When the elevator doors opened, a tall handsome man in a stylish gray suit and open-collar blue shirt stood waiting. “Welcome, doctors,” he said with a trace of a French accent and a hospitable smile. “I am Dr. Luc Martineau, the Vice President of Research and Development for SeptoMed.”

They stepped into the plush bright reception area. Daylight flooded in through the floor-to-ceiling windows. Huge modem works of art lined the walls.

“Luc, I’m Lina Lopez with the CDC in Seattle.” She pointed to her two companions. “This is Seth Cohen from Portland. And Graham Kilburn from Vancouver—”

“Ah, très bien, Graham.” Martineau extended his hand and shook Kilburn’s. “I owe you an apology for having been so obstructive earlier. I hope you understood my motives.” His smile widened. “Besides, we are most grateful here at SeptoMed that you chose to disregard my instructions.” He turned to the detective. “Dr. Cohen.”

Cohen met Martineau’s handshake. “Seth is fine,” he said noncommittally.

Martineau pointed to a huge set of mahogany doors at the end of the reception area. “The others are waiting in the boardroom,” he explained as he headed for the doors.

Following him into the room, Lopez was surprised to see that only three other people waited. The trio of execs sat in a row on the far side of the enormous conference table that could have readily seated fifty. As if on cue, they rose in unison to meet their guests. With easy charm, Martineau made the introductions.

Harvey Abram, SeptoMed’s CEO, stood tall and imposing between the other two corporate members. On his left, a shorter fidgety man with a crew cut and round glasses was introduced as the company’s chief in-house counsel, Fred Torrington. On his right, an attractive middle-aged woman in a gray jacket and skirt with a lacy black top smiled warmly. “I’m Andrea Byington,” she said to the guests. “I’m here representing the board.”

“Andrea’s grandfather founded the company that eventually became SeptoMed,” Martineau gushed.

Kilburn indicated for Lopez to sit between Cohen and himself, facing the SeptoMed executives. Meanwhile, Martineau walked around the table and sat in the vacant chair next to Byington.

Abram stroked his beard once between a thumb and forefinger and then showed his visitors a thin-lipped smile. “Thank you for coming, doctors.” Abram turned to Kilburn. “And on behalf of the company, I would like to thank you, Dr. Kilburn. Your ingenuity has led to a crucial role for Oraloxin, one we’re very proud of.” The CEO paused. His smile faded. His voice deepened. “Only the tragic loss of two of our scientists has dampened the excitement felt throughout the building.”

“Of course.” Lopez nodded somberly. “And thank you for taking the time to meet us.”

Abram shrugged as if there was never a question about the audience with him.