forgetful. What about the morning before last when you left your bathrobe in the bathroom and then two minutes later had a fit when it wasn’t hanging behind your door in the bedroom?”

  “I didn’t throw a fit,” Gloria contradicted good-naturedly. “Besides, that’s different. I’ve been misplacing my robe way before I’ve been on Ultra.”

  “Regardless,” Edward said. “Kim is right. Short-term-memory lapse could be related to Ultra, and as such it should be included in the clinical protocols. But it’s not something we need to lose any sleep over. Even if it proves to occur on occasion, it will surely be an acceptable risk in light of the drug’s enhancement of mental function in general.”

  “I agree,” Gloria said. “It’s the equivalent of Einstein forgetting little everyday matters while he was formulating the Theory of Relativity. The mind makes value judgments of what to keep in the processor, and how many times you brush your teeth isn’t that important.”

  The sound of the outer door closing got everyone’s attention since the lab got few visitors. All eyes turned to the door to the reception area. It opened and in walked Stanton.

  A spontaneous triple cheer arose from the researchers. A confused Stanton stopped in his tracks. “What on earth is going on here?” he questioned. “Nobody working today?”

  Eleanor rushed him a beaker of champagne.

  “A little toast,” Edward said, lifting his drink. “We’d like to drink to your heckling nature that motivated us to start taking Ultra. We’re reaping the benefits on a daily basis.”

  Amid giggles everyone took a drink including Stanton.

  “It really has been a boon,” Edward said. “We’ve been drawing blood on each other and saving urine to test.”

  “All of us except François,” Gloria said, teasing the Frenchman. “He forgets more than half the time.”

  “We did have a slight problem with compliance in that regard,” Edward admitted. “But we solved it by taping the toilet seats down and putting up a sign saying HOLD IT.”

  They all laughed again. Gloria and David had to put their drinks down for fear of spilling them.

  “You certainly are a happy group,” Stanton commented.

  “We have reason to be,” Edward said. He then told Stanton the good news about discovering the structure of the binding protein. He gave partial credit to Ultra for sharpening everyone’s mental acuity.

  “This is marvelous news indeed!” Stanton exclaimed. He made it a point to walk around and shake Gloria’s, Eleanor’s, and François’s hands individually. Then he told Edward he wanted to talk with him.

  Using Stanton’s arrival as an opportunity to excuse herself, Kim left. She felt good about her visit to the lab; she had the feeling she’d accomplished something by suggesting violence and short-term-memory loss should be included in the clinical evaluation of Ultra.

  Kim headed back toward the castle. The first thing she wanted to do was put Thomas Goodman’s letter into the Bible box with the other memorabilia pertaining to Elizabeth. As she neared the mansion she saw a Salem police car emerge from the trees. Evidently the driver saw her, because the cruiser immediately turned onto the road to the castle, heading in her direction.

  Kim stopped and waited. The car pulled to a stop, and the same two officers who’d responded to the call about Buffer got out.

  Billy touched the rim of his visored hat in a kind of salute while he and Kim exchanged greetings.

  “I hope we’re not bothering you,” Billy said.

  “Is something wrong?” Kim questioned.

  “We wanted to ask if you’d had any more trouble since the death of the dog,” Billy said. “There’s been a rash of vandalism in the immediate area, as if Halloween had come a month early.”
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  “Halloween’s big here in Salem,” Harry said. “It’s the time of year we law-enforcement officers have learned to hate.”

  “What kind of vandalism?” Kim questioned.

  “The usual nonsense,” Billy said. “Trash cans turned over, garbage spread around. Also more pets have disappeared and some of the carcasses have turned up across the road in the Greenlawn Cemetery.”

  “We’re still concerned about the possibility of a rabid animal in the neighborhood,” Harry said. “You’d better keep that cat of yours indoors, especially considering the size of your property and all its wooded areas.”

  “We think some local kids have joined the fray, so to speak,” Billy said. “They’re imitating what the animal has been doing. There’s been too much for one animal. I mean, how many trash cans can a raccoon do in a night?” He snickered.

  “I appreciate your coming by to warn me,” Kim said. “We haven’t had any trouble since the dog’s death, but I’ll be sure to continue to keep my cat close to home.”

  “If you have any problems please give us a call,” Harry said. “We’d like to get to the bottom of this before it gets out of hand.”

  Kim watched while the police car made a U-turn and headed out of the compound. She was about to enter the castle when she heard Stanton call. Turning, she saw him coming from the lab.

  “What the devil were the police doing here?” he asked as soon as he was within talking distance.

  Kim told him about the concern of there being a rabid animal in the area.

  “It’s always something,” Stanton said. “Listen, I want to talk to you about Edward. Do you have a minute?”

  “Of course,” Kim said, wondering what this could be about. “Where would you like to talk?”

  “Here’s fine,” Stanton said. “Where to start?” He stared off for a minute then looked Kim in the eye. “I’m a bit bewildered by Edward lately and the others as well. Every time I pop into the lab I feel like the odd man out. A couple of weeks ago it was like a morgue in there. Now it’s eerie the way they are enjoying themselves. It’s become like a vacation retreat only they’re working as hard or harder than they did before. Their repartee is difficult to follow since they are all so damn smart and witty. In fact, it makes me feel dumb to hang around.” Stanton laughed wryly before continuing. “Edward has become so outgoing and pushy that he reminds me of me!”

  Kim put her hand to her mouth but laughed through her fingers at Stanton’s self-deprecating insightfulness.

  “It’s not funny,” Stanton complained, but he was laughing himself. “The next thing that Edward will want to be is a venture capitalist. He’s gotten carried away with the business stuff, and unfortunately we don’t see eye to eye. Now we’re at loggerheads over how to raise more capital. The good doctor has become so greedy he will not sacrifice any equity. He’s metamorphosed overnight from an avowed ascetic academician to an insatiable capitalist.”

  “Why are you telling me this?” Kim questioned. “I have nothing to do with Omni nor do I want to have.”

  “I was just hoping that you could talk to Edward,” Stanton said. “I cannot in good conscience condone borrowing money from dirty sources through foreign banks, and I’m even sorry that I mentioned the possibility. There’s just too much risk, and I’m not talking about financial risk. I’m talking about risk to life and limb. It just ain’t worth it. I mean, the financial aspect of this venture should be left up to me, just like the scientific stuff should be left up to Edward.”

  “Does Edward seem forgetful to you?” Kim asked.

  “Hell, no!” Stanton said. “He’s as sharp as a tack. He’s just innocent when it comes to the ways of the financial world.”

  “He’s been forgetful around me,” Kim said. “Just little everyday things. And most of the other researchers have admitted to being just as absentminded.”

  “I haven’t noticed any absentmindedness with Edward,” Stanton said. “But he did seem a little paranoid. Just a few minutes ago we had to go outside to talk so we wouldn’t be overheard.”

  “Overheard by whom?” Kim asked.

  Stanton shrugged. “The other researchers, I assume. He didn’t say and I didn’t ask.”

  “This morning he came all the way to the house to make a call so that he wouldn’t be overheard,” Kim said. “He was afraid to use the phone in the reception area because he thought someone would listen through the walls.”

  “Now that sounds even more paranoid,” Stanton said. “But in his defense I’ve drilled it into him that secrecy is important at this stage.”

  “Stanton, I’m getting worried,” Kim said.

  “Don’t say that,” Stanton complained. “I came to you to relieve my anxieties not increase them.”

  “I’m concerned that the forgetfulness and paranoia are side effects from the Ultra,” Kim said.

  “I don’t want to hear this,” Stanton said as he cupped his hands over his ears.

  “They shouldn’t be taking the drug at this stage,” Kim said. “And you know it. I think you should stop them.”

  “Me?” Stanton said. “I just told you a minute ago I’m in finances. I don’t meddle with the science side, especially when they have told me that taking the drug will speed up its evaluation process. Besides, this mild paranoia and forgetfulness are probably due to how hard they are working. Edward knows what he is doing. My God, he’s tops in his field.”

  “I’ll make you a deal,” Kim said. “If you try to convince Edward to stop taking the drug, I’ll try to convince him that the finances should be left to you.”

  Stanton made a face as if he had been stabbed in the back. “This is ridiculous,” he said. “I’ve got to negotiate with my own cousin.”

  “It sounds reasonable to me,” Kim said. “We’ll be helping each other.”

  “I can’t promise anything,” Stanton said.

  “Nor can I,” Kim said.

  “When will you talk with him?” Stanton asked.

  “Tonight,” Kim said. “What about you?”

  “I suppose I could just go back and talk with him now,” Stanton said.

  “Do we have a deal?” Kim asked.

  “I suppose so,” Stanton said reluctantly. He stuck out his hand and Kim shook it.

  Kim watched as Stanton started back toward the lab. In contrast to his usual sprightly step his gait was plodding, with his arms hanging straight down like he was lugging heavy weights in both hands. Kim couldn’t help but feel sorry for him since she knew that he was distressed. The problem was he’d put all his money into Omni, violating one of his own cardinal rules of investing.

  After climbing up to the attic, Kim walked over to one of the dormer windows that faced in the direction of the lab. She was just in time to see Stanton disappear into the building. Kim didn’t have high hopes that Stanton would be successful getting Edward to stop taking Ultra, but at least she could feel that she’d tried.

  That night Kim made it a point to stay awake until Edward came in just after one in the morning. She was reading when she heard the front door close, followed by Edward’s footfalls on the old stairs.

  “My goodness,” he said, sticking his head into her bedroom. “That must be one hell of a book to keep you awake until this hour.”

  “I’m not tired,” Kim said. “Come in.”

  “I’m exhausted,” Edward said. He stepped into the room and absently petted Sheba while he yawned. “I can’t wait to get into bed. It hits me just after midnight like clockwork. The amazing thing is how quickly I fall asleep once the tiredness comes. I have to be careful if I sit down. If I lie down, forget it.”

  “I noticed that,” Kim said. “Sunday night you didn’t even turn out your light.”

  “I suppose I should be aggravated with you,” Edward said. He was smiling. “But I’m not. I know you only have my best interests at heart.”

  “Are you going to tell me what you are talking about?” Kim asked.

  “As if you di
dn’t know,” Edward said teasingly. “I’m talking about Stanton’s sudden concern for my well-being. I knew you were behind it the moment he opened his mouth. It’s not like him to be so sympathetic.”

  “Did he tell you about our deal?” Kim said.

  “What kind of deal?” Edward asked.

  “He agreed to try to get you to stop taking Ultra if I would convince you that Omni’s finances should be left up to him.”

  “Et tu Brute,” Edward said jokingly. “This is a fine state of affairs. The two people I think I’m closest to are scheming behind my back.”

  “As you said, we’ve only your best interests at heart,” Kim said.

  “I think I’m capable of deciding what’s best for me,” Edward said amiably.

  “But you’ve changed,” Kim said. “Stanton said you’ve changed so much that you’re becoming like him.”

  Edward laughed heartily. “That’s great!” he said. “I’ve always wanted to be as outgoing as Stanton. Too bad my father passed away. Maybe he’d finally be pleased with me.”

  “This isn’t a joking matter,” Kim said.

  “I’m not joking,” Edward said. “I enjoy being socially assertive instead of shy and bashful.”

  “But it’s dangerous taking an untested drug,” Kim said. “Besides, don’t you question the ethics of acquiring character traits from a drug rather than from experience? I think it’s fake and like cheating.”

  Edward sat on the edge of Kim’s bed. “If I fall asleep call a tow truck to get me into my bed,” he said with a chuckle. He then had another extended yawn that he tried to cover with his fist. “Listen, my dearest,” he said. “Ultra is not untested; it’s just not fully tested. But it’s nontoxic and that’s the important thing. I’m going to continue taking it unless a serious side effect occurs, which I sincerely doubt. As to your second point, it’s clear to me that undesirable character traits, like in my case my shyness, can become entrenched by experience. Prozac, to an extent, and now Ultra, to a greater extent, have unlocked the real me, the person whose personality had been submerged by an unfortunate series of life experiences that made me the socially awkward person I’d become. My personality right now hasn’t been invented by Ultra and isn’t fake. My current personality has been allowed to emerge despite a haze of facilitated neural responses that I’d call a ‘bum network.’”