BLOOD DRAGON by Freddie Peters (books to get back into reading .TXT) 📕

“What would I find in there?”

“All the research that I did on the project that Ollie and I worked on. It’s enough to give you the details of how far I went in the mapping of the viruses we were studying. How they invade the human body, and how to trigger the human immune system against them.”

“Enough to convince the military that it can be used for bio-attacks or super soldier creation?”

“Not quite. The work that covered that aspect was researched by Ollie, which is the reason why he wanted to talk to you.”

Jack couldn’t disguise his irritation.

“Apologies … Viro-Tech splits our work and controls our ability to exchange information … at least when it comes to controversial research. It’s not always helpful but they are trying to protect the technology, or at least that was the reason given to us.”

“What would Ollie have seen that was worrying him?”

“The way to engineer genetic manipulation. He was very good at building complex information systems to manipulate all the data that is required to understand the genetics of viruses, and how they interact with the human body. He extended that expertise to understanding and mapping how human genetics could be modified to fight virus-induced diseases.”

Jack looked at his watch. It was already 10.30am and he had made little progress with his attempt to convince Hunter he had something concrete against Viro-Tech.

“Would Ollie have tried to save data in the same way as you did?”

“I’m sure he would have done. We both started talking about the issues we faced a couple of months back, because we knew we could trust each other.”

“But he did not confirm that he had done so to you?”

“We discussed preserving the data. But it was complicated to speak and Ollie was concerned he was being followed. I guess he was right.” Randy slumped against the headrest of the bed. He pulled an old tissue from his back pocket and blew his nose into what was left of it.

“I’m sorry, pal … I didn’t mean to get to you.” Jack grabbed a chair and came to sit next to Randy.

“I know. It’s just been a tough few months for a guy like me. I’m a biotech researcher … not a marine.”

“And you’ve done really well. But is there anything else that could help me bring down this bastard Turner?”

“Perhaps … perhaps … Ollie got the feeling Turner wanted to export the lab research to China. I don’t know where that lab would be located but Ollie was certain that that was the only way Viro-Tech could get away with their development plans.”

Jack nodded. “How big would that lab have to be?”

“Could be part of a bigger complex, but it would require the right specialist equipment … still I don’t know where that place could be.”

It didn’t matter now. Jack knew where to look … Jared Turner had been making regular trips to one distinct location in China for the past few months.

Chapter Thirty-Six

His Ducati was parked at the side of the building. Pole moved closer to the bike rack and parked in such a way that he could drive off quickly.

Cora had done an excellent job at relaying the news. Ollie had woken up from his coma. It was unexpected, but the doctors were very positive about his progress. Even Branning was convinced. The discovery of the USB key had perhaps helped Cora to feel the joy she might otherwise have found difficult to summon.

The registrar at UCH had also been most helpful. He called Cora at the time agreed beforehand. She played the game of surprise, and then of delighted.

Pole rested the bike on its stand and leaned against it. He kept his helmet on. The intercom headset within it was connected to Andy’s radio. Everyone was in position: Andy in the hospital lobby, Mandy on the ward where Ollie was.

Cora had planned a visit as soon as the ward was open, it was almost time. She had told as many friends as she could manage. She was hoping to visit him and speak to him in the morning.

None of her friends had been told the truth: neither Charlie, Johnny, Beth nor Nat. All of them had taken to their Facebook page and other social media accounts to share the good news.

Pole checked his watch again. Branning had just called in. They were on their way. Cora would be walking through the hospital doors within 20 minutes. Pole moved to the corner of the street. If something was to happen, it would be now. A couple of women matching the description of the woman they were tracking had entered the entrance to the tube at Balham an hour ago. His headset crackled a little as Andy’s voice came through.

“The nurses are changing shift.”

“Who is inside Ollie’s room at the moment?”

“No one … PC William has stepped away as agreed.” Mandy’s voice was low. “I’m two doors away and I have a good view of the corridor that leads to his room.”

“I have some movement …” Andy’s voice interrupted. “I see a tall woman that matches the description entering the building … she’s wearing a biker jacket and a rucksack. She’s just taking off her helmet.

Andy closed his laptop, stood up and made his way to the bank of lifts. The doors closed before he could reach them without arousing suspicion. The woman had already stepped in, and disappeared behind the closing doors.

“She’s going down to the basement.”

“Mandy – did you get that?” Pole’s voice sounded a little fuzzy.

“I have … is there anywhere she can change down there?”

“Probably the toilets … From what I could see she is blonde with a short bob … but she may change her hairstyle.”

More people came out of another lift. Andy hesitated. “I’m staying put on the ground floor.”

They all remained quiet for a long