“They apparently found residue of an explosive material in your lab. I know that it is hard to figure. Do you have any enemies, personal or professional, that might have a grudge?”

“I went all through that with the FBI agents this morning,” she said, shaking her head. “There’s not a soul I know who could even conceive of doing such an act. And I know the same goes for Bob.”

“It’s possible the explosives were placed in your lab at random, perhaps by some crazy who had a beef with the university.”

“ That is the only rationale I can think of. Though Bob and I always lock the lab when nobody is there.”

“There is another possibility,” Pitt offered. “Do you think a competitor might be threatened by the results of your research?”

Lisa contemplated the question for a moment. “I suppose it is possible. I have published papers related to my general research, and there are far-reaching effects. But the fact is, only you, Loren, and Bob were aware of my catalyst breakthrough. Nobody else even knew. It seems hard to believe someone could react so quickly, if they were indeed aware of the discovery.”

Pitt remained silent as Lisa looked out the window for a moment.

“It seems to me that a working means of artificial photosynthesis would have only a positive benefit. I mean, who could possibly be hurt by a reduction in greenhouse gases?”

“Answer that and we have a potential suspect,” Pitt said. He eyed a wheelchair parked along the opposite side of the bed. “When are they going to cut you loose from here?”

“The doctor said tomorrow afternoon, most likely. Not soon enough for me. I’d like to get back to work and write up my findings.”

“You can resurrect the test results?” Pitt asked.

“Conceptually, it’s all still up here,” she said, tapping a finger to her head. “I’ll have to borrow a bit of lab equipment to redocument things, however. That’s providing the Ontario Miners Co-op can come up with another sample of ruthenium.”

“Your source of the mineral?”

“Yes. It’s very costly. The stuff may end up being my downfall.”

“You should be able to obtain more grant money now, I would think.”

“It’s not just the cost of the ruthenium, it’s the actual availability. Bob says it is almost impossible to find.”

Pitt thought a moment, then smiled at Lisa.

“Don’t worry, things will work out. I better not interrupt your convalescence anymore. If you need someone to push your wheelchair, don’t hesitate to call.”

“ Thanks, Dirk. You and Loren have been too kind. As soon as I’m mobile, you two are invited for dinner.”

“I can’t wait.”