The Judas Strain - James Rollins [27]
“Something’s come up here. I’ve transmitted a large batch of technical data to research. I wanted someone over there to start double-checking the results from the toxicologist here, Dr. Barnhardt.”
“I’ll make sure it gets done. But what’s the urgency?” He sensed the tension in her voice.
“The situation here may be more dire than originally projected.”
“I know. I’ve heard about the aftermath of the toxic cloud that blew over the island.”
“No—yes, that was horrible, certainly—but things may be growing even worse. We’ve isolated some strange genetic abnormalities showing up in secondary infections. Disturbing findings. I thought it best to coordinate with Sigma researchers and labs as soon as possible, to get the ball rolling while Dr. Barnhardt completes his preliminary tests.”
“Is Monk helping the toxicologist?”
“He’s still out in the field, collecting samples. We’ll need everything he can bring us.”
“I’ll alert Jennings here in R and D. Get him to roust his team. I’ll have him call and coordinate at our end.”
“Perfect. Thanks.”
Despite the resolution, Painter could not escape his own worry. Since assigning this mission, he was doing his best to balance his responsibilities as director, to maintain that necessary professional distance, but he could not achieve it, not with Lisa. He cleared his throat. “How are you holding up?”
A small amused snort escaped her, tired but familiar. “I’m doing okay. But after this, I may never take another cruise in my life.”
“I tried to warn you. It never pays to volunteer. I wanted to contribute. To make a difference,” he said, mimicking her with a ghost of a smile. “See what it gets you. A passport to the Love Boat from Hell.”
She offered him a halfhearted laugh, but her voice quickly lowered into a more serious tone, halting and unsure. “Painter, maybe it was a mistake…me coming here. I know I’m not an official member of Sigma. I may be in over my head.”
“If I thought it was a mistake, I wouldn’t have assigned you. In fact, I would have grabbed any excuse to keep you from going. But as director, I had a duty to send the best people suited to oversee a medical crisis on behalf of Sigma. With your medical degree, your doctorate in physiology, your field research experience…I sent the right person.”
A long stretch of silence followed. For a moment, Painter thought the call had dropped.
“Thank you,” she finally whispered.
“So don’t let me down. I have a reputation to maintain.”
She snorted again, her amusement ringing more true. “You really have to work on concluding your pep talks.”
“Then how’s this: Stay safe, watch your back, and get back here as soon as possible.”
“Better.”
“Then I’ll simply have to go for the gold.” He spoke firmly. “I miss you. I love you. I want you in my arms.”
He truly did miss her, with a physical ache in his chest.
“See,” she said. “With a little practice, you can actually be a pretty good motivational speaker.”
“I know,” he said. “The same line worked with Monk earlier.”
A true laugh followed. It helped shatter his worry from a moment ago. She would do fine. He had faith in her. And in addition, in Painter’s stead, Monk would keep her safe. That is, if Monk ever wanted to show his face again…
Before Painter could respond further, his aide appeared at his door, knocking softly. Painter waved for him to speak.
“I’m sorry to disturb you, Director. But I’ve another call holding. On your private line. From Rome. Monsignor Verona. He seemed quite urgent.”
Painter’s brow furrowed. He spoke into the phone. “Lisa—”
“I heard. You’re busy. Once I coordinate with Monk, we’ll conference with Jennings on the situation here. Get back to work.”
“Stay safe.”
“I will,” she said. “And I love you, too.”
The line blinked off.
Painter took a breath to collect himself, then twisted around to hit the button on his private line. Why was Monsignor Verona calling? Painter knew Commander Pierce had been romantically involved with the