“Just a small piece of tissue and some fluids,” Gordon said nervously.

“I didn’t want her body violated,” Yuri complained. He wondered what could have provoked this Dr. Stapleton to collect samples after the authorities had decided there was to be no autopsy.

“All I can do is apologize again,” Gordon said. “But you have to understand, it was beyond our control.”

“I’ll come by in the next day or so to choose a container for her ashes and settle the account,” Yuri said.

“That will be most appreciated,” Gordon said.

“Meanwhile, make sure she’s cremated before her body is violated again.”

“We’ll see to it forthwith,” Gordon promised.

Yuri hung up the phone and then stared across the room with unseeing eyes. Could it be that the authorities suspected the botulinum toxin? Yuri could not see how. But Flash Thomas posed a more immediate threat. Yuri tried to imagine what he’d do if his brother-in-law suddenly appeared at the door. It was a terrifying thought. There was no way Yuri could defend himself, if Flash got to him. Yuri knew he had to do something to protect himself, because he couldn’t abandon his lab, at least not until he’d done the final harvest.

Glancing at the clock above the refrigerator gave Yuri an idea. It was nearly five, which meant that Curt would soon be getting off work. Yuri picked up the phone. He got the number for the fire station on Duane Street and immediately put through a call. When the phone was answered by one of the firemen, Yuri asked for Lieutenant Curt Rogers.

“Hold on,” the firefighter said.

Yuri glanced over at the kitchen door, which he’d used when he’d come home that morning. He wanted to see if it was properly locked. It wasn’t. Yuri could see that he’d failed to secure the deadbolt. Standing up and stretching the phone cord to its absolute limit, Yuri pushed the bolt home with a reassuring thunk.

“Lieutenant Rogers,” Curt said in a tone befitting his rank.

“Curt, this is Yuri. I need your help.”

There was an extended pause.

“Curt, are you there?”

“What in God’s name are you calling me for here at the station?” Curt growled in a hushed voice. “I thought I made it clear that this was off-limits.”

“You said not to come,” Yuri said. “But you didn’t say not to call.”

“What do I have to do, spell everything out for you?” Curt hissed. “Use your goddamn brain! You’ve got a Russian accent, and it’s just as apparent on the phone as it is when you’re in person. I don’t want anybody here knowing I’m dealing with a Russian.”

“But I had to call,” Yuri explained. “Like I said, I’ve got a problem.”

“What kind of a problem?” Curt demanded irritably.